Retail Lead

ABOUT THE COMPANY

AZADEA Group is a premier lifestyle retail company that owns and operates more than 40 leading international franchise concepts in fashion and accessories, food and beverage, home furnishings, sporting goods, multimedia and beauty and cosmetics across the Middle East and Africa spread across 13 countries overseeing more than 700 stores.

JOB PURPOSE

The Retail Lead is responsible for overseeing store operations and overall performance, managing the operations department in coordination with Azadea's Shared Services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop action plans and strategies to maintain positive shop performance and assist in setting seasonal projections.

• Ensure that the appearance and visual display of all stores are in line with visual merchandising and brand guidelines. Collect and provide feedback on VM standards to retail and brand management.

• Coordinate closely with the Azadea's Business Services to ensure effective and timely completion of all operational functions. Develop and implement operational metrics to measure the department's effectiveness.

• Conduct regular field visits to stores to identify concerns and provide necessary support, ensuring thorough reporting of findings and recommending any needed corrective actions. Tour the sales floor regularly to ensure stores are well-organized and adequately staffed according to store operations policies and procedures.

• Prevent financial loss and maintain stock control/shrinkage targets in line with company guidelines. Coordinate closely with Azadea's Business Services to ensure all operational functions are completed effectively and on time. Implement a set of operational metrics to measure the effectiveness of the department.

• Ensure adherence to customer service standards and implement enhancements where necessary.

• Conduct market analysis to monitor competitors' strategies and plans, providing recommendations for contingency plans as necessary.

• Provide analysis to senior management regarding stock levels, discounts, collections, etc., and coordinate with brand managers to take appropriate action in a timely manner. Generate and analyze sales reports, collaborating with the retail and brand management team to maximize stock potential.

• Assist in developing the business plan and strategy for local operations.

• Manage the opening of new stores by closely coordinating and following up with relevant departments, as well as overseeing the closure of existing stores.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety legislation and adherence to compliance requirements in all areas of operational activity, including company policies, procedures, and controls, especially related to security and cash.

• Develop an effective communication platform across the managed area to maintain comprehensive knowledge of products and services. Ensure shared understanding of business activities and priorities among team members.

• Maintain relationships with mall management and ensure store compliance with mall guidelines and procedures.

• Recruit, train, motivate, and evaluate the team to ensure that the department has the necessary skill base, and that staff are optimally motivated and enabled to maximize their potential and contribution to the company.

LANGUAGE & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in MS Office.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, or a related field.

MBA is a plus.

EXPERIENCE

General Experience

Six to eight years of experience in Retail, or a similar role.

Managerial Experience

Three years of experience in a managerial role.

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

Customer Focus

Builds strong customer relationships and delivers customer-centric solutions. For example, keeps in contact with customers to ensure problems are resolved, or to improve customer service. Studies customer feedback and emerging customer needs and uses these to determine some creative new ideas.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. For example, looks at complex issues from multiple angles; explores issues to uncover underlying issues and root causes; sees the main consequences and implications of different options.

Plans and Aligns

Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. For example, outlines clear plans that put actions in a logical sequence; conveys some time frames. Aligns own work with relevant workgroups. Takes some steps to reduce bottlenecks and speed up the work.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. For example, tracks performance and strives to remain effective, learning from both successes and failures. Readily takes on challenges or difficult tasks and has reputation for delivering on commitments.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. For example, listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

Drives Engagement

Creates a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. For example, shares insight into the purpose of the work, involves others appropriately and gives them credit for their contributions. Praises the successes of others.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. For example, demonstrates integrity, upholding professional codes of conduct. Instills trust by following through on agreements and commitments despite competing priorities and by being honest and straightforward.

Azadea Group is an Equal Employment Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by relevant local laws.