Job Overview
Apparel Group is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Manager – Business Development to lead international brand acquisition, franchise development, and retail expansion opportunities across Saudi Arabia and other strategic markets.
The role focuses on identifying high-potential global retail brands, evaluating franchise and partnership opportunities, negotiating commercial agreements, and supporting the expansion of the Group’s retail portfolio. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to identify new business opportunities, assess financial feasibility, and ensure the successful launch and integration of new brands.
This opportunity is suitable for experienced business development and retail expansion professionals with a strong track record in brand acquisition, franchise partnerships, commercial negotiations, and strategic market development.
Key Responsibilities of a Senior Manager – Business Development
1. Business Development and Retail Expansion
- Develop and implement business development strategies to expand the Group’s retail portfolio across targeted markets and retail segments.
- Identify potential international brands for franchise partnerships, licensing agreements, and strategic commercial collaborations.
- Explore expansion opportunities across fashion, beauty, food and beverage (F&B), sports, home, and other relevant retail categories.
- Evaluate new business opportunities based on market potential, consumer demand, competitive positioning, and strategic objectives.
- Recommend new ventures and retail expansion initiatives that support sustainable business growth.
2. International Brand Acquisition and Franchise Development
- Lead the end-to-end brand acquisition process, from identifying prospective partners to evaluating opportunities and closing commercial agreements.
- Build relationships with international brand owners, global brand principals, investors, and franchise partners.
- Prepare business cases, financial feasibility assessments, and commercial proposals for potential brand acquisitions.
- Assess brand positioning, franchise models, market readiness, and long-term growth potential.
- Develop acquisition proposals aligned with the Group’s commercial strategy and portfolio objectives.
- Monitor new international brand launches and identify emerging brands with strong regional expansion potential.
3. Market Research and Competitive Analysis
- Conduct market research to identify consumer trends, retail industry developments, and potential market gaps.
- Analyze competitor activities, brand performance, customer preferences, and emerging retail concepts.
- Evaluate market entry opportunities and recommend strategies for expanding into new retail categories.
- Monitor global retail trends and changing consumer behaviour to support informed business decisions.
- Present research findings and strategic recommendations to senior management.
4. Commercial Negotiations and Partnership Management
- Develop negotiation strategies and lead discussions with prospective brand partners and franchise owners.
- Negotiate commercial terms, franchise agreements, partnership structures, and other contractual arrangements.
- Coordinate with legal and finance teams to review agreements, assess risks, and finalize contractual terms.
- Build long-term relationships with strategic partners to support ongoing business development and portfolio growth.
- Ensure commercial proposals align with company objectives, financial expectations, and operational requirements.
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration and Brand Launch
- Collaborate with Legal, Finance, Strategy, and Retail Operations teams throughout the acquisition and expansion process.
- Coordinate brand onboarding activities, launch timelines, budgets, and operational readiness.
- Support market-entry planning and post-acquisition integration to facilitate successful business operations.
- Communicate project milestones, progress updates, and potential challenges to relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure newly acquired or franchised brands are aligned with the Group’s business strategy and commercial standards.
6. Executive Reporting and Strategic Planning
- Provide strategic insights and business development recommendations to the Chairman and executive leadership team.
- Prepare reports, presentations, business cases, and financial forecasts for potential acquisitions and franchise opportunities.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and performance monitoring for new business ventures.
- Track business development activities against agreed targets, key performance indicators (KPIs), and project timelines.
- Represent Apparel Group at international retail conferences, trade shows, and industry events to identify new partnership opportunities.
Qualifications and Experience
Candidates applying for Senior Manager – Business Development jobs in Saudi Arabia should demonstrate the following:
- Experience: 10–12 years of progressive experience in business development, retail expansion, franchise development, brand acquisition, or strategic partnerships.
- Brand Acquisition: Proven experience identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and securing commercial partnerships with established or emerging brands.
- Retail Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of international retail brands, franchise business models, and market expansion strategies.
- Commercial Expertise: Experience preparing business cases, conducting financial feasibility studies, and evaluating investment opportunities.
- Negotiation Skills: Demonstrated ability to negotiate commercial agreements and develop long-term strategic partnerships.
- Market Research: Strong analytical skills in market assessment, competitive analysis, and identifying new business opportunities.
- Leadership and Collaboration: Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and manage complex business development projects.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong commercial awareness and the ability to align acquisition opportunities with business objectives.
- Communication Skills: Excellent presentation, negotiation, stakeholder management, and reporting abilities.
- Performance Orientation: A track record of delivering business development objectives and achieving relevant commercial KPIs.
Senior Manager – Business Development Jobs in Saudi Arabia
This opportunity is relevant to professionals seeking senior business development jobs in Saudi Arabia, particularly those with experience in retail expansion, international brand acquisition, franchise management, and strategic partnerships.