Requirements
The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in hospitality business with extensive technical knowledge and related food hygiene certifications. Proven track record in hospitality business and retail operations, particularly within F&B or retail industry. Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills, strong capabilities in analyzing complex data, and an outgoing, positive personality focused on teamwork and results are essential.
Description
Job description / Role
Job Type
Full Time
Job Location
Dubai, UAE
Nationality
Any Nationality
Salary
Not Specified
Gender
Not Specified
Arabic Fluency
Not Specified
Job Function
Catering, Food Services & Restaurants
Company Industry
Retail
About Al-Futtaim Group
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.
Overview of the role
The Hospitality and Counters Operations Manager for MENA & KSA is tasked with spearheading the strategic vision and operational execution of in-store bakery, hospitality, and counters functions. The role involves driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing efficiency. This position is essential for shaping and implementing long-term strategies, optimizing performance, and ensuring excellence through transformational leadership and collaboration with the Food Buying teams and Operations. The manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations, aligning with strategic objectives, and working closely with cross-functional teams to drive successful business outcomes.
What you will do
Financials
Deliver the sales plan for Regional M&S hospitality and counters business by identifying opportunities across all departments.
Regularly review and analyze sales figures to identify opportunities for sales performance enhancement across the region.
Identify risk areas and probe performance to implement improvements.
Engage with team, UK Specialists, Food Buying team, and other Operations colleagues to drive sales performance.
Maximize stock accuracy and availability through effective management practices.
Ensure accurate and timely implementation of corporate seasonal updates and events.
Service and product quality
Manage the delivery of a memorable customer experience by connecting with customers to sell.
Conduct Ready To Trade checks, customer walkthroughs, and observations to ensure service standards.
Ensure Café Managers effectively manage service points like till points and service counters.
Provide feedback to teams to recognize great service and drive improvements.
Coach teams to actively demonstrate and role model excellent service.
Standards and operational excellence
Ensure the M&S Way document is up to date and adapted to the MENA region.
Lead the design and deployment of best-in-class bakery equipment and processes to enhance efficiency.
Champion innovation projects for bakery performance including product development and sustainability initiatives.
Ensure a safe and legal working environment for customers and colleagues by managing TSL and compliance.
People management
Manage a committed team, engaging and supporting them to recognize their contributions.
Communicate effectively and engage with teams through regular updates and team briefs.
Drive individual performance and develop potential through career path implementation.
Meet with HR to build strong training, recruitment, and engagement plans.
Cost optimization
Contribute to store profitability by minimizing losses and managing staff costs accurately.
Review Trade Meeting feedback to manage cost lines efficiently.
Implement cost-saving initiatives such as packaging optimization and waste reduction.
Required skills to be successful
High-level strategic planning and delivery skills.
Operational transformation leadership and large-scale project management experience.
Expertise in Capex planning, cost control, and optimization.
Advanced knowledge of baking, hospitality, and counters operations with process improvement and category management.
What qualifies you for the role
Proven track record in hospitality business and retail operations, particularly within F&B or retail industry.
At least 5 years of experience in hospitality business with extensive technical knowledge and related food hygiene certifications.
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to work under pressure and tackle challenges.
Strong capabilities in analyzing complex data for decision-making and understanding financial and commercial levers in cafe and restaurant management.
Outgoing, positive personality focused on teamwork and results.
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…
About the Company
Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940's and 50's saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.
The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario. The Groups continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.
The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Groups belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing the Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.
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