Retail Director – Global Premium Home & Lifestyle (GCC)

About the role

Lead the launch and ongoing operation of an established international premium lifestyle brand across the UAE. You will own the retail strategy, commercial performance and day‑to‑day store operations while shaping the future regional expansion plan.

Key responsibilities

• Drive the launch of the brand’s first UAE store and manage subsequent openings from pre‑opening planning through to successful launch.
• Build and lead the retail organisation, recruiting Store Managers and customer‑facing teams.
• Set and monitor sales, conversion, productivity, service standards and overall customer experience.
• Develop and enforce operating procedures, performance standards and consistent ways of working across all locations.
• Partner with senior leadership on site strategy, future openings and wider Middle East expansion.
• Create a high‑touch, design‑led retail experience that aligns with the brand’s international positioning.
• Develop strong store leadership teams capable of supporting future scale.

Required profile

• Senior retail leader with proven experience managing luxury, premium or design‑led lifestyle brands.
• Track record of multi‑site operations, new store openings, commercial performance and team leadership, preferably within the UAE or GCC.
• Background in premium home, interiors, lifestyle or adjacent luxury retail environments where consultative selling and high service standards are essential.
• Hands‑on operator comfortable building the fundamentals of a new retail business and contributing to long‑term growth strategy.