We are seeking a commercially driven and strategic Private Label Director to lead the development, expansion, and performance of private label brands across a large and diversified group in Abu Dhabi. This senior leadership role is ideal for a proven retail professional with deep experience working with leading supermarket and grocery chains in the UAE, combining strong commercial acumen with brand, sourcing, and operational excellence.
Responsibilities
- Define and lead the Group's end‑to‑end private label strategy, from brand positioning and product development to commercialization and lifecycle management.
- Build and manage a diversified private label portfolio across key categories (FMCG, food & non‑food, fresh, household, and ancillary retail segments, as applicable).
- Lead negotiations and partnerships with local, regional, and international suppliers, manufacturers, and co‑packers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and supply continuity.
- Drive commercial performance, including margin optimization, pricing strategy, volume growth, and category profitability.
- Collaborate closely with merchandising, supply chain, quality assurance, legal, marketing, and store operations teams to ensure seamless execution.
- Ensure all private label products meet UAE regulatory, food safety, and quality standards, including packaging and labeling compliance.
- Oversee brand architecture, packaging, and go‑to‑market strategies to ensure strong shelf presence and customer appeal.
- Analyze customer insights, category trends, and competitor activity, particularly among major UAE supermarket chains to inform innovation and range development.
- Lead, mentor, and scale a high‑performing private‑label team, fostering a performance‑driven and agile culture.
- Present regular performance updates, insights, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Supply Chain, Retail Management, or a related field; MBA or postgraduate qualification preferred.
- 12+ years of experience in private label, merchandising, category management, or commercial leadership within large supermarket chains or diversified retail groups, with demonstrated UAE market exposure.
- Proven track record of building and scaling successful private label brands within highly competitive grocery or retail environments.
- Strong understanding of supplier sourcing, cost structures, quality assurance, and regulatory requirements in the UAE.
- Commercially astute, with deep experience in margin management, pricing, and P&L ownership.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate at executive level.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and decision making capabilities.
- Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is advantageous.
