Retail Director

About the CompanyWe are one of the leading luxury retail groups in the UAE, with a distinguished portfolio of premium brands spanning fragrances, F&B and lifestyle. With a strong presence across the GCC, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences, operational excellence, and sustained business growth through innovation, craftsmanship, and world-class retail standards.About the RoleWe are seeking an accomplished and commercially astute Retail Director to lead our retail operations across the GCC. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this role will be responsible for driving commercial performance, operational excellence, and customer experience across multiple markets while leading a team of Area Supervisors.The ideal candidate is a hands-on retail leader with extensive luxury retail experience, a strong commercial mindset, and a proven ability to lead regional, multi-store operations. This role requires frequent travel across the GCC to ensure consistent execution of the company's retail strategy and brand standards.Key ResponsibilitiesLead the overall retail operations across all GCC markets, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives and growth plans.Directly manage, mentor, and develop Area Supervisors, fostering a high-performance culture across the retail network.Drive sales growth, profitability, and operational efficiency across all stores.Monitor and analyze store performance through key retail KPIs, including sales, conversion, ATV, UPT, productivity, inventory, shrinkage, and customer satisfaction.Conduct regular business reviews with Area Supervisors and Store Managers to identify opportunities, address challenges, and implement performance improvement plans.Ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional customer service and uphold luxury retail standards across all locations.Conduct regular store visits across the GCC to assess operational performance, compliance, visual merchandising, and team effectiveness.Collaborate closely with Merchandising, Marketing, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, and other support functions to execute commercial initiatives successfully.Develop annual sales plans, budgets, forecasts, and operational strategies to achieve business objectives.Identify market trends, competitor activity, and customer insights to support strategic decision-making.Lead talent acquisition, succession planning, coaching, and leadership development for retail management teams.Ensure compliance with company policies, operational procedures, health and safety standards, and brand guidelines.Prepare and present detailed retail performance reports, business insights, and strategic recommendations to the Managing Director.Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, operational excellence, and customer-centricity across the region.Qualifications & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Marketing, or a related field. An MBA is an advantage.10–15 years of progressive, hands-on experience in luxury retail operations.Proven experience leading regional, multi-store retail operations across the GCC.Strong experience managing Area Supervisors, Area Managers, and large retail teams.Demonstrated success in driving sales performance, profitability, and operational excellence.Experience within luxury fashion, fragrances, beauty, jewelry, watches, or premium lifestyle brands is highly preferred.Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and retail performance metrics.Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and stakeholder management skills.Proficiency in Microsoft Office and retail ERP/reporting systems (Microsoft Dynamics 365, SAP, Oracle, or similar is an advantage).Willingness to travel extensively across the GCC.Core CompetenciesStrategic LeadershipLuxury Retail OperationsCommercial & Financial AcumenRegional Multi-Store ManagementSales & Profitability GrowthPerformance & KPI ManagementCustomer Experience ExcellenceTeam Leadership & CoachingBusiness Planning & ForecastingStakeholder ManagementChange ManagementOperational ExcellenceDecision Making & Problem Solving