Regional Retail Director Middle East

Our client, a globally renowned luxury fashion house, is seeking an accomplished
Regional Retail Director
to lead its retail operations across the Middle East a key and fast-growing strategic region for the Maison. This is a pivotal leadership position for an experienced executive who combines operational excellence, commercial acumen, and a deep understanding of luxury client experience.

Reporting directly to the
General Manager, EMEA Retail
, and working in close alignment with global leadership at European Headquarters, you will be accountable for driving regional growth, profitability, and operational performance across multiple markets and boutiques.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to shape the commercial and cultural direction of one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands in the Middle East. You will oversee a large, diverse retail network and partner closely with global stakeholders to ensure brand consistency, elevated client engagement, and sustained commercial success.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

• Lead the regional retail strategy, aligning global brand vision with local market opportunities.
• Assume full P&L responsibility, setting ambitious financial objectives and executing performance plans to exceed targets.
• Partner with the EMEA leadership team to define annual business priorities, budget, and long-term development roadmap for the region.
• Anticipate market shifts, consumer trends, and competitive dynamics to position the brand as a market leader across key Gulf markets.

Operational Excellence & Performance Management

• Oversee all aspects of regional retail operations across flagship boutiques, mono-brand stores, and regional locations.
• Implement and sustain retail excellence standards in service, client experience, visual presentation, and operational processes.
• Drive productivity, efficiency, and profitability while maintaining the highest standards of brand representation.
• Regularly analyse KPIs, sales performance, and operational metrics to identify opportunities and ensure continuous improvement.

People & Leadership Development

• Build, mentor, and inspire high-performing retail leadership teams across the region.
• Identify and nurture top talent, ensuring strong succession pipelines and leadership depth at store and area levels.
• Create a culture of empowerment, collaboration, and accountability throughout the retail organisation.
• Partner closely with HR and Learning & Development to implement impactful people strategies that reflect brand values.

Cross-Functional & Global Collaboration

• Act as a key regional representative and strategic partner to Global Retail, Merchandising, Operations, Finance, and HR teams.
• Collaborate on retail network expansion, boutique openings, and client experience enhancement initiatives.
• Ensure consistent communication, alignment, and execution between the Middle East markets and the global headquarters.
• Contribute to regional steering committees and business reviews, providing strategic insights and market intelligence.

Market Representation & Brand Advocacy

• Represent the Maison externally with landlords, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Champion the brand's luxury positioning and uphold the highest standards of service and client engagement across all markets.
• Travel extensively across the region and internationally to ensure visibility, leadership presence, and best practice sharing.

Profile & Experience

• 12–18 years of progressive retail leadership experience within
  global luxury fashion, accessories, or watches
  .
• Proven success in managing large-scale, multi-country retail operations with significant turnover and headcount.
• Strong strategic and analytical mindset, with a balance of commercial focus and brand sensitivity.
• Deep understanding of luxury client behaviours and the dynamics of the Middle Eastern retail landscape.
• Inspirational leadership style able to influence, unite, and motivate diverse teams across cultures and markets.
• Experience working in matrixed, global organisations and engaging with C-level stakeholders.
• Fluent in English;
  Arabic or French
  is a strong plus.
• Based in Dubai, with regional and international travel required.