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About the Role

As Managing Director, you will have full accountability for the UK & Europe division, including profit and loss performance, retail operations, commercial growth and market expansion. You will represent the Freedom of Movement brand throughout the region, ensuring every decision reflects our premium positioning, heritage and values. Working closely with our CEO and South African Head Office, you will build and execute the regional growth strategy while establishing Freedom of Movement as a leading premium lifestyle brand across Europe.

Responsibilities

Own the UK & Europe division's full P&L, budgets, forecasts and financial performance.
Deliver revenue, profitability and cash flow targets.
Drive pricing, margin and stock performance while maintaining premium brand positioning.
Develop and execute the UK & Europe growth strategy.
Identify and launch new retail stores, wholesale partnerships, pop-ups and e-commerce opportunities.
Evaluate new markets and present investment cases to the CEO and Board.
Lead negotiations with landlords, distributors and strategic partners.
Lead the performance of the existing UK retail operation.
Ensure exceptional customer experience, merchandising and operational standards.
Oversee supply chain planning with the South African Head Office to ensure stock availability and efficient inventory management.
Act as the ambassador for Freedom of Movement across the UK and Europe.
Protect and strengthen our premium leather heritage and South African story.
Work closely with marketing teams to deliver impactful local campaigns and partnerships.
Represent the business with customers, media, landlords and industry partners.
Ensure compliance across all trading territories, including VAT, customs, employment law, consumer legislation and data protection.
Manage relationships with legal, tax and professional advisors.
Maintain effective risk management and corporate governance.
Build, coach and inspire a high-performing regional team.
Develop future capability as the business expands.
Foster a culture that reflects Freedom of Movement's values and purpose.

Requirements

At least 10 years' senior leadership experience within premium retail, lifestyle or consumer brands.
A minimum of three years' full P&L accountability.
Proven success growing a business within the UK and/or European markets.
Experience in retail expansion, wholesale, e-commerce or multi-channel growth.
Strong commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Experience working across multiple European markets is highly desirable.
Excellent strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution.
Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including Board-level reporting.
A commercially astute leader with strong financial discipline.
Entrepreneurial, resilient and comfortable building new markets.
An exceptional relationship builder and negotiator.
Passionate about premium brands and customer experience.
Confident making decisions in fast-moving environments.
Authentic, collaborative and values-driven.

Skills

Commercial Leadership
European Expansion
Retail & Operations
Brand Leadership
Governance & Compliance
Leadership
Financial Discipline
Negotiation
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Thinking
Communication
Presentation

Location

United Kingdom

Work Type

Hybrid
Travel across UK and Europe

Experience Level

Senior Leadership
10+ years leadership experience
3+ years P&L accountability

Education Level

Degree in Business, Commerce, Retail Management or related discipline
MBA or postgraduate qualification advantageous

About the Company

Freedom of Movement is a premium leather lifestyle brand born in South Africa, built on exceptional craftsmanship, authentic storytelling and a belief that movement inspires growth.
As we expand internationally, we're looking for an entrepreneurial Managing Director – UK & Europe to lead our regional business and drive the next phase of our European growth.
This is a rare opportunity to take full ownership of an established UK operation while shaping the future of our brand across Europe.
You'll combine strategic leadership with commercial execution, balancing operational excellence with ambitious expansion into new markets and channels.