Area Manager - Sports Retail

Job Description – Area Manager (Retail – Sports / Padel Industry)

Location: UAE
Industry: Sports Retail / Padel Equipment & Apparel
Reports To: Retail Operations Manager / Country Manager

1. Role Purpose

The Area Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational performance of multiple retail stores within the sports and padel industry. This role ensures that stores meet sales targets, deliver exceptional customer experiences, maintain brand standards, and operate efficiently. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in sports retail—preferably padel, tennis, racket sports, or active lifestyle categories.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesRetail Operations Management

• Oversee daily operations of multiple retail stores to ensure seamless performance and adherence to company standards.
• Ensure consistent execution of store processes, merchandising guidelines, inventory practices, and operational policies.
• Monitor store KPIs and drive continuous improvement in sales, footfall, conversions, and customer satisfaction.

Sales & Revenue Growth

• Lead store teams to achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual sales targets.
• Analyze sales performance data and develop strategies to maximize revenue.
• Identify opportunities for local marketing, promotional activities, and partnerships within the sports and padel community.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate store staff including Store Managers, Sales Associates, and Coaches (if applicable).
• Conduct regular store visits to assess staff performance, training needs, and customer engagement quality.
• Provide coaching and support to ensure consistent product knowledge, especially in padel equipment, gear, and accessories.

Customer Experience Enhancement

• Ensure stores deliver a superior customer experience aligned with the brand’s sports and performance philosophy.
• Handle escalated customer issues and support the team in delivering solutions.
• Maintain a strong presence in padel communities to understand customer needs and trends.

Inventory, Merchandising & Product Knowledge

• Ensure accurate inventory levels and stock replenishment across all stores.
• Maintain visual merchandising standards that reflect the sports and padel brand identity.
• Ensure teams have strong product knowledge on padel rackets, footwear, sports apparel, equipment, and accessories.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure stores meet all operational, safety, security, and compliance guidelines.
• Enforce company policies, SOPs, and best practices across all locations.
• Review and audit store operations regularly to identify areas for improvement.

Reporting & Coordination

• Provide weekly and monthly reports on store performance, sales trends, staffing, and operational issues.
• Work closely with merchandising, marketing, HR, and senior management to align operations with business goals.
• Support new store openings, expansions, and retail development initiatives.

3. Experience & QualificationExperience

• 5–10 years of experience in retail operations, with at least 2–3 years in a multi-store / area manager role.
• Experience in the sports, fitness, padel, racket sports, or active lifestyle retail industry is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of sports retail customer behavior and product trends.
• Experience in staff leadership, sales growth, and retail performance management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Sports Management, Retail Management, or related field.
• Certifications in retail operations or sports-related disciplines are an advantage.

4. Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and team-management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Sales-driven mindset with strong analytical ability
• Knowledge of padel and sports equipment (rackets, footwear, apparel, gear)
• Strong planning, organizational, and multitasking abilities
• Customer-focused with a passion for sports
• Ability to work under pressure and meet business targets

5. Additional Requirements

• Valid UAE driving license (required for multi-store travel)
• Flexibility to work weekends, evenings, or event-based schedules
• Ability to travel between stores within assigned territory

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: AED15,000.00 - AED20,000.00 per month

Experience:

• Retail Manager : 5 years (Preferred)
• Racket Sports Industry: 5 years (Preferred)
• Padel Sports: 5 years (Preferred)