Retail Operations Assistant Manager Job in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Position Overview:

As the Retail Operations Assistant Manager, your primary responsibility is to enhance the efficiency of Store Operations, aiming for continuous improvement. This entails identifying opportunities to reduce costs, collaborating with senior stakeholders on key business projects, and implementing new processes to optimize in-store operations, ultimately enhancing service and standards for both customers and staff.

You will collaborate closely with the Head of Commercial Operations on trade and commercial planning, working hand-in-hand with Regional Managers and Store Managers to execute the business strategy effectively.

Your role involves systematic planning, implementation, monitoring, and refinement of communication channels between stores and the regional office. This encompasses organizing and disseminating new communication directives across various departments of Marks and Spencer. Additionally, you will oversee store operations, including process enhancements, technology integration, and vendor/solution selection, in alignment with stakeholder objectives.

The success of M&S MENA operations, encompassing business growth strategies in food, clothing & home objectives, and adapting to evolving customer shopping habits, relies significantly on this role. Your focus will be on driving the shift in store operational processes by deploying best practices through technology and enhanced customer experiences.

The Retail Operations Assistant Manager holds the crucial responsibility of engaging with stakeholders, including the principal and department function leads within M&S. This engagement spans multiple markets, including the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, Kuwait, and KSA.

Responsibilities:

Retail Operations:

Spearheaded the design and implementation of operational efficiencies in line with M&S’s store transformation objectives.
Craft business cases and demand requests as needed, collaborating closely with AF retail teams to execute projects (such as POS, RFID, CAFÉ).
Utilize both existing and emerging platforms to remain attuned to the evolving needs of our customers and colleagues.
Cultivate a robust network across diverse industries to exchange best practices, fostering continuous learning and identifying avenues for applying cutting-edge industry insights.
Identify, execute, and integrate cost reduction initiatives across OPEX cost areas and streamline end-to-end operations.
Design and deploy streamlined processes and innovative work methodologies within stores to enhance efficiency.
Continuously explore opportunities to enhance the customer experience, drive growth, foster loyalty, and leverage data insights effectively.
Demonstrate a keen ability to identify new sales-driving opportunities within the retail environment.

Sales & Reporting Responsibilities:

Utilize daily, weekly, and monthly Management Information (MI) to assess store performance according to operational plans and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Provide accurate and insightful data analysis to facilitate informed decision-making and drive improvements across operations.
Proficiently utilize software tools for creating, editing, and analyzing complex reports, graphs, and presentations.
Take ownership of data accuracy, demonstrating initiative and accountability in reporting processes.
Collaborate with the IT department and other stakeholders to standardize reporting procedures and automate reports where feasible.
People & Communications Responsibilities:

Partner with Human Resources Business Partners (HRBPs) to implement targeted people solutions, fostering employee engagement and ensuring compliance with HR policies and local regulations.
Develop succession plans to ensure continuity and foster employee development.
Exemplify M&S and AL Futtaim’s Leadership Competencies and Way behaviours as a role model.
Mentor, coach, and develop team members across different regions, nurturing a strong talent pipeline.
Establish clear goals and accountabilities for the team, ensuring effective communication of expectations.
Assist the Head of Commercial Operations in disseminating key messages and information to store team members.
Monitor store staffing models to optimize resource allocation and make recommendations to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.
Ensure timely delivery of the retail communication plan throughout the working week framework.

Responsibilities:

Cost Management:

Oversee and manage all store reporting to ensure accuracy and integrity of data.
Drive efficiency by providing advice and solutions where necessary to maintain data integrity.
Provide evidence to stores to support actions aimed at reducing stock and cash losses.
Monitor the shrinkage action planning process and contribute to the identification, protection, and improvement of stock loss across the store.
Analyze productivity data, conduct reviews, and make recommendations to improve business targets.
Service Excellence:

Deliver key performance indicator (KPI) measures of performance and operational excellence by leveraging colleague capability, teamwork, and collaboration.
Work collaboratively within a diverse and experienced store team, fostering inclusivity and diversity, while confidently challenging peers to uphold the M&S brand.
Address internal and external customer queries, concerns, and complaints promptly and effectively.
Provide exemplary service to customers, serving as a role model for “Doing the Right Thing” and embodying M&S values of “Inspiration,” “Innovation,” “Integrity,” and “In Touch.”
Prepare and deliver all retail management information (MI) on time by agreed service level agreements (SLAs).
Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the store operates productively and efficiently, adhering to legal and safety regulations, and safeguarding customers and colleagues.

Required Skills to be successful:
Interpersonal Proficiency
Analytical and Solution-Oriented Aptitude
Technical Expertise
Customer Satisfaction Enhancement
Teamwork Facilitation
Complexity Management
Persuasive Communication
Proactive Approach
Results-Driven Attitude
Inspiring Leadership
Talent Cultivation

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required (Master’s preferred)
More than 5 years of experience in a similar field
Key Competencies:

Exceptional communication abilities across all levels, with a focus on influencing senior stakeholders
Demonstrated resilience and confidence to spearhead cultural and behavioural transformations and nurture a team for future success
Collaborative mindset, fostering strong relationships within a high-performing leadership team
Drive to innovate and collectively drive impactful change
Profound comprehension of retail operations and adeptness in analyzing diverse commercial data to enhance sales performance
Aptitude for collaborative teamwork within a diverse store environment, including the confidence to challenge peers constructively
Proficiency in numerical reasoning, with a preference for statistical analysis and utilizing data, customer insights, and market analysis for strategic planning
Facilitation of colleagues through change by involving them in decision-making processes and fostering accountability for achieving objectives and business targets
Excellent presentation skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts effectively
Strong negotiation skills to influence sceptical audiences
Superior time management abilities, adept at multitasking effectively
High levels of motivation, enthusiasm, and persistence
Proven capacity to drive organizational change as a change agent
Highly analytical with keen attention to detail and problem-solving skills
Proficiency in SAP (ERP system) preferred, along with strong working knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint for data analysis and presentation purposes.