Managing Director at Workforce Group

Role Description

• We are seeking a dynamic, visionary, commercially astute and execution-oriented Managing Director to take full P&L and strategic responsibility for the business. This individual will be accountable for shaping the business strategy, driving top-line performance, unlocking operational efficiency, and elevating the brand as a global player in luxury fashion retail.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic and Commercial Leadership

• Translate brand vision into commercially viable strategies that balance growth, profitability, and market relevance.
• Craft and execute a multi-year strategic roadmap to scale the retail, ecommerce, and experiential footprint across Nigeria and select African markets.
• Lead strategic planning, financial modeling, and market expansion initiatives.
• Align commercial, operational, and brand strategies with changing consumer trends.

Planning, Merchandising & Brand Partnerships

• Lead strategic brand acquisition, exclusive partnerships, and portfolio diversification initiatives.
• Nurture long-term relationships with international fashion houses and emerging luxury labels to secure unique product access and exclusivities.
• Oversee merchandising and buying strategies to optimize sell-through, margin, and consumer desirability.

Commercial and Financial Leadership

• Assume full P&L responsibility, ensuring robust financial performance across channels.
• Lead budgeting, pricing architecture, margin management, capex planning, and investor reporting.
• Implement cost optimisation levers without compromising brand integrity or customer experience.

Retail and Digital Excellence

• Oversee and drive efficient performance of retail stores and digital platforms.
• Lead relevant digital transformation, including continuous improvement of ecommerce experience, personalization, and omni-channel alignment.
• Ensure seamless customer journeys and luxury service standards across all physical and digital touchpoint.

Innovation, Growth and Market Leadership

• Champion business model innovation including resale, membership, and community-led commerce.
• Evaluate and lead new market entry, acquisitions, or licensing partnerships.
• Leverage technology such as AI-driven clientele, digital showrooms, and POS innovation to future-proof operations.
• Explore growth via market adjacencies (e.g., home, fragrance, experience retail etc.), licensing and M&A.
• Stay informed of global trends in luxury resale, sustainability, and customer engagement.

People, Culture and Governance

• Build and empower high-performance teams across merchandising, operations, sales, marketing and customer experience
• Champion a high-performance, values-driven culture of excellence, accountability and inclusivity.
• Promote a culture of innovation, diversity, accountability, and excellence.
• Serve as brand custodian to external stakeholders including regulators, investors, fashion councils, media, and the creative industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive leadership in retail, fashion, FMCG, or consumer goods; with demonstrable experience in scaling brand-driven businesses.
• MBA or Executive Education in Business, Fashion Management, or Retail Strategy (preferred).
• Strong track record in driving revenue, profit, and market share growth within a multi- location or multi-channel retail environment.
• Experience scaling a brand internationally or through digital transformation will be an added advantage.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic & Business Acumen: Able to navigate complex, fast-moving markets with forward-thinking commercial strategies.
• Luxury Literacy: Deep understanding of the luxury consumer, brand psychology, and global retail economics.
• Financial Stewardship: Strong command of financial modelling, KPI design, cashflow, and investor engagement.
• Leadership Gravitas: Inspirational leadership with the ability to galvanise diverse teams and manage through ambiguity.
• Partnership & Negotiation: Ability to secure strategic brand alignments, global supply relationships, and exclusive collaborations.
• Digital Dexterity: Technologically fluent with a clear view on the future of omnichannel retail, e-commerce, and experiential retail.