Store Manager - IKEA

Job description / Role

Store Manager - IKEA - Doha - Qatar

Job Purpose:

- You will lead and develop all areas of the store in order to meet business objectives, maximise sales, volumes and efficiencies and ensure long term profitability.

- You will be responsible for all local operational and strategic decisions in conjunction with the Country Management team.

- You will coach the performance of the Store Management team and drive Co-worker engagement through Inter-IKEA Systems and local initiatives.

About the Job:

Commercial:
- The JH (Job Holder) will track the Store progress using the commercial growth review documents and operational review checklist throughout the year to ensure operational standards are consistently improved. This will be supported through the utilisation of all concept documentation and will be measured through ICSS.

Financial:
- The Job Holder is responsible for the preparation and achievement of the annual budgets relating to sales, gross margin, manpower and operating expenses.
- The JH is to monitor and authorise operating expenses on a monthly basis in order to achieve profitability targets. The JH provides input in discussions relating to the business strategy and commercial activity calendar.

People Management and Development
- The JH provides effective leadership and promotes of an environment of tolerance and understanding to a culturally diverse team, where teamwork is considered part of the daily routine and respect and corporation are achieved. In conjunction with the HR Business Partner support the learning and development plan to ensure all co-workers are trained and developed to the required standard
- The JH is responsible for setting priorities and objectives and to coach the performance of the Store Management team. The JH, in conjunction with the HR Business Partner, will formulate individual learning paths linked with the store business succession planning document to identify and develop internal talent in order to ensure the STAR Programme is alive and working.
- The JH in conjunction with the IKEA Service Office is responsible for developing the short term (1 year) and long term (5 year) business plan and to ensure regular follow up throughout the year. The JH will be responsible for the implementation and compliance of the plan and take appropriate corrective action where necessary.

Customers:
- The JH is responsible for delivering high levels of customer engagement/satisfaction as per the agreed benchmark from Inter-IKEA Systems through the implementation of company and local initiatives. The HJ must have operational excellence.
- The JH is responsible for ensuring that all visitors experience the `STORE IN SHAPE AS NEW` policy as per the recommended IKEA Concept documentation and that the store is safe for both customers and co-workers.

Requirements

- General Retailing Experience
- Must have a minimum of 7 – 10 years high volume or multi – unit Retail Management experience.
- Must have strategic, analytical and tactical abilities.
- Must be able to quickly develop in – depth knowledge of local market demographics and economic conditions.
- Genuine interest and knowledge of Home Furnishings.
- Genuine interest in visitors and customers.
- Must be computer literate (MS Office including Outlook).

Communication Skills:
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to share knowledge and understanding.
- Must have highly developed networking skills.
- Must be able to speak and understand English.

Leadership Skills:
- Must have proven leadership abilities and lead by example.
- Must have the ability to bring out the best in co-workers and to motivate and develop the organization.
- Must have the ability to create an environment where the IKEA values are a strong and living reality that embraces the diversity of co-workers and visitors.

Behavioural Competencies:
- Customer Focused
- Individual Accountability
- Continuous Improvement
- Personal Leadership
- Teamwork

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.