Area Manager - Retail Operations, UAE

About the Role

Rituals is embarking on a new chapter in the UAE starting 2026 by shifting from a franchise to a Joint Venture model, marking a stronger commitment to establishing an omnichannel presence locally. As an Area Manager reporting to the Head of Retail or Retail Operations Manager, you will oversee multiple retail locations in your designated territory, focusing on driving commercial success, operational effectiveness, and upholding brand integrity. Your leadership will be instrumental in fostering an exceptional customer "Feel Good Experience" and cultivating high-performing teams across stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage 10-12 Shop Managers, ensuring alignment with brand standards and business goals.
• Implement the retail market strategy and preserve Rituals' company culture in the assigned area.
• Develop and adjust annual area performance plans collaboratively with senior management.
• Drive sales and KPI achievement by translating targets into actionable store objectives.
• Oversee staffing plans to balance productivity and employee wellbeing.
• Conduct regular store visits (at least monthly) to monitor operational excellence and team engagement.
• Champion employee onboarding, development, attendance management, and training participation.
• Act as a brand ambassador, effectively communicating updates from corporate to stores and driving change initiatives.
• Produce and analyze periodic reports on qualitative and quantitative business developments.

Essential Requirements

• A minimum of five years' experience in retail or hospitality management.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a suitable discipline.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication skills tailored to diverse audiences.
• Accountability and leadership to meet organizational commitments.
• Ability to engage and motivate teams towards business objectives.
• Strategic planning and prioritization aligned with company goals.
• Team building emphasizing diversity and collaborative success.
• Financial literacy to interpret key indicators for informed decisions.
• Customer-centric mindset focused on relationship building and solutions.
• Effective delegation and problem-solving to ensure task completion.

Additional Information

The Area Manager will work closely with HR, Retail Coordination, Training departments, and Senior Shop Managers on various projects including new store openings. Regular review of health and safety reports and maintaining a positive team culture are integral parts of the role.

"We’re not here to sell you beauty; we are here to make you feel good." - Raymond Cloosterman, CEO Rituals