Business Planning, Expansion, and Long-Term Planning:

• Lead the preparation and submission of the Annual Business Plan for the Retail Division, adhering to group guidelines and business objectives.
• Assess the feasibility of new store openings, country expansions, relocations, and modernization plans based on financial metrics like RPF, IRR, and Payback to ensure alignment with AF Group and Principals.
• Collaborate with function heads to develop the Retail Division's long-term business plan (3 to 5 years) and support the preparation of new country plans.

Commercial Management:

• Analyze variances against budget and business objectives, providing commercial insights and recommending corrective actions as needed.
• Contribute to enhancing profit growth through strategic initiatives such as sales optimization, margin improvement, and cost reduction.
• Evaluate the financial implications of new business proposals and operational changes, such as new channels or business models.

Corporate and Brand Engagement:

• Champion corporate values within the Finance Team and foster strong relationships with Retail stakeholders through proactive communication and collaboration.
• Work closely with Retail teams to resolve issues and identify opportunities to meet current and future commercial targets.

Business Growth and New Markets:

• Manage acquisitions, post-acquisition integrations, and new market entries, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements before launching operations in new stores and countries.

Skills

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of the commercial and operational aspects of the Retail Business.
• Proficiency in ERP systems like SAP and BPC, and familiarity with Anaplan for financial planning and forecasting.
• Advanced skills in financial modeling, valuation techniques, and data analysis tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, Power BI, and Tableau.
• This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership capabilities and a proactive approach to financial management and business planning within the Retail Division.

Qualifications:

• Professional degree in Finance, Chartered Accountancy, ACCA, ACMA, or MBA in Finance preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in a similar senior finance role.
• Familiarity with MENA and SEA markets, including regulatory environments and cultural nuances, is advantageous.