Central Operations Manager

Central Operations Manager is responsible for driving store-level performance, ensuring operational excellence across the retail network, and acting as the key connect point between stores, category, marketing, supply chain, HR, and finance teams. The role requires strong analytical capability to consolidate data from multiple stakeholders and leverage AI tools to build dashboards that enable faster, data-driven decision-making.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across assigned stores to ensure SOP compliance, visual merchandising standards, and customer experience benchmarks are met.
• Drive sales targets, inventory accuracy, shrinkage control, and cost optimization at the store level.
• Monitor store performance through regular audits, store visits, and performance reviews with store managers.
• Ensure adherence to statutory, safety, and compliance requirements across all store locations.
• Support new store launches, renovations, and closures in coordination with project and category teams.
• Manage manpower planning, training needs, and performance management for store teams in coordination with HR.
• Prepare and present periodic operational reports (sales, footfall, conversion, stock, manpower productivity) to senior management.

VALUE-ADD FOCUS AREAS

• Stakeholder Connect: Act as the single point of contact between stores and cross-functional teams (Category, Supply Chain, Marketing, Finance, HR, IT) to ensure smooth flow of information and quick resolution of operational issues.
• Data Consolidation: Gather and consolidate data from multiple stores/systems into a single, accurate, and standardized source of truth for reporting and decision-making.
• AI-Enabled Dashboards: Work with AI/analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Excel with AI add-ins, ChatGPT/Claude based automation, Python-based tools) to build and maintain real-time dashboards for sales, inventory, and store performance tracking.
• Process Automation: Identify manual, repetitive reporting tasks and use AI tools to automate data compilation, reducing turnaround time and human error.
• Insight Generation: Translate consolidated data and dashboard outputs into actionable business insights and recommendations for leadership.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate/Postgraduate in Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven experience in multi-store retail operations, preferably in apparel/fashion/lifestyle retail.
• Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel/Power BI; working knowledge of AI-based analytics or automation tools is a strong plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel across store locations as required.