Zimmermann operates its business in the GCC region via a joint venture with its partner, the Chalhoub Group. On behalf of Zimmermann, we are looking to hire a General Manager who will be responsible for designing and executing the local strategy, goals, and direction of Zimmermann in alignment with the global brand and omnichannel vision. Working closely with the CEO and key stakeholders across both Zimmermann and Chalhoub Group, the General Manager is responsible for driving and developing growth, profitability, and client excellence across the GCC region, by providing key operational and leadership support.

What you'll be doing

   • Provide key support and expertise in development of the business plan of the brand operations in the GCC, in line with the overall short-term and long-term global strategic direction of the brand.
• Successfully liaise with Australian head office leadership and joint venture partner.
• Agree on commercial KPI’s with CEO / CFO / SVP of Fashion Joint Ventures and drive achievement through the teams, accordingly, continuously monitoring progress and development towards strategic initiatives. Including sales budgets, manpower costs etc.
• Partner with key internal stakeholders to support implementation of projects that drive success and innovation in the region.
• Generate ideas and initiatives that will aid in the growth and success of the brand, including retail, marketing, and digital activities.
• Maintain and share up to date knowledge of the marketplace, competitors, and trends, including building strong relationships with external stakeholders (landlords, suppliers etc)
• Collaborate on retail and omnichannel strategy direction with the CEO and Global Head of Retail and execute the strategy in the region
• Drive business development in the region including identifying and negotiating new store locations in collaboration with real estate services provided by joint venture partner.
• Support the Retail team to translate strategic goals into operational plans to achieve the required targeted growth in sales and profit.
• Maximize sales through development and execution of store service strategies, tracking the sales performance of stores within the region and providing motivation through training and incentives in accordance with policies and budgets.
• Develop market specific strategies around customer outreach, acquisition, retention, and servicing.
• Regularly report to CEO, COO, CFO and SVP of Fashion Joint Ventures concerning overall performance, expenses, staffing and recruitment.
• Oversee the targets for stores in the region in accordance with agreed annual budgets, providing ongoing analysis and review of budgets, staffing levels and structure for the region, whilst adhering to the agreed governance and workflows.
• Collaborate on strategy direction with the CEO and Global Head of Digital and support the execution of the digital strategy in the region.
• Assist in maximizing digital investments across the region, including ecommerce programs and initiatives etc
• Collaborate on strategy direction with the CEO and Wholesale Sales and Operations team.
• Provide on the ground support in the region to successfully execute the wholesale strategy.
• Drive operational excellence through strong leadership and decision making.
• Support the management of the store network investments, including opening and renovation of stores.
• Partner with Buying and Planning for seasonal forecasting for the region.
• Assign operational responsibility to team while keeping accountability of deliverables.
• Regularly produce and present a range of financial/non-financial reports to the CEO and CFO.
• Lead and develop evolving support teams in the region.
• Mentor and coach team to achieve the brands vision and business plan milestones.
• Instill Zimmermann values in the management and development of the team in the region.
• Work with Global Head of HR to ensure people management issues are satisfactorily resolved and relevant HR policies and procedures are implemented and adhered to.
• Oversee the recruitment process for all new store openings with the Retail Management and HR team.
• Identify skill gaps and develop succession plans/career paths for the back office and retail teams.
• Work with Training team to develop and execute training plans for the back office and retail teams.
• Participate in the development and maintenance of a safe and healthy workplace, including complying with health and safety directives and adhering to safe work procedures.
• Partner with HR to establish compliance framework in all regions, utilizing resources available through the Zimmermann GCC structure.

  What you’ll need to succeed  

• Previous proven experience in a senior management position in a luxury / designer brand environment, ideally with a foundation in retail business development and/or operations.
• Experience gained in the GCC region.
• Experience in identifying, pursuing, and capturing new business opportunities.
• Experience in financial management and ability to demonstrate strong commercial acumen
• Experience working closely with brand and digital teams to support brand growth and recognition.
• Ability to nurture relationships with clients and key partners
• Ability to influence without authority and to be regarded as a credible trusted leader of a business.
• Self-aware, with the appropriate leadership skills to inspire high performing teams.
• Experience in developing and managing a cross-functional team with a variety of skills and experience.
• Experience of working in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and project management skills

   What we can offer you  

With us, you will turn your aspirations into reality.  We will help shape your journey through enriching experiences, learning and development opportunities and exposure to different assignments within your role or through internal mobility. Our Group offers diverse career paths for those who are extraordinary, every day.  

We recognize the value that you bring, and we strive to provide a competitive benefits package which includes health care, child education contribution, remote and flexible working policies as well as exclusive employee discounts.  

We Invite All Applicants to Apply

It Takes Diversity Of Thought, Culture, Background, Differing Abilities and Perspectives to truly Inspire, Exhilarate and Delight our customers. At Chalhoub Group, we are committed to inclusion and diversity.

We welcome all applicants to apply and be part of our exciting future. We ensure equal opportunity for all our applicants without regard to gender, age, race, religion, national origin or disability status.