Country Manager UK – Retail Expansion & Business Development

Location: London, United Kingdom
Languages: Bilingual French and English
Mobility: Extensive travel required across the UK

About the Company

Our client is a fast-growing international group operating a network of retail locations and pursuing an ambitious international expansion strategy.

Already established in the UK, the group is looking to accelerate its development in this strategic market and strengthen its local organisation.

In this context, we are looking for an entrepreneurial and hands-on Country Manager UK who will be responsible for overseeing existing operations, expanding the network and building a strong, sustainable presence across the British market.

Your Mission: Develop and Structure the UK Market

Based in London and reporting directly to the Group's senior management, you will take responsibility for the commercial and operational development of the business across the UK.

Your main objective will be to support the growth of the existing network and oversee the opening of 3 to 4 new locations next year.

You will enjoy significant autonomy and work closely with the Group's headquarters, with dedicated support from HR and real estate professionals to facilitate recruitment and network expansion.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Expansion

Define and implement the group's development strategy across the UK market.
Identify new business opportunities and high-potential locations.
Expand the network through the opening of new branches and the development of franchise locations.
Manage new store opening projects, from identifying opportunities through to operational launch.
Negotiate partnerships, commercial agreements and property deals.

Management & Organisation

Oversee and coordinate existing locations and new branches.
Recruit, onboard and support local teams.
Structure the organisation, optimise processes and lead restructuring initiatives where necessary.
Build a performance-driven culture and support the professional development of teams.
Ensure effective coordination between UK teams and Group headquarters.

Business Performance & Reporting

Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), commercial targets and financial results.
Analyse store performance and identify areas for improvement.
Develop and implement concrete action plans and monitor their execution.
Ensure operational efficiency and network profitability.
Provide regular performance reports to senior management.

The Ideal Candidate

Above all, we are looking for an entrepreneurial, independent and results-driven individual who can take initiative and turn opportunities into tangible business results.

Proven experience in operational management, business development or network management, ideally within retail or a multi-site environment.
Strong understanding of the UK market, local business practices and commercial culture.
Significant professional experience in the UK: candidates must currently be based in the country and have a strong understanding of the local business environment.
Bilingual in French and English.
Proven experience in team management, recruitment, negotiation and performance management.
Ability to develop a business, structure an organisation and support its growth.
Strong entrepreneurial mindset, pragmatism and excellent decision-making skills.
Dynamic, responsive, organised and solution-oriented personality.
Comfortable working with figures, KPIs and performance-driven environments.
Full driving licence required, with willingness to travel extensively across the UK.

We are looking for someone who doesn't simply identify problems, but knows how to find solutions, make decisions and drive projects forward efficiently and quickly.

What We Offer

A strategic role offering genuine autonomy in developing the UK market.
One month of immersive training within the group's existing locations to gain a thorough understanding of the business, its sector, products and operations.
Dedicated support from HR and a real estate partner to facilitate new openings.
The opportunity to contribute to an ambitious international expansion strategy.
Genuine long-term career development opportunities, with the potential to progress into a Managing Director UK position.
An entrepreneurial environment where your decisions will have a direct impact on the company's growth and success.

Are you ready to take ownership of an international company's development in the UK and build a business with significant growth potential?

We would love to hear from you!

Country Manager UK - Retail expansion H/F - English