Head of Controlling

A senior finance leadership role with a global luxury retail brand, focused on financial planning, performance analysis, management reporting, controls and business partnering. The position will work closely with senior leadership to support decision-making, governance and sustainable business growth across the region.

Our client, a globally recognised luxury retail brand, is seeking an experienced Head of Controlling to lead financial performance management across the Middle East business.

This is a highly visible leadership position that will play a critical role in driving commercial performance, strategic decision-making and financial governance across the organisation. Working closely with the Managing Director, CFO and executive leadership team, the successful candidate will act as a trusted business partner, providing financial insight and guidance to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

The Head of Controlling will be responsible for leading all budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities, ensuring alignment with both regional and global objectives. The role will oversee the preparation and analysis of management reporting, monitor business performance across retail and head office operations, and identify opportunities to improve profitability, efficiency and long-term value creation.

A key aspect of the position will involve challenging and influencing business decisions through robust financial analysis. This includes monitoring sales performance, margins, operating expenditure and capital investment while providing clear recommendations to senior stakeholders. The role will also ensure the accuracy and integrity of monthly closing activities and management reporting processes.

In addition to performance management responsibilities, the Head of Controlling will lead financial governance, internal controls and compliance initiatives, ensuring adherence to group policies, procedures and reporting standards. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with regional and global finance teams on reporting requirements, audits and strategic projects while driving continuous improvement across financial systems, reporting tools and controlling processes.

The position will also have responsibility for leading and developing the Controlling and Compliance teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and business partnership.

To be considered, candidates should possess significant experience across controlling, financial planning and analysis, performance management and financial governance within a complex multinational environment. Strong leadership capabilities, commercial acumen and the ability to influence senior stakeholders are essential. Experience with ERP and reporting systems, particularly SAP, would be advantageous. Arabic language skills would be considered a plus.

This represents an excellent opportunity for a commercially focused finance leader to join one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands and contribute to the continued growth and success of the business across the region.