Senior Operations Manager

Job Requisition ID: 161946

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organisation to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day.

Overview of the role

This Senior Operations Manager will oversee and manage all aspects of store operations, establishing high levels of in-store standards; customer care & service, and effectively managing all budgeted resources to secure agreed growth and profitability targets.

What you will do

Strategic and Operational Management

• Oversee all aspects of store operations and ensure delivery of high in-store standards. This will include store coverage, customer feedback, merchandising standards, and implementation of in-store activities and promotions.
• The job holder will receive regular reports from store managers about sales performance and trading-related issues to give specific feedback.
• Supervise and ensure that stores adhere to agreed store stock holding targets, inventory levels, and the correct procedures relating to product handling.

Budget Management and Optimization

• Agree and implement the sales growth and profitability strategy set by the HO.
• Participate in the budgeting process and agree on targets for the business. Based on the agreed targets, receive feedback from the different functions, decide on the operational plan for the stores, and monitor adherence to the plan to achieve the agreed budgets.
• The job holder is responsible for controlling operating costs and expenses, responding to market dynamics, achieving customer service standards and targets & implementing corrective action when and where required.

Marketing and Customer Service Improvement

• Ensure local marketing activity is implemented for all KSA locations and that all competitor activity is monitored and reported on.
• Instill a culture of customer obsession, aiming for excellent customer service and implementing best practices across all levels.

Process Improvement

• Ensure that all processes & methods for scanning, storing, and the delivery of merchandise are followed.
• Review and suggest process improvements to minimize shrinkage through poor handling and stock loss.
• Agree with the buying team store stock holding targets.
• Provide timely feedback on both over-stocks and shortages to the buying team.
• Supervise and ensure that stores adhere to agreed store stock holding targets, inventory levels, and the correct procedures relating to product handling.

Project/ Store Management

• To supervise and co-ordinate all aspects of new store openings and refurbishments ensuring that agreed standards are achieved, municipality regulations are adhered to, budgets are met and the project plan is prepared with timescales completed.
• The job holder will ensure that the project runs on schedule, in line with agreed specifications and that progress is monitored.
• Identify and negotiate opportunities for “Institutional” sales. Identify and discuss the opportunities and locations for new & existing stores.

People Management

• Work closely with the HR Business Partner to implement the recruitment and staffing plan for all stores as per the agreed manpower budget.
• Ensure that staffing requirements for peak trading are adequately planned.
• Review the development needs of staff and store management and ensure training plans are implemented. Perform interim and annual appraisals as required.

Required Skills to be successful

• Strategic Planning
• Strong Leadership skills
• Profound passion for fashion
• Budget Management
• Strong presentation, listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Drive Business Target achievement
• Ability to have a vision, to identify potential areas and ideas for future development and implementation.
• Point of Sale experience

What equips you for the role

Minimum Qualification and Knowledge

• Education: University Degree or Post graduate degree

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 5 years of store management experience, preferably with 2 years in managing store operations in KSA.

Behavioral Competencies

• Strong people relationship and management skills
• Must have the ability to create an environment where the People values are a strong and living reality that embraces the diversity of co-workers and customers
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement
• Teamwork