Director, Strategy & Transformation

Designation: Director, Strategy & Transformation / Director CEO Office & Transformation

Location: Dubai, UAE

About SUMWON STUDIOS

SUMWON STUDIOS is a global brand house building, scaling and reimagining culturally relevant fashion, lifestyle and consumer brands. Our portfolio includes MISSGUIDED, SUMWON, BALR, Baby Phat, Playboy, AiiRZ, KiZN and KSTM.

In just a few years, we have grown from start-up to one of the fastest-scaling brand platforms in the industry. Combining creativity, data, technology and an agile supply chain, we build brands designed to win in today’s digital-first world.

We operate at the intersection of culture, commerce and innovation. Whether launching new brands, acquiring established ones, or unlocking growth opportunities across our portfolio, we move quickly, think globally and challenge conventional ways of working.

The Role

This is not a traditional Chief of Staff role.

The primary purpose of this position is to act as a force multiplier for the CEO and leadership team, increasing the speed, quality and effectiveness of decision making and execution across the organisation.

You will work across every function of the business, helping shape strategy while ensuring critical initiatives are delivered. You will lead transformation programmes, drive organisational effectiveness, champion AI and automation adoption, and take ownership of high-impact strategic projects.

The successful candidate will combine strategic thinking with relentless execution. We are less interested in career consultants and more interested in operators who have helped build, scale and transform businesses from the inside.

This role is designed for someone with the ambition and capability to become a future GM, COO or CEO.

Key Responsibilities

CEO Office & Strategic Execution

• Partner directly with the CEO on the company’s most important priorities.
• Translate strategy into clear action plans, accountability and measurable outcomes.
• Drive execution of strategic initiatives across all functions.
• Monitor business performance and identify opportunities, risks and bottlenecks.
• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the CEO.
• Independently lead major initiatives with minimal direction.

AI, Technology & Business Transformation

• Lead the identification, prioritisation and implementation of AI, automation and technology initiatives across the business.
• Partner with functional leaders to redesign processes and operating models using technology.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, speed, quality and cost efficiency.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to create competitive advantage.
• Establish a culture of innovation, experimentation and continuous improvement.

Organisational Effectiveness

• Drive company-wide OKRs, governance and accountability frameworks.
• Improve decision-making processes and organisational operating rhythms.
• Help ensure the business scales effectively as teams, brands and markets grow.
• Support leadership teams in defining structures, responsibilities and ways of working.
• Remove complexity and improve cross-functional collaboration.

Strategic Projects & Corporate Development

• Lead high-priority projects on behalf of the CEO.
• Support acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion and new business initiatives.
• Coordinate due diligence, integration planning and execution activities.
• Develop business cases, strategic recommendations and implementation plans.

Internal & Corporate Communications

• Support company-wide communication of strategic priorities and transformation programmes.
• Help align teams around business objectives and organisational change.
• Support investor, board, media and external stakeholder communications where required.
• Prepare executive presentations, board materials and strategic updates.

Talent & Leadership Support

• Support organisational and leadership development initiatives.
• Help identify capability gaps and opportunities to strengthen the organisation.
• Work alongside senior leaders to improve team effectiveness and performance.
• Contribute to succession planning and future leadership development.

What you’ll bring

• 5+ years of experience in strategy, consulting, private equity, venture capital, technology, e-commerce, consumer or high-growth businesses.
• Strong preference for candidates who have experience both advising businesses and operati…