Retail Operations Manager

Our client is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Retail Operations Manager in Kuwait, to oversee the end-to-end performance of their kiosks and gate shops. This role is pivotal in driving operational excellence, sales growth, and cost control across our food service and retail operations. The ideal candidate will lead multi-site operational teams, ensuring consistent service and operational standards while identifying opportunities for market penetration and efficiency.

Responsibilities:

Operational Management

• Oversee the operational and commercial performance of all Kiosks and Gate Shops.
• Manage and grow all direct-to-consumer channels, including retail outlets, kiosks, and new formats.
• Ensure thorough execution of operational standards, SOPs, and brand guidelines across all channels.

Sales and Growth Initiatives

• Manage sales growth, margin improvement, and profitability across kiosks and Gate Shops.
• Drive sales growth initiatives including promotions, product launches, and effective menu engineering.
• Monitor sales performance and implement recovery plans where necessary.

Team Leadership

• Lead and manage store supervisors, providing guidance to achieve performance targets.
• Foster a dynamic team environment focused on operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

Financial Management

• Control operating costs, including labor, waste, and store-specific expenses.
• Ensure accountability for performance, productivity, and development of the sales team.
• Manage the implementation of planograms to improve product ranging and availability.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Safeguard company assets and ensure they are not misused or abused.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the primary operational point of contact for external stakeholders including co-ops and mall management.
• Support the operational planning and scaling of new Gate Shops and Kiosks in existing and new markets.

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 7-10 years in food service and retail operations, demonstrating success in driving business growth within restaurant or cafe operations.
• Proven ability to manage direct-to-consumer sales channels effectively.
• High proficiency in both English and Arabic; customer-focused with strong relationship-building skills.
• Data-driven with experience in managing store-level P&L.
• Strong customer orientation, results orientation, and process orientation.
• Excellent analytical thinking, organization, teamwork, and adaptability skills.
• Candidates must already be based in Kuwait.