Managing Director - Retail UK & Europe

About Freedom of Movement and the Role

Freedom of Movement is a distinguished leather lifestyle brand originating from South Africa, founded on superior craftsmanship, authentic storytelling, and the core belief that movement fuels growth. As the brand expands internationally, a unique opportunity presents itself for an entrepreneurial Managing Director to lead the UK and European operations and steer the brand's expansion across the region.

This role offers complete ownership of the established UK business and the chance to shape the brand's future throughout Europe, combining high-level strategic leadership with detailed commercial execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the profit and loss, budgeting, forecasting, and financial outcomes of the UK & Europe division.
• Achieve revenue growth, profitability, and maintain healthy cash flows.
• Manage pricing structures, profit margins, and inventory effectiveness while preserving the brand's premium standing.
• Formulate and implement an expansion strategy for the UK & Europe markets.
• Identify and launch new retail outlets, develop wholesale partnerships, organize pop-up events, and expand e-commerce channels.
• Assess potential new markets and prepare investment proposals for the CEO and Board consideration.
• Lead negotiations with landlords, distributors, and other strategic collaborators.
• Oversee current retail operations in the UK ensuring excellent customer service, merchandising, and operational standards.
• Collaborate with the South African headquarters on supply chain management to guarantee stock availability and efficient inventory control.
• Serve as the regional ambassador for the Freedom of Movement brand, protecting its premium leather heritage and South African narrative.
• Work alongside marketing teams to execute impactful regional campaigns and partnerships.
• Represent the company with customers, media, landlords, and industry bodies.
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in trading territories, covering VAT, customs, employment law, consumer protection, and data privacy.
• Maintain strong relationships with legal, tax, and professional advisors, and manage risk and corporate governance effectively.
• Build, develop, and inspire a high-performing regional team, nurturing future leadership as the business grows.
• Foster a culture consistent with Freedom of Movement's core values and purpose.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in premium retail, lifestyle, or consumer brand sectors.
• At least 3 years of experience with full profit and loss responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to grow businesses in the UK and/or European markets.
• Proven expertise in retail expansion, wholesale channels, e-commerce, or managing multi-channel growth.
• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working across multiple European countries is highly desirable.
• Excellent strategic mindset coupled with pragmatic execution capabilities.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, including delivering reports to the Board.
• A degree in Business, Commerce, Retail Management, or a related field is required; an MBA or other postgraduate qualification is advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially savvy leader with strong financial management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience and adaptability to build new markets.
• Highly skilled at relationship building and negotiating.
• Passionate about premium branding and delivering outstanding customer experiences.
• Confident decision maker in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Authentic, collaborative, and guided by strong values.

Additional Information

The position is based in the United Kingdom and requires hybrid working hours with travel throughout the UK and Europe. The role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional chance to join a founder-led international enterprise with ambitious growth plans, offering significant influence over the brand's European trajectory.