Retail Co-Builder – Kitchenware & Homeware Flagship

Overview

This role is for a true builder, not a conventional store manager. A family office in Abu Dhabi is reshaping a large-format flagship store into a highly curated destination for kitchenware, cookware, bakeware, and home dining products. The business is moving away from a broad retail model and aiming to become the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi.

The mandate is foundational: shape the concept, commercial direction, customer experience, assortment, and team from the ground up. The position reports directly to the principals and is based at a prime retail site in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Core mandate

• Source and secure exclusive partnerships with international kitchenware and homeware brands that are not yet present in the UAE or GCC.
• Design and manage the in-store layout, category zoning, merchandising approach, narrative, and overall customer journey.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a strong retail team from scratch.
• Take ownership of commercial performance, including buying decisions, margins, and category P&L.
• Grow the store’s social media presence into a leading UAE community for kitchen and home content.
• Represent the brand at overseas trade fairs and sourcing trips.

What the role is looking for

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in kitchenware, homeware, or specialist retail, ideally through buying, category management, or brand development. Strong familiarity with international brands, market trends, and product gaps is essential. The person must be comfortable managing supplier relationships, working with commercial targets, and operating without a large corporate support system.

This opportunity suits someone who prefers building over maintaining, thinks entrepreneurially, and can envision the complete transformation of an empty 1,800 sqm retail floor into a premium destination experience.

Not a fit if

• You need a tightly defined job scope with routine tasks.
• You have not handled supplier partnerships or commercial responsibility before.
• You rely on a large organizational support structure to get things done.
• Your understanding of the market is broad but not specific or insight-driven.

Role details

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Retail format: Large flagship store spanning 1,800 sqm

Reporting line: Directly to the principals

Start: As soon as the right person is identified

Additional note

This role is intended for someone who immediately recognizes the opportunity and is excited by the challenge of building a destination retail concept from the ground up.