Director Retail Commercial Strategy

I'm currently supporting a confidential search for an experienced commercial leader to join a well-established retail organization in the UAE.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for someone with a strong understanding of retail, category performance and commercial growth, who can combine strategic thinking with the ability to translate plans into measurable business results.

The role will have broad responsibility for shaping commercial direction, strengthening portfolio performance and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth across a multi-category retail environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the commercial strategy in line with the organization's broader growth ambitions
• Drive performance across revenue, profitability and overall portfolio contribution
• Shape category and portfolio direction, including assortment, product mix and commercial priorities
• Develop effective pricing and promotional approaches based on customer, market and competitive insights
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key suppliers and external commercial partners
• Identify opportunities for growth through new categories, brands, partnerships and customer propositions
• Ensure commercial strategies are effectively translated across both physical and digital channels
• Work closely with Operations, Finance, Supply Chain, Marketing and Digital teams to deliver business priorities
• Use commercial insights and performance data to identify opportunities, address underperformance and support decision-making
• Lead, coach and develop a high-performing commercial team

We are looking for an established retail commercial leader with significant experience operating in complex, multi-category environments.

You will bring strong commercial judgement, category and portfolio management experience, a solid understanding of retail economics, and a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and negotiate effectively with external partners. Experience leading commercial transformation or significant growth initiatives would be highly valued. These areas reflect the experience and capabilities required in the underlying brief.

If this sounds relevant to your experience, please apply directly.

Due to the confidential nature of the search, further information regarding the organization and opportunity will be shared with selected candidates during the process.