Senior Manager - Retail Operations

About This Role

About:

Alef Group is a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, and is seeking a bilingual, highly skilled, and experienced Senior Manager - Retail Operations to lead and optimize the operational performance of Alef’s retail assets and join the team in Sharjah.

Job Purpose:

The Senior Manager – Retail Operations will be responsible to lead and optimize the operational performance of the company’s retail assets (shopping malls and retail outlets), ensuring high standards in tenant experience, customer engagement, commercial outcomes, and asset value enhancement. The role will drive operational excellence, revenue growth, and seamless integration between retail operations and the broader real estate development strategy.

Key Accountabilities:

Retail Asset Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations of malls and retail assets, ensuring efficient facility management, security, housekeeping, and compliance with operational standards.

Tenant Relations & Performance Management

• Build strong relationships with tenants, monitor tenant sales performance, and proactively address operational or commercial concerns.

Commercial Performance & Revenue Optimization

• Drive revenue through optimization of service charges, retail categories, kiosks, pop-ups, and ancillary income streams (e.g., media, events, sponsorships).

Retail Strategy & Leasing Support

• Collaborate with leasing and development teams to align tenant mix, zoning, and positioning with market demand and project vision.

Customer Experience & Footfall Growth

• Develop and implement customer engagement initiatives, events, and activation strategies to drive traffic and improve shopper experience.

Budgeting & Cost Control

• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost optimization measures without compromising service quality.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with local regulations, health & safety standards, and company policies across all retail assets.

Stakeholder & Internal Coordination

• Act as the key interface between retail operations, property management, development, marketing, and finance teams.

Data Analytics & Reporting

• Track KPIs such as footfall, sales density, occupancy cost, and tenant performance; provide actionable insights to senior leadership.

Educational Qualifications, Work Experience, and Skills Required:

Educational Qualifications:

• Must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Real Estate, Retail Management, or a related field
• MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is preferred

Work Experience:

• Must have a 10 - 15 years of experience in retail operations, mall management, or commercial property management with a minimum 5 years in a leadership role managing large-scale retail assets.
• Must have a proven experience in tenant management, retail strategy, and revenue optimization
• GCC market exposure preferred

Skills required:

• Strong understanding of mall operations, retail KPIs, and asset management
• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, and revenue optimization
• Knowledge of leasing dynamics and tenant mix strategy
• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation skills
• Customer-centric and commercially driven mindset
• Analytical thinking with problem-solving ability
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and service providers
• Strong communication and influencing capability
• Results-driven with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement