Operations Manager [Fashion Retail - KSA]

Position Title: Fashion Retail Operations Manager

Location: Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Reports to: Senior Brand Manager – Dubai Office

Business Unit/Department: AKI Fashion

JOB OVERVIEW: The Fashion Retail Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of fashion retail stores in Saudi Arabia, including Petit Bateau (Riyadh & Jeddah) and Nanan (Riyadh). The role is crucial in ensuring efficient store performance, exceptional customer experience, adherence to brand standards, and achievement of business targets. The position reports directly to the Senior Brand Manager based in Dubai and serves as the company’s representative in the local Saudi market, ensuring alignment with regional strategies and upholding brand standards across all store operations.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Lead and manage daily store operations across all assigned locations in Saudi Arabia.
• Drive sales performance and ensure stores consistently meet or exceed KPIs and profitability targets.
• Uphold exceptional standards in customer service, visual merchandising, and the overall in-store experience.
• Monitor inventory levels, manage stock control processes, and coordinate with the supply chain team to ensure timely replenishment.
• Conduct daily store visits to assess performance, ensure compliance with company policies, and identify operational challenges.
• Train, mentor, and support store managers and in-store teams to drive high performance, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Create and maintain a positive work environment built on trust, respect, and fairness.
• Collaborate closely with the Senior Brand Manager to implement retail strategies and business development plans.
• Coordinate with cross-functional departments, including marketing, merch planner, and logistics, to ensure seamless operational execution.
• Manage recruitment, workforce planning, scheduling, and team development in line with company policies and local labor laws.
• Lead the operational setup of new store openings, seasonal promotions, and key retail initiatives.
• Prepare and present regular performance and operational reports to the Dubai-based leadership team.

EX PERIENCE & QUALIFICATION:

• Minimum of 1 year experience in fashion retail operations role, overseeing multiple stores.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of retail KPIs, store operations, and customer engagement strategies.
• High school diploma required; additional education in business, fashion retail, or management is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office and retail POS systems.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:

Role-Specific Skills:

• Retail Operations Expertise: Strong knowledge of fashion retail store management, inventory control, merchandising, and customer service excellence.
• Sales & KPI Management: Ability to analyze sales data and operational KPIs to drive business growth and profitability.
• Team Leadership: Proven experience recruiting, training, mentoring, and managing retail teams across multiple locations.
• Communication: Fluent in English and Arabic with excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff and senior management.
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experience aligned with brand standards.
• Market Awareness: Deep understanding of the Saudi retail market, consumer behaviors, and local cultural nuances.
• Tech Savvy: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, retail POS systems, and virtual communication platforms.

Generic Skills:

• Problem Solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues and implement effective solutions.
• Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptability: Flexible and open to change, able to adjust strategies based on evolving business needs.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds and maintains positive working relationships across teams and departments.
• Decision Making: Confident in making informed decisions quickly and effectively under pressure.
• Organizational Skills: Excellent at managing multiple projects and stores simultaneously with attention to detail.
• Integrity & Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality and upholds company values and ethical standards.
• Collaboration: Works well within cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

FINANCIALS & DECISION-MAKING AUTHORITY:

• Budget Management: Responsible for monitoring and controlling operational budgets for assigned stores, including expenses related to staffing, inventory, and store maintenance.
• Cost Control: Authority to approve day-to-day operational expenses within predefined limits and recommend cost-saving initiatives to improve profitability.
• Sales Target Accountability: Accountable for achieving sales targets and ensuring financial performance aligns with company goals.
• Inventory Oversight: Authority to manage stock levels, approve stock transfers, and collaborate with supply chain teams to minimize shrinkage and stockouts.
• Hiring Decisions: Authorized to participate in recruitment, selection, and onboarding of store-level staff in coordination with Senior Brand Manager.
• Vendor Coordination: Limited authority to liaise with local vendors and service providers for store operations within approved budgets.
• Reporting: Required to provide regular financial and operational reports to the Senior Brand Manager to support strategic decision-making.

REPORTING STAFF:

• Store Managers (Riyadh, Jeddah – Petit Bateau and Riyadh – Nanan stores)
• Assistant Store Managers