Country Director

ABOUT THE COMPANY

AZADEA Group is a premier lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 40 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods, multimedia and beauty and cosmetics across the Middle East and Africa spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 700 stores.

JOB PURPOSE

The Country Director is responsible for leading and managing the country’s operations, spanning from stores to back-office functions. He/she is tasked with growing the business profitably, increasing the country’s turnover, and achieving the approved targets, encompassing EBITDA and/or Net Profit.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure the implementation of local laws and regulations across all functions, including lease agreements, taxes, and commercial issues, handling them in a timely and duly manner.
• Direct the development and implementation of short and long-range plans and budgets for the country, optimizing the achievement of revenue, growth, and profit targets.
• Drive sales growth across aligned geography by identifying market opportunities that are consistent with the strategy of the business and by taking appropriate action to capitalize on those opportunities.
• Communicate with landlords to obtain offers, submit proposals to the regional office for approval, track the status of these proposals, and lead negotiations for lease agreements and renewals.
• Take complete responsibility for Profit and Loss (P&L) and financial statements. Manage financial performance through the analysis and reconciliation of financial reports, resolution of budgetary issues, creation and oversight of capital and expense budgets, identification of trends and opportunities, and implementation of cost control measures.
• Evaluate the country’s financial status continuously in coordination with brand managers, issuing periodic reports to inform management about the financial stability, liquidity, and growth elements of the business.
• Improve operational process efficiencies to establish a strong operating model encompassing structure, processes, technology, and governance, aimed at fulfilling strategic, financial, and operational objectives effectively.
• Verify adherence of the country to the company's customer service standards and enforce necessary enhancements accordingly.
• Ensure brand corporate goals are communicated and met in compliance with corporate policies and directions.
• Establish, enhance, and maintain strong relationships with business partners in the country. Ensure adherence to expansion plans and covenants agreed upon with suppliers.
• Develop diverse, high-performing teams that achieve organizational changes, goals, and priorities. Encourage and foster diverse ideas, perspectives, and contributions throughout the business.
• Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate the team to ensure that the department has the necessary skill base, and that staff are optimally motivated and enabled to maximize their potential and contribution to the company.

LANGUAGE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and Arabic.
• Fluency in French is a plus.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.

EXPERIENCE

General Experience

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in a regional/multinational firm. Retail experience is a plus.

Managerial Experience

• Seven years of experience in a managerial role.

Azadea Group is an Equal Employment Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local laws.