Senior Manager - Retail Marketing

Client of James Douglas Middle East

As the Senior Manager of Retail Marketing, you will be the master of the physical embodiment of all brands. The mission is to transform showrooms from places where customers simply see products into powerful brand destinations that drive footfall, engagement, and sales. You will craft two distinct yet equally compelling retail experiences:

• For the Furniture Business (B2B): Create a seamless, professional journey for architects and designers, turning our showrooms into essential resources that facilitate client relationships and drive large-scale projects.
• For the New Premium Brand: Build an immersive, aspirational world for consumers, creating an unforgettable customer journey that communicates our design ethos and positions us as a global premium brand.

The ideal candidate will own the strategy and execution of all marketing activities that bridge the gap between the digital world and the companys physical retail footprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Retail Marketing Strategy: Develop and execute the annual retail marketing strategy and promotional calendar for all showrooms across both brands, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Showroom Launch Excellence: Lead the comprehensive marketing plan for all new showroom openings across the GCC and future international locations. This includes everything from pre-launch buzz campaigns and grand opening events to post-launch traffic-driving initiatives.
• In-Store Experience & Merchandising: Collaborate closely with the Creative Director and Visual Merchandising teams to ensure the in-store environment including product presentation, signage, and customer journey is world-class and perfectly aligned with each brand's identity.
• Traffic-Driving Campaigns: Design and implement targeted marketing campaigns with the primary goal of driving qualified footfall. This includes local digital advertising, partnerships with design communities and premium brands, and exclusive in-store events.
• Sales Enablement: Partner with the B2B and retail sales teams to develop effective in- store sales tools, promotional materials, and training programs that enhance the customer experience and drive conversion.
• Performance & Analytics: Define, track, and report on key retail marketing KPIs, including footfall, lead generation rates, cost per visit, and event ROI, using data to continually optimize performance.

br>Key Qualifications

• 8+ years of dedicated experience in retail marketing, with at least 3 years in a strategic leadership role.
• Must have a background in premium retail. Experience in premium furniture, high fashion, luxury automotive, or high-end department stores is essential.
• A demonstrable track record of successfully managing the marketing strategy for multiple new store or showroom openings.
• Omnichannel Mindset - expert at connecting the dots between digital campaigns and the physical retail experience, understanding how to drive online audiences into a brick-and-mortar environment.
• Commercial Acumen - highly numerate and have a deep understanding of retail metrics. Skilled at creating marketing programs that have a direct and measurable impact on footfall and sales.
• Collaborator, able to work seamlessly with sales, creative, and operations teams to achieve shared goals.
• A strong understanding of premium retail dynamics. Deep experience in the GCC retail market is highly desirable, and familiarity with the European retail landscape is a significant advantage.