The Opportunity:

Currently operating 35 stores across multiple markets, Justice is looking for an individual who is passionate and driven to lead the team to take the business forward with a focus on restructuring the existing operating model and driving product efficiency. The ideal candidate should come with strong business & commercial acumen along with key buying, negotiation & communication skills thus being able to create and maintain good relationships with the host brands, external suppliers & internal colleagues.

The position is based in Kuwait and will report into the Vice President of Family Brands.

The Role:

Devise and deliver the Business planning process

• Drive and Initiate the detailed annual Business financial planning process through to Retail Board signoff, covering methodology, timetabling and documentation.
• Ensure delivery/implementation of business strategy, with specifically targeting both operational cost control and efficiency.
• Complete ownership of supply chain initiatives linked and responsive to the brand strategic development
• Oversee the Marketing elements of the brand.

Responsible for building and maintaining brand/ partner

• Responsible for continuous review, feedback and development of brand relationships leading to ‘bottom line’ enhanced performance.
• Directly responsible and accountable for outlining and costing bottom line performance improvement.
• Manage host brand communication
• Build Annual Business plan to reflect brand positioning.
• Negotiate key aspects of the planned delivery with the host brand.
• Lead and direct business discussion processes at the appropriate level, within general approval of senior management.

Emphasis on product/ Buying Office and supplier relationships

• Establishing a buying office with a focus on procuring superior products directly from external suppliers in the Far East/ India & US
• Building effective & strong relationships with external suppliers directly, thus negotiating cost efficient contracts
• Focus on the quality of the product is imperative

Review performance of the brand objectives and standards

• Review financial and non-financial business performance compared to the established objectives.
• Take steps to ensure that appropriate corrective measures are taken for unsatisfactory results.
• Present the brand performance results to the Vice President – Family regularly and systematically
• Promote Best Practice and ensure adherence to all company, brand, market and government policies, procedures, guidelines and Laws.

Manage organisational development and succession planning

• Recommend an organisation structure necessary to manage the existing operation and projected growth.
• Establish policies to ensure adequate management development and to provide for capable management succession.

The Requirements:

• 10 -15 years gained in Fashion & Footwear retail including a minimum of 5 years as a senior manager
• Strong Buying capabilities and negotiation skills, a key part of the role is build & develop key supplier relationships within the Far East.
• Strong Fashion sales, operations, product and merchandising trading experience
• Demonstrable experience of consistent employment in a respected retail/multi franchise group
• Successful track record of multi-site retail management experience (international exposure an asset)
• Combination of "hands-on" operational knowledge with strong people development skills
• Full P&L accountability and delivery evidenced in high growth retail expansion environment
• Proven track record of the management of multi-support function expertise

Skills & Experience:

• Energetic, dynamic and charismatic
• Strong negotiation skills
• Self-aware, flexible and positive in outlook
• Commercially astute and profit focused
• Influencing and collaborative in style
• An influential, proactive and trusted leader
• A proven track record of delivering success through teamwork
• Comfortable managing complexity
• A confident and articulate communicator
• A passion for the customer and customer service
• Culturally sensitive