Flagship Store Director (Dubai Mall)

HR Source has been appointed to recruit a Flagship Store Director for an established international luxury Maison at Dubai Mall.This is a significant leadership appointment, with responsibility for one of the brand's most important retail operations in the region. The position requires an experienced luxury retail executive who has successfully managed a substantial business, led large teams and operated within a demanding international retail environment.The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the flagship's commercial performance, management structure, client development and operational standards.We are looking for an individual with a strong understanding of luxury retail, excellent commercial judgement and the experience to lead a complex, multi-category business.THE ROLEThe Flagship Store Director will have full accountability for the performance and continued development of the boutique.The role combines commercial leadership, financial management, product strategy, client development and the management of a sizeable retail organisation.A key priority will be developing and executing a clear commercial plan, ensuring that sales performance, profitability and operational efficiency remain aligned with the brand's objectives.The successful candidate will be expected to understand the business at departmental and category level, identify opportunities for growth and work closely with the management team to improve performance.Financial accountability will include sales targets, budgets, profitability, operating expenditure and resource planning.Product knowledge and commercial awareness will be particularly important. The Store Director will contribute to discussions concerning buying, merchandise assortment, inventory levels and category performance, working closely with regional and international teams.The position requires someone who understands the relationship between product selection, client demand and commercial results.People leadership will be central to the role.The Store Director will oversee an established management structure, providing direction to senior managers and ensuring that teams are developed, supported and held accountable for performance.We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience managing through several levels of leadership, rather than directly supervising every aspect of the operation.The successful candidate will be responsible for building a strong management culture, identifying future leaders, supporting succession planning and maintaining high levels of employee engagement.Client development will be another major area of responsibility.The flagship serves an important local and international clientele, including VIC and ultra-high-net-worth customers.The Store Director will be expected to maintain strong relationships with key clients, support private appointments and exclusive client initiatives, and ensure that client development remains a priority throughout the business.The role also includes oversight of the boutique's operational performance, including inventory management, staffing, security, stock accuracy, compliance and overall store presentation.Regular interaction with regional leadership and international headquarters will form part of the position. The Store Director will present business performance, contribute to commercial discussions and support wider retail initiatives.International travel may be required.CANDIDATE PROFILEWe are seeking an established Flagship Store Director, Store Director or senior retail executive with substantial experience in international luxury retail.Candidates should have a strong background in luxury fashion, leather goods, accessories or a comparable international luxury Maison.Experience managing a large flagship or complex multi-category retail operation is essential.The scale of previous responsibilities will be an important consideration.We are particularly interested in candidates who have managed:Annual retail turnover of approximately USD 90 million or more.Teams of at least 50 employees, ideally considerably larger.Established management structures with multiple reporting levels.Significant commercial budgets and financial performance targets.High-profile luxury clientele, including VIC and UHNW customers.Candidates must demonstrate a strong commercial track record, with clear examples of delivering sales growth, improving profitability and developing successful retail teams.Experience contributing to buying decisions, assortment planning, product selection or merchandise strategy would be particularly valuable.We are looking for individuals with a genuine understanding of luxury products and the ability to assess commercial opportunities across different categories.Strong financial management skills are essential, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, cost control and business performance analysis.Candidates should also have a proven ability to lead experienced managers, develop talent and maintain a positive, accountable working environment.Previous exposure to senior regional and international management is important, together with the confidence to communicate business performance and contribute to strategic discussions.Experience within the UAE luxury retail market would be advantageous, although applications from established international luxury destinations are equally welcome.LEADERSHIP APPROACHThe successful candidate will be an experienced and credible retail leader who combines commercial ability with strong people management skills.We are looking for someone who can establish clear expectations, make informed decisions and maintain control of a complex business without becoming unnecessarily involved in every operational detail.The ability to develop and trust an experienced management team will be essential.Candidates should demonstrate sound judgement, strong communication skills and the confidence to address performance issues when required.A detailed understanding of luxury client expectations, strong product awareness and the ability to represent the Maison professionally with senior stakeholders are important.The position requires discretion, adaptability and the maturity to manage a demanding international retail environment.