The Opportunity:

H&M is keen to onboard a charismatic & passionate leader for their Portfolio brands who will drive the team to take the business forward with a strong focus on online. The ideal candidate should be commercially astute with a proven track record in sales, operations & product management. The individual will be responsible for all strategic and operational development of the business proposition and should have the ability to maintain an excellent partnership with the host brand.

The portfolio of brands owned by the H&M Group comprises of:

• COS is a premium brand and it encompasses minimalist style inspired by architecture, graphics and design. It offers reinvented classics and wardrobe essentials for women, men, and children. Their collection is made to last beyond season with lasting quality and timeless design.
• & Other Stories is a story telling brand offering wide range of products from shoes, bags, accessories, beauty to ready to wear for women. Their collection is designed in three different ateliers - Paris, Stockholm, and Los Angeles, with attention to detail and high quality.
• Monki offers great fashion at competitive prices, aiming to be kind to the world and the people in it. The brand mixes Scandinavian cool with creative street style and is all about being brave, friendly, and fun while empowering young women to stand up for themselves.

Between the three Brands, we operate 25 stores in 5 markets with the intention of growing our online portfolio this year. This position is based in Kuwait and will report into the Vice President of H&M.

The Role:

Devise & Deliver the Business strategy and Annual Business Plan for the brand

• Manage delivery of optimum on-going sales and cost performance.
• Ensure responsibility for the delivery of  weekly  /  monthly  sales  targets  is  clear, personally understood and achieved by all levels, and is implemented through appropriate sales processes and full compliance with company procedures.
• React to, and reforecast, changes during the year.
• Communicate all relevant information to all areas of the Business accurately,
• Direct and allocate resources to realising opportunities / improving on /recovering Business Plan.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships/partnerships with host brand.

Set product and pricing strategy

• Oversee and agree an optimum stock inventory control management system.
• Manage product and pricing, taking market prices and margin target into consideration.
• Lead and develop the team, ensuring that the brand is correctly supported now and for the future.

Manage the brand location strategy

• Responsible for decisions regarding optimum locations / size for shops, and shop fit according to location to maximise selling space

Manage the brand promotional strategy

• Oversee brand marketing communication tools to use and timing. (PR, advertising, sales Promotion and personal selling)
• Ensuring communication of the offer is optimised and cost effective

Oversee and agree the brand operations strategy, monitor and review this continuously

•  Share best practices and ensure that they are rolled out in all key performance areas of shop operations.

Lead and develop the team

• Propose and gain agreement to a structure and populate it with the right people.
• Develop key individuals and a succession plan such that when we have a vacancy, we are spoilt for choice.
• Liaise with Recruitment teams over the skill base and calibre of people recruited for office, field and store positions.
• Decide training and development programmes to ensure all individuals are developed to their maximum potential.

The Requirements:

• At least 10 years gained in fashion retail with a minimum of 5 years as a senior manager;
• Very strong commercially - a proven track record in sales, operations & merchandise management;
• Strong product knowledge and market/segment expertise;
• Successful track record of multi-site retail leadership and multi-channel experience;
• Combination of "hands-on" operational knowledge with strong people development skills;
• Full complex P&L accountability and a proven track record of multi support functions 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