We are seeking an accomplished Country Manager – Iraq to serve in a senior executive capacity and lead the strategic and operational mandate for our high-end retail operations in Iraq. As the Owner’s Senior Representative in the market, the Country Manager will be responsible for safeguarding brand integrity, delivering business growth, and building a sustainable competitive advantage in the retail segment.

This role is suited for a commercially astute leader with deep experience in luxury retail, executive-level stakeholder management, and end-to-end business leadership in complex, high-touch environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the daily operations of all retail stores in Iraq, ensuring excellence in customer experience, visual merchandising, and store performance.
• Drive operational efficiency through process improvement, workforce management, and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with all local laws, regulations, and company policies.

Executive Market Leadership

• Act as Owner’s Representative, representing the owner’s interests across all commercial, operational, and strategic matters.
• Provide thought leadership and market insights to influence regional and global strategy, ensuring alignment with local realities and growth opportunities.
• Build strategic relationships with key external stakeholders including landlords, government entities, luxury consortiums, high-net-worth clientele, and media partners.

Strategic Planning & Business Execution

• Lead the execution of a multi-year business strategy focused on market expansion, profitability, and brand elevation.
• Identify and capitalize on market trends, consumer insights, and emerging opportunities to position the brand as a market leader.
• Drive the performance of the business across all channels, including retail stores, e-commerce (if applicable), and clientele.

Commercial & Financial Stewardship

• Take full P&L ownership for the Iraq business; establish and monitor financial targets, cost structures, and investment planning.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance management with a focus on long-term value creation.
• Lead negotiations for leases, vendor partnerships, and commercial agreements, ensuring favorable terms and strategic alignment.

Brand & Customer Experience Leadership

• Ensure an exceptional customer experience that reflects global brand standards and local cultural nuance.
• Lead high-impact marketing, PR, and customer engagement strategies that resonate with affluent national and regional consumers.
• Champion a culture of client-centricity, luxury service excellence, and ethical brand stewardship.

Organizational Leadership & Talent Development

• Build and lead a high-performance, agile leadership team across retail operations, marketing, finance, and HR.
• Drive organizational development initiatives, succession planning, and talent acquisition for long-term capability building.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Experience and Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in luxury retail or premium consumer goods, including 5+ years at an executive level within the Iraq market.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, or related field (required); MBA or relevant executive education (preferred).
• Visionary leadership with a hands-on approach
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Deep understanding of luxury consumer behavior in Iraq and the wider region
• High emotional intelligence and exceptional interpersonal skills
• Fluent in English and Arabic (written and spoken)

Interested? Please send your CV to talent@parisgroup.ae with subject line “Applicant – Country Manager – Iraq”.