Customer Service Jobs in Dubai, UAE | Al-Futtaim Group Careers.

Job Overview

Al-Futtaim Retail is seeking an experienced Brand Manager to lead brand strategy, merchandising, sales performance, and business development activities in the UAE and regional markets. This opportunity is suitable for retail professionals with a strong background in brand management, category management, merchandise planning, and commercial operations.

The Brand Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing brand business plans, increasing sales and profitability, managing merchandise budgets, and strengthening relationships with international brand principals and suppliers. The role also involves monitoring market trends, analysing customer preferences, managing pricing strategies, and coordinating with marketing, operations, and visual merchandising teams to improve brand performance.

Candidates with 5–7 years of experience in multi-brand retail, particularly in the apparel and fashion industry, and proven leadership experience are encouraged to review the requirements for this position.

Key Responsibilities

1. Brand Strategy and Business Planning

• Develop and implement brand business plans to achieve sales, profitability, and growth objectives.
• Identify opportunities to increase brand awareness, market penetration, and customer engagement.
• Analyse local and international retail trends, competitor activities, and customer buying behaviour.
• Adapt brand strategies to changing market conditions, seasonal demands, and regional customer preferences.
• Collaborate with international brand principals to align local business plans with global brand strategies.
• Identify business risks and opportunities and recommend actions to improve commercial performance.
• Ensure brand activities comply with local laws, regulations, and relevant cultural expectations.

2. Budgeting and Merchandise Planning

• Develop seasonal purchasing plans and provide buying forecasts for different merchandise categories.
• Work closely with merchandisers to select products that match customer preferences and market demand.
• Participate in buying fairs and product selection activities to support effective merchandise planning.
• Contribute to annual budgets using historical sales data, market trends, competitor analysis, and seasonal opportunities.
• Monitor merchandise budgets and recommend adjustments to maintain appropriate stock levels.
• Ensure purchasing decisions support sales targets, profitability, and inventory efficiency.

3. Buying and Inventory Management

• Monitor stock levels and analyse merchandise performance using sales, inventory, and product reports.
• Identify best-selling and underperforming products and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Recommend promotions, markdowns, and pricing adjustments to improve stock turnover.
• Review inventory availability to reduce excess stock, minimise waste, and prevent product shortages.
• Work with buying and merchandising teams to improve product assortment and purchasing decisions.
• Evaluate seasonal performance and use the findings to improve future buying plans.

4. Pricing and Profit Margin Management

• Review product pricing before each season and conduct pricing simulations to evaluate profitability.
• Analyse competitor pricing and market positioning to maintain a competitive retail offering.
• Recommend price adjustments based on market conditions, customer demand, and sales performance.
• Monitor gross margins and ensure pricing strategies support the brand’s financial targets.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability through effective buying, pricing, and promotional planning.
• Coordinate with relevant teams to ensure consistent implementation of approved pricing strategies.

5. International Brand Principal and Supplier Management

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with international brand principals and suppliers.
• Negotiate product pricing, delivery schedules, lead times, and other commercial terms.
• Provide feedback on product suitability for regional markets and recommend potential product improvements.
• Share market insights and customer preferences to support new product development and assortment planning.
• Coordinate with suppliers and external partners to improve product availability and operational efficiency.
• Ensure effective communication between international brand partners and local retail teams.

6. Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and manage a diverse retail team to achieve brand sales and profitability targets.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and assign responsibilities according to business requirements.
• Coach, train, and motivate team members to improve productivity and professional performance.
• Identify training needs and implement development plans to strengthen team capabilities.
• Encourage teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement across brand management activities.
• Support succession planning and develop team members for future leadership responsibilities.

7. Marketing, Visual Merchandising and Retail Operations

• Coordinate with marketing teams to plan and execute promotional campaigns and brand communication activities.
• Work with visual merchandising teams to implement product displays, store layouts, and seasonal presentation changes.
• Collaborate with operations teams to understand customer feedback, purchasing patterns, and store performance.
• Support new store openings by providing brand-related information and coordinating with project managers.
• Work with regional teams to resolve operational challenges and share best practices across markets.
• Ensure consistent brand presentation and effective execution of retail initiatives.

Required Skills and Competencies

Candidates applying for Brand Manager jobs in Dubai should demonstrate the following skills:

• Strong brand management, category management, and retail business planning expertise.
• Advanced understanding of merchandise planning, buying, inventory control, and retail operations.
• Excellent analytical skills, including sales forecasting, budget management, and profitability analysis.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify market opportunities.
• Excellent negotiation and relationship management skills, particularly when working with international brand principals.
• Knowledge of retail pricing strategies, promotional planning, and gross margin management.
• Understanding of visual merchandising, customer behaviour, and brand communication.
• Strong leadership, team management, and decision-making capabilities.
• Advanced computer skills and proficiency in retail reporting systems and business tools.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and organisational skills.

Educational Qualifications and Experience

To qualify for this Brand Manager position, candidates should have:

• A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Merchandise Planning, Brand Management, Sales, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Approximately 5–7 years of experience in a multi-unit or multi-brand retail organisation.
• Previous experience in apparel, fashion, or a similar retail category is preferred.
• At least 1–2 years of experience managing a major brand or a group of brands.
• Proven experience working with international brand principals and suppliers.
• Practical knowledge of retail buying, merchandising, promotional activities, and visual merchandising.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, improve sales performance, and achieve commercial objectives.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail is part of the Al-Futtaim Group, a diversified business organisation with a long-standing presence in the region. The retail division partners with internationally recognised brands, including IKEA, ACE, Marks & Spencer, and brands within the Inditex Group.

With operations across the Middle East, North Africa, and Southeast Asia, Al-Futtaim Retail focuses on creating engaging customer experiences through retail innovation, digital transformation, and customer loyalty initiatives.

The company continues to invest in new retail concepts, technology, and customer experience improvements while supporting a diverse workforce across multiple countries. Its collaborative working environment provides opportunities for employees to develop their skills and contribute to the growth of established international brands.

Job Details

• Job Title: Brand Manager
• Company: Al-Futtaim Retail
• Job Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Experience Required: 5–7 years in retail, with brand leadership experience
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Merchandising, or a related field
• Industry: Retail, Fashion, Apparel, Brand Management
• Key Skills: Brand Strategy, Merchandise Planning, Buying, Pricing, Budgeting, Supplier Negotiation, Visual Merchandising, Team Leadership