Manager - Brand & Operations

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Manager - Brand & Operations

🔹 Company: Apparel Group

🔹 Location: United Arab Emirates

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Retail Apparel and Fashion

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-06

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving brand growth and profitability through strategic planning and execution
• Managing merchandise planning and product selection to meet sales targets
• Conducting market and competition research to inform business decisions
• Overseeing projects and administration tasks to ensure smooth store operations

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the retail industry, with a focus on brand management and operations. Candidates should have experience in a similar role and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Maximize sales and profitability of brand stores in line with Company targets

✅ Develop the brand launch strategy in consultation with the Brand General Manager

✅ Control costs within budgetary guidelines for the brand stores

✅ Maximize productivity in stores through effective deployment of resources

✅ Review feedback from territories on Brand acceptance and customer expectations

✅ Ensure adherence to financial plan in all key areas - sales, markdowns, margin and average inventory

✅ Create the brand positioning in consultation with the Marketing team and Brand Principal / Brand General Manager

✅ Study merchandise requirements for assigned brand by setting sourcing triggers

✅ Design the merchandise plan (pricing, promotion, assortment etc.) with the team for timely availability of stocks at the stores

✅ Determine buying requirements and formulate buying plan and budget

✅ Conduct product selection in coordination with the buying requirements and the product research received

✅ Ensure effective in-season management across territories (stock balancing, markdown management, stock analysis, stock vs. sales performance)

✅ Acquire market intelligence through various sources and analyze trends that may impact business

✅ Research the brand acceptance within the region or any new territory and identify any inputs on brand customizations required

✅ Map competition prices / products and provide qualitative inputs to business

✅ Research and look at new sites for brand outlets and discuss the same with the Operations Manager and General Manager

✅ Research on the latest trends in products, brands, styles, designs, fits etc.

✅ Evaluate the selected site on parameters like trade area, customer base, additional merchandising considerations and seek internal approvals

✅ Co-ordinate for new store openings and re-fits with the operations and projects team

✅ Ensure brand outlet locations are in line with the brand strategy and positioning

✅ Ensure adherence to the store opening plan

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization and attention to detail, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Candidates should be comfortable working with data and making informed decisions based on their findings.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in brand management, retail operations, or a related field

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in brand growth and profitability
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Strong project management skills
• Fluency in English

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the retail apparel and fashion industry
• Fluency in Arabic
• Knowledge of the United Arab Emirates market

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the retail apparel and fashion industry may have an advantage in this role. Fluency in Arabic may also be beneficial, as the role is based in the United Arab Emirates.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: AED 25,000 - 35,000 per month (based on industry standards for a mid-level management role in the United Arab Emirates)

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Employee discounts

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a mid-level management role in the retail apparel and fashion industry in the United Arab Emirates. Benefits may vary depending on the company's specific benefits package.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Apparel Group is a leading retail and hospitality conglomerate in the GCC and India, with a focus on the retail apparel and fashion industry.

Company Size: The Apparel Group has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company. This size allows for opportunities for career growth and development, as well as a collaborative work environment.

Founded: The Apparel Group was founded in 2012, and has since grown to become one of the fastest growing value fashion retailers in the GCC and India.

Company Description:

• The Apparel Group offers a wide range of fashion products for men, women, and children, as well as footwear, accessories, cosmetics, and household products.
• The company is committed to offering good quality products at amazing value, with a focus on addressing the fashion needs of every individual customer in the family.
• The Apparel Group is part of the Apparel Group leading customer loyalty program in the region “Club Apparel,” offering its members exclusive rewards and value upon shopping at participating group outlets.

Company Specialties:

• Retail apparel and fashion
• Hospitality
• Customer loyalty programs

Company Website: http://www.randbfashion.com

ASSUMPTION: The Apparel Group is a dynamic and growing company, with a focus on offering high-quality products at affordable prices. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, with opportunities for career growth and development within the company.

Reporting Structure: The Manager - Brand & Operations reports directly to the Brand General Manager.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the opportunity to work from home occasionally.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a senior management role within the company
• Expansion of responsibilities to include additional brands or regions
• Opportunities to gain experience in different aspects of the business, such as marketing, merchandising, or operations

ASSUMPTION: The Apparel Group offers a range of growth opportunities for employees, with a focus on internal promotion and development. Candidates should be proactive in seeking out these opportunities and taking on new challenges.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Apparel Group's headquarters are located in the United Arab Emirates, with additional offices in India and other GCC countries.

Office Location(s): The specific location of the office for this role is not specified.

Geographic Context:

• The United Arab Emirates is a multicultural country with a diverse population, offering a wide range of cultural experiences and opportunities for exploration.
• The country has a hot desert climate, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the summer months.
• The United Arab Emirates is a popular tourist destination, with a range of attractions and activities to enjoy in your free time.

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed. The specific work hours may vary depending on the needs of the business.

ASSUMPTION: The United Arab Emirates offers a unique and exciting work environment, with a diverse population and a range of cultural experiences. Candidates should be comfortable working in a multicultural environment and be open to new experiences.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Brand General Manager

Key Assessment Areas:

• Brand management and growth strategies
• Merchandise planning and product selection
• Market research and analysis
• Project management and administration
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the retail apparel and fashion industry
• Be ready to discuss your brand management and growth strategies, as well as your approach to merchandise planning and product selection
• Demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a team environment and make data-driven decisions

ATS Keywords: Brand management, retail operations, merchandise planning, product selection, market research, project management, teamwork, data analysis

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the company and the hiring manager. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills, as well as their ability to work effectively in a team environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Retail-specific software (e.g., merchandising, inventory management, point-of-sale)
• Data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's specific needs and the candidate's relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer focus
• Integrity
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Results-focused and goal-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have experience in brand management and growth strategies?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and collaborative environment?
• Do you have strong analytical skills and the ability to make data-driven decisions?
• Are you a team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills?

ASSUMPTION: The Apparel Group values a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a focus on customer focus, innovation, and accountability. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced and results-driven environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The retail apparel and fashion industry is highly competitive, with a constant need to stay ahead of trends and competitors
• The role requires a high level of organization and attention to detail, as well as strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• The work schedule may require flexibility to work additional hours as needed
• The United Arab Emirates has a hot desert climate, which may be challenging for some candidates

ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role may vary depending on the specific needs of the company and the candidate's relevant experience. Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced and competitive environment, with a focus on staying ahead of trends and competitors.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Brand Manager or Retail Operations Manager position in a retail apparel and fashion company
• The role requires a similar level of experience and education, as well as a similar set of skills and responsibilities
• The main difference between this role and a similar role in a different industry is the focus on brand management and growth strategies in the retail apparel and fashion industry

ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to a Brand Manager or Retail Operations Manager position in a retail apparel and fashion company, with a focus on brand management and growth strategies. Candidates with experience in a similar role in a different industry may be well-suited to this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a brand launch strategy for a new brand in the United Arab Emirates
• Conducting market research to identify trends and opportunities in the retail apparel and fashion industry
• Managing a team to open a new store in a new territory
• Implementing a new inventory management system to improve efficiency and accuracy

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to give candidates an idea of the types of projects they may work on in this role. The specific projects may vary depending on the company's specific needs and the candidate's relevant experience.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall brand strategy for the company?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the brand in the United Arab Emirates market?
• How does the company support the growth and development of its employees?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are intended to help candidates better understand the role and the company, as well as to demonstrate their interest and engagement in the interview process. Candidates should feel free to ask additional questions as needed.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for the interview by researching the company and the retail apparel and fashion industry
• Be ready to discuss your brand management and growth strategies, as well as your approach to merchandise planning and product selection
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of the interview to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.