Summary
Al-Futtaim is hiring a Brand Manager for its retail business in Dubai. The role manages brand business plans, budgets, buying, stock performance, pricing and margins, while coordinating with international brand principals. Responsibilities also include leading a diverse team and working with marketing, operations and visual merchandising teams on promotions and store activities. Applicants should have a degree, 5–7 years of experience in multi-brand retail, and experience managing principal relationships.
The posting
As published on alfuttaim.com. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
Job Requisition ID: 182419
About Al-Futtaim
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim is one of the most diversified and progressive privately held regional businesses, headquartered in Dubai. Operating across more than 20 countries, the Group spans automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and health. With more than 40,000 employees, Al-Futtaim represents over 200 of the world’s most recognised brands, including Toyota, Lexus, IKEA, ACE and Marks & Spencer. Driven by its purpose to enrich lives and elevate communities, Al-Futtaim focuses on digital innovation, AI, sustainable growth and strategic partnerships, creating long-term value for customers, communities and partners while building a responsible legacy for future generations.
Overview Of The Role:
- The Brand Manager is responsible for the comprehensive business management of the assigned brand, focusing on developing, implementing, and managing brand business plans to maximize sales and profits. Success is achieved through strategic collaboration with the Brand principal and effective brand communication and penetration within the region. The role involves critical strategic decision-making to optimize growth opportunities and risk management, and maintaining compliance with local laws, regulations, and cultural expectations.
- The Brand Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the brand's performance, significantly influenced by the effectiveness of their team. They require a thorough understanding of both global and local market trends, continuously adapting strategy based on market knowledge.
What You Will Do:
Budgeting
- Plan total seasonal purchase and guide merchandisers by setting forward estimates for various buying groups.
- Attend buying fairs with merchandisers to ensure the right products are selected.
- Contribute to yearly budget preparation by giving inputs based on history, trends, competition, and seasonal events.
Buying Management
- Monitor merchandise stock levels and analyze various reports to gauge merchandise performance.
- Identify best and low sellers and implement corrective measures such as promotions and price cuts.
- Request adjustments in budgets to ensure optimum stock levels and minimum waste.
Pricing and Margins Management
- Evaluate pricing of merchandise prior to each season through price simulation exercises.
- Conduct competition analysis and recommend price changes to ensure market alignment.
- Ensure pricing delivers the margin target set for the brand.
Principal Relationship
- Maintain and negotiate prices, delivery plans, and lead times with brand principals.
- Provide feedback on product suitability for local markets and suggest changes and new product developments.
- Ensure effective brand communication and penetration within the region.
Team Management
- Manage a culturally diverse team and ensure adequate staffing with competent individuals.
- Train, develop, and motivate the team for continuity, versatility, and effectiveness.
- Coordinate training and development to ensure team effectiveness.
Coordination Activities
- Coordinate with marketing and operations for execution of marketing and promotional activities.
- Work with the VM team for visual merchandising activities and display changes.
- Support problem-solving activities in other countries.
- Understand customer preferences and buying behavior through coordination with operations.
- Communicate inputs related to new store openings with project managers.
- Coordinate with principals/suppliers/external entities for operational efficiency.
Required Skills To Be Successful:
- Advanced computer skills with strong proficiency in retailing practices.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
- Leadership skills with confidence and ability to work as part of a team.
What Qualifies You For The Role:
- Degree holder with preference for business courses in Merchandise Planning, Brand Management, Sales, Marketing, and Promotions.
- A total of 5-7 years of experience in a multi-unit, multi-brand retailing company, preferably apparels, in category management/brand management.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in leading a group of brands or a large brand.
- Must have experience in managing relationships with large international principals and exposure in retail practices, promotions, and visual merchandising activities.
About Al-Futtaim Retail
At Al-Futtaim Retail, we are part of a 90-year legacy built on ambition, progress and long-term vision. As one of the region’s leading retail operators, we partner with some of the world’s most trusted brands – including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer and the Inditex Group – bringing global excellence to customers across MENA and Southeast Asia.
We don’t just operate stores; we shape retail experiences. From launching brands like Watsons and Kiabi to our regions for the first time, to investing in digital innovation, AI capabilities, the customer experience and loyalty platforms, we are constantly redefining the future of retail.
With over 100 nationalities spread across more than 10 countries, our strength lies in our diverse and collaborative community. Here, you’re equipped to turn your ambition into action, building the career you want, while helping us move retail forwards.
Join us and be part of The Heart of Tomorrow.