Position Overview: The Area Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations across multiple retail locations or production units of a diamond jewelry company within a defined geographic area. The role involves driving operational excellence, ensuring high standards of customer service, managing inventory, leading a team, and meeting business objectives in alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Management:
   • Oversee and manage day-to-day operations of multiple stores or production facilities in the assigned region.
   • Ensure efficient management of inventory, stock, and supplies, minimizing waste and shrinkage.
   • Ensure adherence to company policies, quality standards, and compliance with health, safety, and legal regulations.
   • Develop, implement, and maintain operational procedures and protocols to streamline workflows.
2. Team Leadership & Staff Management:
   • Manage and develop a team of store managers, supervisors, and support staff.
   • Conduct regular performance reviews, set clear goals, and provide coaching and feedback.
   • Foster a positive and high-performance culture that motivates employees to exceed sales and service expectations.
   • Coordinate training programs to ensure employees are knowledgeable about products, customer service, and operational systems.
3. Customer Experience & Sales Performance:
   • Drive high levels of customer satisfaction by maintaining high standards of service.
   • Monitor sales targets and KPIs for each location and develop strategies to improve sales performance.
   • Address and resolve customer complaints or issues in a timely and professional manner.
   • Develop strategies for improving footfall, customer engagement, and retention.
4. Inventory & Stock Control:
   • Oversee stock levels and coordinate with the purchasing department to ensure product availability.
   • Analyze inventory trends and sales data to optimize stock management and minimize overstock/stock outs.
   • Ensure that all diamond jewelry pieces are properly labeled, categorized, and tracked.
5. Financial Management:
   • Monitor budgets for the region, ensuring profitability and cost control.
   • Analyze financial reports, including sales performance, expenses, and inventory turnover.
   • Work with senior management to develop forecasts and strategies for growth within the region.
6. Reporting & Communication:
   • Provide regular updates to senior management regarding operational performance, challenges, and achievements.
   • Ensure proper documentation of operations, sales data, and inventory audits.
   • Maintain clear and efficient communication between stores, head office, and other departments.
7. Compliance & Risk Management:
   • Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations, such as ethical sourcing, anti-money laundering laws, and security protocols.
   • Implement and maintain security measures to prevent theft or loss of valuable assets.
8. Strategic Planning & Business Development:
   • Identify new market opportunities and propose strategies for expanding the business in the region.
   • Support the implementation of marketing campaigns and promotions to increase brand visibility and sales.
   • Collaborate with the marketing and product teams to enhance product offerings and align with market demand.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, Operations, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Experience:
  • 5+ years of experience in operations management, preferably in retail or luxury goods, with a focus on diamond jewelry or related sectors.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing teams and achieving operational and financial goals.
  • Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, and customer service best practices.
  • Experience with managing high-value, high-quality products (such as diamonds and fine jewelry) is preferred.
• Skills:
  • Excellent leadership and team-building abilities.
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to drive sales performance and manage financial metrics.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
  • Proficiency in MS Office and retail management software.

Key Attributes:

• Attention to Detail: Ability to manage intricate processes related to high-value products like diamonds.
• Customer-Centric: Focus on delivering excellent customer service and building long-term relationships.
• Leadership: Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and guide teams to success.
• Results-Oriented: Drive for achieving business objectives, including sales and operational efficiency.
• Ethical and Integrity-driven: Knowledge and commitment to ethical business practices, particularly in the context of diamond sourcing and trading.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time, with some flexibility required for travel between stores or production units.
• Occasional weekend or holiday work depending on business needs.

This role requires an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, luxury retail environment and is able to juggle multiple operational priorities while ensuring the highest standards of service and product excellence.