Operations Director – Supermarket & Hypermarket

About the role

The Operations Director for Supermarkets & Hypermarkets will lead large‑scale retail and F&B operations across the UAE, driving profitability, supply‑chain efficiency and a premium customer experience.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end operations of a portfolio of hypermarkets and supermarkets, ensuring brand standards and KPI delivery.
• Manage P&L, optimise operational costs and implement budgeting and forecasting frameworks.
• Oversee F&B, catering and central kitchen operations, maintaining food safety, quality and culinary innovation.
• Develop and execute sales strategies to increase basket value, footfall and market share.
• Implement lean processes to minimise shrinkage, manage high‑volume inventory and enhance supply‑chain efficiency.
• Build and mentor a high‑performing management team of 1,000+ employees across multiple sites.
• Ensure compliance with UAE municipal regulations, health and safety (HACCP) and labour laws.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Marketing and HR to launch promotions and optimise workforce planning.
• Champion digital transformation, including automated checkout systems and last‑mile delivery integration.

Required profile

• 15‑20 years of senior retail or FMCG operations experience, preferably in the GCC.
• Proven ability to influence C‑suite executives, government authorities and external partners.
• Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of retail economics and P&L management.
• Leadership of large, multicultural workforces and resilience during peak retail cycles.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field; MBA preferred.

Required skills

• ERP systems experience (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and Retail POS analytics.
• Lean Six Sigma, PMP or Advanced Retail Management certifications.
• Financial analysis and strategic sales planning.
• Operations management expertise, including store layout, inventory control and workforce optimisation.