Manager - Brand

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

Apparel Group is seeking a Manager, Brand to drive growth and profitability of brand stores in the UAE. This full-time onsite role requires P&L ownership, developing brand launch strategies with the Brand GM, and aligning Marketing, Operations, and Merchandising to maximize sell-through and margins. You will lead brand merchandise planning and buying, set stock plans, monitor in-season performance, and balance assortment with events and forecasts. You will strengthen brand image via initiatives like Club Apparel, gather market insights, assess new store locations, and coordinate openings. To apply, highlight budgeting discipline, people development, leadership, and measurable results with concrete examples of cost control, stock turns, and revenue uplift.

Brand Growth & Profitability

• Drive sales and profitability of brand stores in alignment with company targets.

• Develop and execute the brand launch strategy in consultation with the Brand General Manager.

• Monitor and control costs within approved budgetary guidelines.

• Optimize store productivity through effective resource deployment to ensure complete sell-through in line with product, style, and assortment plans.

• Review and analyze feedback from territories to assess brand acceptance and evolving customer expectations.

• Ensure adherence to financial plans across key metrics including sales, markdowns, margins, and average inventory.

• Define and strengthen brand positioning in collaboration with the Marketing team and Brand Principal / Brand General Manager.

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of team members to build a high-performing brand team.

Brand Merchandise Planning & Product Selection

• Analyze merchandise requirements by setting sourcing triggers based on actual sales, forecasts, inventory levels, order parameters, upcoming events, and replenishment needs.

• Develop and implement merchandise plans (pricing, promotions, assortment strategy) to ensure timely stock availability across stores.

• Determine buying requirements and formulate the buying plan and budget accordingly.

• Lead product selection in line with buying plans and market research insights.

• Manage in-season performance effectively across territories, including stock balancing, markdown optimization, stock analysis, and sales performance tracking.

Brand Image & Retail Excellence

• Build and enhance brand awareness initiatives (e.g., Club Apparel).

• Collaborate with Retail Operations to gather and act on feedback related to brand and store operations.

• Develop and implement visual merchandising strategies across stores to ensure consistency with brand standards.

Market & Competition Research

• Gather and analyze market intelligence to identify trends and factors impacting business performance.

• Assess brand acceptance within existing and new territories and recommend necessary brand customizations.

• Monitor competitor pricing, product offerings, and positioning; provide qualitative insights to support strategic decisions.

• Identify and evaluate potential new store locations in collaboration with Operations and General Management.

• Track emerging trends in products, styles, fits, and design to maintain brand relevance.

Projects & Administration

• Evaluate prospective store sites based on trade area analysis, customer base, and merchandising considerations; obtain required internal approvals.

• Coordinate new store openings and refurbishments with Operations and Projects teams.

• Ensure store locations align with brand strategy and positioning.

• Drive adherence to the approved store opening plan and timelines.