Section Manager

Job Requisition ID: 177419 

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. 

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

• The Deputy Manager is tasked with achieving operational excellence within the store, supporting the Store Manager in meeting sales targets alongside maintaining positive P&L and ensuring brand compliance. This role requires fostering a working environment that upholds brand values, encourages teamwork, and delivers exceptional customer service. Working in conjunction with key stakeholders such as the Commercial Team, HRBP, and Operations Team, the Deputy Manager will address organizational policies impacting inventory levels, budget management, customer interaction, and profitability optimization. Success in this role is measured by the ability to maximize store performance, motivate staff, and create aspirational shopping environments.

Sales

• Lead by example in customer service; greet customers and provide assistance to ensure standards are followed, reflecting a strong image for our brands and company.
• Review and analyze sales figures to identify opportunities to develop and drive sales performance at department and BU level.
• Challenge the team to improve performance compared to business and shape of chain using relevant retail metrics.
• Engage with department colleagues to enlist support for local opportunities that deliver sales growth for the store.
• Analyze and demonstrate an understanding of the competition and identify opportunities to exploit at store level.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the customer and challenge the team to drive conversion, average basket, UPT, and maximize sales.
• Schedule monthly and daily planning for store cover, based on sales trend/week and hours/day.

Commercial & Visual

• Deliver store standards and implement events with an impact and commercial focus.
• Challenge direct reports on product presentation and ensure business policies and seasonal launches are delivered in line with brand principal guidelines.
• Ensure VM elements highlight the merchandise throughout the store to create customer awareness of different lines.
• Benchmark own standards with peer stores and competitors, creating an aspirational shopping environment aligned with brand principles.

Stock Management

• Ensure SOPs are followed in all matters related to stock management, including shipment receiving, cycle count, and transfer between stores.
• Ensure proper cover for OPS team for replenishment of best sellers and communicate with Commercial and Merchandiser.
• Regularly review top and bottom selling lines with the store manager to ensure the store is carrying the correct options to maximize sales.
• Review stock management process and stockholding areas with direct reports and operations team to identify risk areas and initiate necessary actions.

Service

• Role model service standards and generate excitement and commitment to service.
• Respond to customer complaints with a priority on satisfying the customer.
• Ensure effective replenishment complies with company standards.
• Seek feedback from customers on service standards to drive improvement.
• Drive the internal assessment process to maintain high service standards daily.
• Ensure all employees complete required service training regarding customer service and business expectations.

Standards and Compliance

• Ensure store is adequately resourced across all areas touched by legal compliance, with thorough knowledge of compliance issues.
• Keep employees knowledgeable and updated on SOPs.
• Implement store self-assessment audits and internal reviews, and work with management to ensure actions are delivered.
• Deliver a safe and legally compliant store environment, reviewing with the Health and Safety officer to identify and act on risks.
• Ensure store maintenance issues are reported and resolved quickly according to company standards.
• Regularly review cleaning contractors to ensure they meet brand cleaning specifications, escalating risks appropriately.

Costs Control

• Deliver efficient use of FTE in the store, comparable to MPC to sales ratio and productivity.
• Challenge teams to deliver shrinkage targets through accurate management of stock systems and people processes.
• Create and implement a robust Cost Improvement action plan for the store to drive improvement.

• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commercial acumen and financial understanding.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking ability.

• Graduate Degree required.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in retail management.
• Proven track record in achieving set targets and KPIs.
• Experience with and passion for fashion brands.
• Strong leadership abilities and customer management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to critically think and solve problems efficiently.
• Commercial acumen and familiarity with fashion industry trends.

About Al-Futtaim Retail

Al-Futtaim Retail has established itself as one of the leaders in Retail across the Middle East, Africa & Asia over the past 30 years. We have developed partnerships with some of the biggest and most respected Brands in the world including IKEA, ACE and Toys R Us in the Middle East and the Inditex Group of Brands (Zara, Mango, Bershka and P&B) across Asia. We are also one of the largest Global partners of Marks and Spencer’s in both regions with over 75 stores offering both fashion & food options.
 
Most recently we have been responsible for bringing brands to the Middle East for the first time with the exciting launches of Watsons and B&Q and we aim to continue to be agile and adaptive to our markets with new launches and further development. For this to be possible we aim to recruit the best talent from all backgrounds who will continue to challenge and develop our diverse workforce which includes over 100 nationalities across 12 countries. Join us today and make a difference…