Manager Retail Operations Excellence- EM

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

This role owns workforce management and scheduling excellence across the Own Retail channel, with a strong focus on hands on labour planning, scheduling efficiency, payroll control, and productivity improvement.

In addition, the role supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of retail operational standards, tools, compliance, and BOH operational excellence, ensuring consistent execution of EM and global retail programs.

• Lead & own Workforce Optimization programs, including payroll planning, labour forecasting, and scheduling efficiency across 18 countries throughout the Emerging Markets territories.
• Drive hands on implementation, adoption, and continuous improvement of workforce management tools (UKG or Similar tools) across Own Retail.
• Lead strategic headcount planning to ensure the right staffing levels across departments.
• Train, coach & support Local teams to ensure effective use of workforce tools and processes.
• Analyse payroll, productivity, and scheduling data to generate actionable insights and improvement plans.
• Drive process excellence initiatives to improve workforce efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Partner with HR, Finance, Retail Operations, and Cluster teams to optimize labour deployment and support business needs.
• Manage vendor relationships and support enhancements to workforce systems and digital tools.
• Support the development and continuous improvement of retail operational standards, tools, and compliance processes.
• Lead retail operations projects end to end, from assessment and planning to implementation and measurement.
• Equip clusters with updated operational guidelines, tools, training materials, and compliance documentation.
• Monitor operational excellence initiatives using data driven KPIs and ensure consistent adoption across markets.
• Act as the EM subject matter expert for workforce management and retail operational excellence, promoting practical best practice sharing grounded in store execution.
• Drive BOH operational excellence, including inventory accuracy, stockroom standards, deliveries, replenishment, and digital enablers (RFID, BINS).

• Regional & Cluster Retail Operations Teams
• Global DTC Operations & Global Retail Operations
• HR, Finance, Merchandising, SCM, Store Development, Real Estate, IT
• Legal & Internal Control
• VM & Marketing

• Expertise in retail operations & process improvement, and workforce management
• Hands on expertise in retail workforce management, scheduling, payroll control, and productivity analysis
• Advanced analytical, problem solving, and data interpretation skills
• Strong project management from planning to execution and measurement
• High influencing ability across global and remote environments
• Excellent planning, communication, facilitation, and presentation skills
• Innovative mindset with proven adoption of new tools and processes
• Advanced MS Office proficiency (Excel, PowerPoint, Project); MS Access a plus
• Fluent in English; additional languages an advantage
• Ability to influence and engage multi cultural teams in a remote working environment

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in retail operations or workforce management.
• Minimum 4-5 years of retail operations experience with direct exposure to labour scheduling, payroll planning, or workforce productivity management.
• 5+ years Retail Store Operations experience strongly preferred.
• Experience leading change, training, and influencing cross functional teams.
• Experience in Sports / Fashion / FMCG industries preferred.
• Retail Store Management experience is an advantage.