We have been appointed to recruit a Flagship Store Director for an established international luxury Maison at Dubai Mall.
This is a senior retail leadership appointment overseeing one of the brand's most significant commercial operations in the region. The scale of the business, the number of employees and the profile of its clientele require an individual with considerable experience managing large luxury retail environments.
We are looking for someone who has already operated at a substantial level within international luxury retail and understands the demands of leading a major flagship.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall direction, commercial performance and continued development of the business. This includes leading an experienced management team, developing the retail organisation, strengthening client relationships and ensuring the boutique operates consistently at the standards expected of a leading international luxury house.
The position requires someone who can balance strong commercial instincts with an excellent understanding of people, product and the luxury client experience.
WHAT THE POSITION INVOLVES
The Flagship Store Director will take full ownership of a complex, high-volume retail business, with responsibility for delivering its financial objectives and ensuring the continued development of its commercial potential.
You will be expected to understand the business in considerable detail, from the performance of individual product categories and departments through to the effectiveness of the management structure and the strength of the client portfolio.
An important part of the role will be translating this understanding into clear business priorities, identifying opportunities for growth and ensuring the senior management team is working towards the same objectives.
You will have responsibility for the store's financial performance, including sales, profitability, budgets, operating costs and the effective allocation of resources.
The position also requires strong judgement around product and commercial opportunities. You will contribute to discussions around buying, assortment, inventory and category performance, working closely with the relevant regional and international teams to ensure the boutique is well positioned commercially.
Leading the management organisation will be central to the appointment. You will oversee experienced managers across different areas of the business, setting clear expectations, developing their capabilities and ensuring they have the authority and support to lead their respective teams effectively.
We are looking for someone who knows how to build a strong management structure and develop future leaders, rather than becoming involved in every decision personally.
The quality of the client experience will remain a major priority. You will work closely with the relevant teams to strengthen existing client relationships, develop new business opportunities and ensure the flagship continues to attract and retain an important local and international clientele.
This will include maintaining visibility with significant clients, supporting private appointments and commercial events, and ensuring the wider team understands the importance of developing long-term relationships.
You will also maintain oversight of the operational side of the business, including inventory management, security, stock accuracy, staffing, boutique presentation and compliance with company standards.
The role involves regular interaction with senior regional management and international headquarters, providing business updates, discussing commercial opportunities and contributing to wider retail initiatives.
You will be expected to represent the flagship confidently with senior executives and international stakeholders, with periodic overseas travel forming part of the position.
THE EXPERIENCE WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are particularly interested in speaking with established Flagship Store Directors, Store Directors and senior retail leaders currently working with leading international luxury brands.
Candidates must have experience managing a substantial retail business, ideally within a major flagship or multi-category luxury environment.
A strong background in luxury fashion, leather goods, accessories or an established international luxury Maison would be particularly relevant.
The scale of your previous responsibilities will be important. We are looking for individuals who have managed businesses generating approximately USD 50 million or more annually, with teams of at least 50 employees and an established senior management structure.
You should be able to demonstrate a strong commercial track record, with clear examples of improving business performance, developing management teams and successfully managing significant retail operations.
Previous involvement in buying, product selection or assortment planning would be a strong advantage. We are particularly interested in candidates who have genuine product knowledge and understand how merchandise decisions influence the performance of a major luxury business.
Experience working with VIC and UHNW clients is important, as is the ability to develop a client-focused culture throughout a sizeable retail organisation.
The successful candidate must be comfortable managing budgets, reviewing financial performance and making informed commercial decisions.
You should also have experience working with senior regional and international management, with the confidence to present business performance and contribute to strategic discussions.
Experience within the UAE luxury market would be valuable, although we are open to outstanding international candidates from other major luxury destinations.
THE PERSON
We are looking for a mature, commercially accomplished leader who can command the respect of an experienced luxury retail team.
You should be confident in your decisions, comfortable holding senior managers accountable and capable of managing a large organisation without creating unnecessary complexity.
Strong communication skills, discretion and sound judgement are essential.
We value leaders who remain close to the business, understand their people and clients, and have the ability to recognise opportunities and challenges early.
You should have a genuine interest in luxury products and the wider industry, together with the ability to adapt to different personalities, cultures and commercial situations.
This is a position requiring a high level of personal credibility, professionalism and the ability to represent an international luxury Maison at senior level.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This appointment offers responsibility for a major flagship within one of the world's most important luxury retail destinations.
We are looking for an established luxury retail leader who has already demonstrated success at this level and is ready to take responsibility for a business of significant scale, commercial importance and international visibility.
