Group Operations Director

Lead a Major Multi-Format Retail Turnaround - UAE. A rare mandate: Full P&L ownership of a large-scale retail turnaround. Our client is a well-established, large-scale multi-format retail group in the UAE — spanning hypermarkets, supermarkets and department stores — currently executing a multitrack transformation strategy under direct Chairman and CEO sponsorship. AgileHC Consulting has been retained on a confidential basis to find the Group Operations Director who will own and elevate the performance of the existing store network, reporting directly to the CEO. This is not a maintenance role. It is a time bound, CEO-backed mandate to fix the fundamentals — leadership capability, inventory discipline, buying process and store execution — across a network of 40+ stores, with full visibility at Chairman level. What You'll Own: Full accountability for EBITDA and sales productivity across the group's entire store network. A 30-day capability review of every Store, Area and Regional Manager, Buyer and Department Head. A weekly performance governance rhythm that turns reporting into resolution, not just visibility. Five functional heads — Retail Operations, Commercial Excellence, Retail Excellence, Supply Chain & Inventory, and People & Performance — aligned under one plan. Direct, monthly reporting to the CEO and Chairman on turnaround progress. What We're Looking For: 20–25 years in senior multi-site retail operations leadership, with P&L ownership at group or divisional level. Hypermarket and department store operations experience is mandatory. A demonstrated track record of leading a full business turnaround — not only operating an already-stable network. Experience directing multi-functional retail leadership teams as direct reports. Prior exposure to board- or Chairman-level reporting and governance. GCC/UAE retail leadership experience strongly preferred.