Country Manager

Role Overview

This senior leadership position is based in Dubai, UAE, and is focused on driving growth for a fast-expanding fragrance, beauty, and lifestyle business across the United Arab Emirates. The role calls for an experienced market leader who can balance strategic thinking with strong on-ground execution, and who understands the nuances of the UAE beauty and fragrance market.

The business is rooted in heritage while continuing to build for the future, with strong momentum across the GCC and an ambition to scale further in the UAE. This opportunity is ideal for someone who can lead commercially, manage operations effectively, and shape the market’s long-term direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the UAE market end to end by setting sales direction, developing business opportunities, and ensuring execution across all fragrance channels.
• Grow the brand’s footprint in retail and modern trade, including perfumery chains, pharmacies, department stores, concept stores, and e-retail platforms.
• Manage distributor and key account partnerships, with responsibility for alignment on stock, promotions, and in-store visibility.
• Build, guide, and oversee a UAE team covering sales, promoters, and trade marketing where relevant.
• Take full ownership of the market P&L, including revenue growth, margins, trade investment, and return on investment.
• Track customer trends, competitor movements, pricing developments, and any regulatory updates affecting the market.
• Plan and execute fragrance launches, product activations, seasonal campaigns, and variant rollouts.
• Coordinate with authorities and internal teams to ensure product registration and regulatory compliance.
• Provide regular reporting to the SVP - Global Sales & Marketing and keep execution aligned with group objectives and KPIs.

Candidate Profile

The ideal applicant brings deep experience in fragrance, beauty, cosmetics, or premium consumer goods, along with a proven track record of scaling brands in the UAE. Strong market understanding, established industry relationships, and the ability to navigate local commercial and cultural dynamics are essential.

Qualifications and Requirements

• At least 10 years of leadership experience in fragrance, beauty, cosmetics, or premium consumer goods.
• Proven success in expanding brands within the UAE, particularly in Tier 1 cities and major retail groups.
• Strong understanding of UAE commercial regulations, cultural expectations, and buying behavior.
• Existing relationships with leading retailers, buyers, and distributors in the UAE.
• Well-developed skills in negotiation, budgeting, team leadership, and retail execution.
• English fluency is required.
• Preference for candidates already based in Dubai, UAE, or those willing to relocate immediately.
• A visionary approach combined with disciplined operational management.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Join a globally recognized lifestyle brand with ambitious growth plans in fragrance.
• Play a central role in building the UAE market strategy, structure, and team.
• Work with regional support, an international product pipeline, and high-impact campaigns.
• Receive competitive pay, strong career growth potential, and the chance to create a long-term impact.