Head of Business Development

The Head of Business Development will be responsible for growing the distribution channels for this independent premium men’s and women’s lifestyle brand established in Dubai. Key to the role is the achievement of sales targets devising and driving the commercial strategy for all channels and markets to expand brand awareness with an emphasis on developing international wholesale and distribution whilst working closely with a small portfolio of existing UAE stores to ensure the achievement of targets.

The successful Head of Sales or Business Development Manager will ideally be living and working in Dubai or the UAE and have US, European or UK-based experience in the fashion industry demonstrating excellent knowledge of the region and an up-to-date network of wholesale and distribution contacts in the international market. 

This opportunity will suit an ambitious individual grounded in the experience of growing a brand with a proven track record in achieving sustainable results.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the commercial and distribution strategy for the brand in alignment with the overarching business strategy, in collaboration with the CEO & Founder and management team.
• Develop local market and country-specific strategies and plans taking into consideration the competitive environment.
• Identify and develop new distribution channels conducting all client negotiations.
• Set and manage the seasonal sales budget.
• Manage pricing architecture for all channels in cooperation with the product, merchandising and marketing teams.
• Manage business development innovatively and tactically ensuring market alignment.
• Set monthly targets for each channel and market and gather weekly sales analysis.
• Be the main point of contact for new markets negotiating the brand placement, retail space, order quantities and installation, aligning on stock prevision, staff, etc...)
• Coordinate brand promotions with the marketing, merchandise team and retail teams.
• Collate the seasonal stock list for wholesale and any special projects throughout the season.
• Sign-off on product guidelines for training, wholesale pricing and RRP's.
• Work closely with Store Managers to optimise product performance throughout the year.
• Manage any pop-up and shop-in-shop openings.

Research & Reporting

• Weekly, monthly and quarterly sales analysis again budget based on style, fabric, price point, colour, fit, geography, channel and customer feedback to inform strategic decisions on product, promotions and stock.
• Market research including travel to understand market potential, competitor landscape, brand positioning and performance potential using insights to inform growth strategy.

Essential Skills

• A fashion, business or marketing related degree.
• At least 5 years of fashion industry experience in business development ideally including an independent brand.
• A live and current fashion wholesale and distribution network in the UAE and international markets.
• Naturally numerate and data-driven with a strategic, analytical and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Confident in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders to drive business.
• A self-starter and positive team player capable of working independently.
• Excellent communication, organisation and presenting skills.
• Computer savvy in the use of Microsoft Office and PLM software.
• Flexible to undertake seasonal travel for business development.
• Fully fluent written and spoken English language skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary in line with experience + performance-related bonus.
• Healthcare.
• Clothing allowance.
• Relocation support and benefits will be provided if required including visa.