Retail Area Manager

Retail Area Manager - Lead ELC Toys Stores in the UAE(Retail Operations | Multi-Site Leadership | Toys )The Opportunity:Are you aproven multi-site retail leaderwho thrives in the field, coaching teams to success and driving commercial results? ELC Toys Stores is seeking a high-energy, hands-onArea Managerto oversee and elevate the performance of8-12 retail locationswithin a defined UAE territory.This is a critical role for a leader who wants to spend80% of their time in stores, mentoring Store Managers, ensuring operational excellence, and creating memorable shopping experiences for families. If you have a passion for retail, a sharp commercial mind, and a talent for developing people, this is your next career moveWorking closely with the Operations Manager, you will receive regular coaching and support while maintaining day-to-day responsibility for your territory's commercial performance and operational compliance.Success Measures:Sales achievement, operational compliance scores, customer experience metrics, team development, and consistent brand execution across all locations in your territory.Key ResponsibilitiesStore Leadership & Performance Management (80% Field-Based)Conduct regular store visits (minimum 4 days per week in stores)Coach and develop store managers to improve performanceHold store managers accountable for sales, service, and operational standardsConduct monthly 1-on-1 performance reviews with each store managerProvide real-time feedback and implement immediate improvements during visitsBuild strong relationships with store management teamsCreate positive, motivating environment that drives resultsCommercial Performance & Sales:Drive sales performance across all stores to meet/exceed targetsAnalyse sales data and identify opportunities for improvementImplement promotional campaigns and seasonal initiatives effectivelyEnsure optimal product availability and merchandising standardsMonitor competitor activity and market trendsWork with store managers on local area marketing opportunitiesManage store P&L performance within budget parametersOperational Excellence & Compliance:Ensure 100% compliance with company policies, procedures, and brand standardsConduct operational audits and implement corrective actionsMaintain health and safety standards across all locationsOversee inventory management, stock control, and loss preventionEnsure proper utilisation of company systems (CUBES, reporting tools)Implement visual merchandising and store presentation standardsMonitor and improve operational efficiencyTeam Development & Recruitment:Develop store manager capabilities through structured coachingIdentify training needs and create development plansSupport recruitment and selection of store-level managementConduct induction and onboarding for new store managersCreate succession planning for management positionsProvide mentoring and career development guidanceFoster culture of continuous learning and improvementCustomer Experience:Ensure exceptional customer service standards across all storesMonitor customer feedback and implement improvementsDrive product knowledge and educational toy expertise in teamsAddress customer complaints and escalations appropriatelyEnsure stores deliver brand promise consistentlyCreate memorable shopping experiences for familiesCollaboration & Communication:Attend weekly 1-on-1 coaching sessions with Operations ManagerParticipate in monthly business review meetingsCollaborate with other UAE Area Managers to share best practicesWork effectively with head office support teams (HR, Finance, IT, Marketing)Provide timely reporting on territory performanceEscalate issues appropriately and seek support when neededRepresent the field perspective in company initiativesEssential Requirements:Experience & Background✓ 4-6 years multi-site retail management experience✓ Proven track record managing store managers/supervisors✓ Experience in fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment✓ Strong commercial results and sales improvement achievements✓ UAE retail experience essential✓ Toys, fashion, lifestyle, or similar retail sectors preferred✓ UAE Driving License RequiredLeadership & People Skills✓ Strong coaching and mentoring capabilities✓ Ability to build rapport and positive relationships quickly✓ Performance management experience with constructive feedback approach✓ Team development focus with track record of growing talent✓ Comfortable managing people managers✓ Motivational leadership styleCommercial & Operational Skills✓ Strong commercial acumen and sales-driving ability✓ Understanding of retail KPIs and performance metrics✓ Experience managing store budgets and controlling costs✓ Solid grasp of inventory management and loss prevention✓ Attention to detail on operational compliance✓ Practical problem-solving approachCommunication & Interpersonal✓ Very good English (written & verbal) - essential for reporting✓ Comfortable presenting to groups and conducting training✓ Ability to give constructive feedback effectively✓ Strong listening skills and empathy✓ Cross-cultural communication capability✓ Professional presence representing the brandTechnical & Practical✓ Proficiency in retail systems and MS Office✓ Strong organisational skills managing multiple locations✓ Valid UAE driving license✓ Comfortable with regular travel across territory✓ Ability to work flexible hours including weekends when requiredPersonal Attributes✓ Field-focused approach (energised by store visits, not desk work)✓ Collaborative team player✓ Receptive to coaching and feedback from Operations Manager✓ Self-motivated with ability to work independently day-to-day✓ Resilient and positive under pressure✓ Genuine passion for retail and customer serviceDesirable RequirementsExperience working with international retail brandsUnderstanding of franchise retail operationsPrevious exposure to toy retail or children's productsExperience with UK retail standardsAdditional languages (Arabic) beneficialFormal retail management qualificationKey Performance IndicatorsSales & Commercial PerformanceSales achievement vs target (individual stores and territory total)Like-for-like sales growthAverage transaction value and items per transactionConversion rates and customer countMystery shopper scoresOperational ExcellenceOperational compliance audit scores (target >85%)Health and safety complianceStock accuracy and shrinkage controlVisual merchandising and store standards scoresSystem utilisation and reporting accuracyTeam DevelopmentStore manager performance ratingsTeam retention rates in your territoryTraining completion ratesSuccession pipeline strengthEmployee engagement scoresCustomer ExperienceCustomer satisfaction scoresCustomer complaint resolutionBrand standards consistencyNet Promoter Score (NPS)Personal EffectivenessStore visit completion (minimum 5 days/week in field)Report submission timeliness and qualityResponsiveness to Operations Manager guidanceCollaboration with other AMs and head officeReporting & AccountabilityDailyStore visit reports documenting observations, actions, and follow-upsReal-time communication of critical issues to Operations ManagerWeeklyTerritory performance summary with key metrics1-on-1 coaching session with Operations ManagerUpdate on actions from previous weekMonthlyComprehensive business review for territoryStore manager 1-on-1 performance reviews (all stores)Development plan updates for each store managerCost and budget reviewQuarterlyTerritory strategic review with Operations ManagerTalent and succession planning updateMajor initiatives and improvement projects reviewWorking ArrangementsTime Allocation:80% field-based (store visits, coaching, operational support)20% office/home-based (reporting, planning, meetings)Typical Week:Tuesday-Saturday: Store visits across territoryMonday: Office work, reporting, 1-on-1 with Operations ManagerOccasional weekends during peak periodsTravel:Regular travel across assigned territory (daily commute to different stores)Hours:Full-time with flexibility for store trading hours and peak periodsBase Location: Will be assigned based on territory (RAK / Al Ain / Dubai/Abu Dhabi)Territory StructureYour territory will typically include:Store Portfolio:8-12 retail locations (mix of The Entertainer and Early Learning Centre)Various store formats (mall locations, concessions)Different trading characteristics and performance levelsGeographic Scope:Concentrated within one UAE region for manageable travelMix of high-performing and development storesVariety of mall environments and customer demographicsTeam Structure:Each store has Store Manager + Supervisors + Sales AssociatesYou manage the Store Managers directlyPackageSalary :based on experienceBonus :Monthly performance-based bonus schemeBenefits:Health insurance30 days annual leaveAnnual return flight homeEnd of service gratuity (UAE Labour Law)Car allowance or fuel reimbursementCompany mobile phoneEmployment Type:Permanent, full-timeLocation:UAE (specific base location confirmed based on territory assignment)This role offers the opportunity to lead a retail territory with strong support and development, working as part of a collaborative team while having day-to-day autonomy in the field.