General Manager, Dubai

What You’ll Do

As General Manager, Dubai you’ll lead Authentic Brands Group’s business across the MEA territory and specifically Dubai.  In this critical role, you’ll report directly to the President for Lifestyle Brands EMEA.  You’ll work with corporate leadership to execute a strategy focused on increasing Authentic's brand presence across the MEA territory.  We’re seeking a driven leader with extensive knowledge of brand licensing who has a strong network of licensing and retail contacts in the MEA territory.

The General Manager will have overall responsibility for Authentic’s Lifestyle and Entertainment businesses in the MEA territory and specifically Dubai, including business development goals, current licensee royalty streams, licensee management, execution of marketing initiatives, and managing administrative costs.

What you’ll be working on

Lead Authentic’s MEA territory strategy

• Work in partnership with the EVP Brand and Business Development for Lifestyle Brands EMEA, to develop and execute a multi-million-dollar business, including planning, revenue forecasting, business analysis, territory analysis including geopolitical and economic analysis, while conducting due diligence on evolution of the respective retail landscapes. Lead planning to extend and expand Authentic brand presence and distribution in the MEA territory including retail and Ecommerce
• Lead relationship with key retailers/commercial real estate companies in the region to leverage strategic growth with existing and new brand presence.
• Work collaboratively with licensees to develop and execute critical action plans, including product initiatives, wholesale, retail, and digital marketplace distribution efforts
• Maximize supply chain connectivity within the region to ensure price and product propositions are consistent and competitive in the respective markets. 

Co-Lead business development

• Build, lead and direct business development in the MEA territory to formulate a development strategy that generates new business pipeline; incorporate regional and categorical nuances into the sales strategy
• Take a hands-on approach to business development; work closely with the business development team to drive sales activity, develop a high-volume of leads, and close deals
• Leverage your network of contacts to schedule discussions and meetings with target licensing and retail prospects; assist Business Development in establishing contact with target prospects in the market
• Drive royalty overages through proactive and bespoke brand and marketing tactics to achieve and exceed revenue targets

Future Goal of Building and Lead a high-performing team to:

• Lead and manage the Brand Management and Retail/Licensee Business Development employees at varying levels, each responsible for a portfolio of Authentic-owned brands
• Lead direct reports in optimizing business performance, including budgeting and forecasting, brand planning, licensee performance
• Mentor the MEA team; plan and execute talent development and retention strategies
• Instil ownership and accountability to performance deliverables and metrics, including partner management and performance data and business growth
• Continuously support the delivery of training, career and talent development that retains talent
• Implement and refine best practices for running the business to maximize productivity and achieve business goals
• Build a high-performing team; work with talent acquisition and the people team to build, coach, and mentor a team that gets results

Oversee brand and marketing management

• Ensure protocols and practices are in place to prepare licensees to perform per the terms and standards of their agreements
• Work in tandem with Marketing to align brand marketing between Authentic licensees; ensure the most up-to-date brand information is conveyed to and adopted by the licensee
• Monitor licensee performance and proactively troubleshoot and correct challenges relating to key contractual and operational issues
• Lead accounts receivable and collections activity, develop collections center-of-excellence across your area of responsibility
• Manage and monitor the MEA territory operating budget; proactively adjust the budget to achieve P&L goals

Must Haves

• Have 10 or more years’ experience in fashion, retail or celebrity and entertainment
• Established knowledge of the retail landscape in the MEA territory
• Be a driven self-starter with executive-level leadership qualities
• Have extensive hands-on experience leading all aspects of a business operation, including business development and sales, retailer relationships, brand management and marketing, and P&L management
• Anticipate market challenges and develop mitigation strategies
• Be a decisive problem solver with the ability to assess situations quickly, consider options, and choose a path forward
• Have experience working independently and exhibit excellent communication skills
• Have extensive hands-on experience with the mechanics of the licensing business model
• Possess an extensive network of contacts in the licensing and retail sectors
• Have earned a bachelor’s degree, MBA preferred

Target Deliverables and Metrics

• Gross Minimum Royalty (GMR) for territory
• Royalty Overages
• Profit & Loss Performance
• Royalty Payment/Collections
• New Business Development (in-year and total deal value)