Job Description

Role Overview

As the

Founding Growth & Operations Lead

, you will shape and drive FitSmiles' Abu Dhabi operations, laying the groundwork for expansion into other emirates (Dubai, Sharjah) and beyond. This role blends operational oversight, marketing, strategic partnerships, and project execution--ideal for an all-rounded leader with startup energy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

Develop and optimize operational systems, workflows, and team routines Co-design growth and scaling strategies with leadership and partners Draft launch frameworks for new zones, events, emirates, and markets

Partner & Business Development

Pitch, secure, and maintain partnerships with malls, venues, and brands Negotiate deals and manage relationships with retail partners and mall management

Marketing & Brand Activation

Oversee marketing campaigns in alignment with growth targets Manage agency collaboration for creative activations, social media, and ads

Product & Tech Coordination

Collaborate with app development teams to refine features and roadmap Support internal Product Manager in testing, rollout, and process alignment

Team Management

Lead a multi-functional team: Retail Coordinator, BDM Voucher Acquisition, Product Manager Coordinate daily tasks, set KPIs, monitor performance, and support development

Events & Activations

Plan and execute community events, mall activations, and brand experiences Partner with marketing agency to drive creative production and evaluate event metrics

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required Experience

5-10 years in mall marketing, brand management, event delivery, or commercial operations Demonstrated leadership in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Preferred Attributes

Prior experience in UAE retail or malls, with an existing regional network Entrepreneurial mindset and proven startup or scale-up background Excellent communication and documentation skills; Arabic proficiency is a plus

Tools & Competencies

Proficiency in Trello, Notion, Excel, Canva, and CRM platforms Strong presentation skills, KPI tracking, and operational reporting capabilities Fluent English; Arabic a strong advantage

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary:

AED?12,000-15,000/month (negotiable based on experience)

Performance Incentives & Equity Options:

Structured around growth targets and new project acquisition

Annual Bonus:

Target-based bonus tied to milestones (details TBC)

Growth Path

Stage 1: Establish and grow Abu Dhabi operations Stage 2: Promote to

General Manager - UAE

Stage 3: Expand role to

Regional Expansion Lead (GCC)

or

COO/Country CEO

, with significant equity upside

How to Apply

Please submit:

Your updated CV at hr@fitsmiles.com A compelling 300?word note on why you're ideal for this founding leadership role Links or portfolio items showcasing relevant campaigns or partnerships
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: AED12,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month

Application Question(s):

How would you go about creating a launch plan for a new city or mall-based activation? Tell us how you've successfully pitched to mall operators or brands--what was your process and result? When negotiating a voucher or retail deal, what levers do you focus on to balance ROI for both sides? How have you used omni-channel marketing to drive foot traffic and engagement in a retail environment? What growth KPIs do you track for operations and channel expansion? How have you used them to guide decisions? How have you scaled processes or staffing when expanding into a new market or doubling team size? * How do you align marketing, operations, and product roadmaps toward shared objectives?