Retail Operations Assistant Manager

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 organising and disseminating new communication directives across various departments of Marks and Spencer.

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.

• 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).
• Utilise 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.

• Utilise 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 utilise software tools for creating, editing, and analysing 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 standardise reporting procedures and automate reports where feasible.

• 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 optimise resource allocation and make recommendations to ensure the right people are in the right place at the right time.
• Ensure timely delivery of the…