Retail Operations Manager Middle East

Role overview

Giorgio Armani has recently established its Middle East branch in Dubai, following a shift from a wholesale approach to direct retail operations across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. The business is seeking a Retail Operations Manager to strengthen store performance, improve profitability, and help deliver a shopping experience that aligns with both customer expectations and company standards.

This position supports business growth through structured planning, efficient execution, and cross-functional coordination. It also contributes to a healthy team environment, stronger collaboration, and sustained sales growth across the region.

The role covers all group brands: Giorgio Armani, Emporio Armani, Armani Exchange, Armani Junior, EA7, Armani Casa, and Armani Caffè.

Reporting line and location

The position reports directly to the Head of Retail Middle East, with a dotted-line relationship to Retail Operations Managers at headquarters. The role is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Core responsibilities

The Retail Operations Manager is expected to ensure that daily store operations run efficiently and in line with brand standards across Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar. The role includes managing store operations, inventory flow, POS-related processes, facilities, and overall operational support for the retail network.

Stock and inventory management

• Oversee stock movements and handling for new openings, store closures, and special projects.
• Ensure stock rooms are sufficiently equipped to support business needs.
• Make sure incoming and outgoing products are processed according to company procedures.
• Track and resolve open issues related to inventory control.
• Apply standard operating procedures consistently to keep operations efficient.

Operations and project management

• Assess operational impacts within projects and propose improvements to processes.
• Manage stock controllers, including their training and performance assessments.
• Lead the operational side of openings, relocations, and conversions, coordinating with all relevant departments.
• Identify process issues and address them promptly and effectively.
• Prepare and review reports connected to logistics, deliveries, and storage.
• Work closely with IT, Facilities, and Finance teams to resolve issues and support business objectives.
• Train other teams on system-related procedures and workflows.
• Maintain, update, and improve operational policies, technical systems, manuals, and training materials.
• Coordinate packaging programs.
• Encourage the use of digital services to expand business opportunities, support virtual sales, and enhance customer service.

Logistics, budgeting, and facility support

• Review logistics challenges and introduce process improvements to raise performance.
• Prepare the operations budget proposal for the Finance team, including supplier and activity data.
• Plan budgets for store openings.
• Support retail leadership to ensure facilities comply with company policies and procedures.
• Act as a link between retail facilities and corporate vendors.
• Assist with developing, tendering, and prioritizing lease and vendor contracts across retail locations.

Requirements

• A degree in Business Administration or a closely related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in retail operations within the luxury or fashion sector in the GCC region.
• Enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute to a regional start-up environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and proven leadership capability.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and build trust at all levels.
• A sense of urgency and a proactive, action-driven mindset.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent organisational, project management, and strategic planning skills.
• Comfort operating in a fast-moving environment and adapting to change.
• High accountability and a strong focus on delivering results.
• Willingness to travel and maintain a strong work ethic.

Additional information

The company states a commitment to diversity and inclusion within a collaborative workplace that supports both personal and shared growth.