Area Manager, UAE Full Time NEW

Rituals is entering a new phase in the region. Starting 2026, we have initiated our transition from a franchise model to a new Joint Venture. This strategic step strengthens our long-term commitment and enables us to further build our omnichannel brand with a strong local presence.

Reporting to the Head of Retail or Retail Operations Manager, you will be responsible for leading and developing multiple retail stores within an assigned territory, ensuring strong commercial performance, operational excellence, and alignment with brand standards. The position focuses on delivering business targets, enhancing the customer “Feel Good Experience,” and building high-performing teams.

The Area Manager will be a people-focused retail leader who delivers business results by inspiring teams, optimizing store operations, and ensuring a consistent, high-quality customer experience.

Purpose:

Responsible for managing and developing teams for an assigned area, by activating team (financial) plans and operational excellence within the stores, in line with the global standards and policies, to realise the objectives and growth within the shops of Rituals.

Business Impact:

Drive global and local consistency, embed the Feel Good Experience, and create a winning culture to become best in class.

Interaction:

• Reports to the Head of Retail or Retail Operations Manager.
• Manages 10-12 Shop Managers (depending on the variation of formats)
• Works closely with HR on building and developing strong teams and individuals.
• Contact with Retail Coordination about store operations and communication to stores.
• Contact with Training about the needs for commercial training of store teams.
• Collaborates with Senior Shop Manager(s) on area projects and new openings.

Creativity:

• Implement the market’s retail strategy and Rituals culture that aligns with the organization’s overall goals.
• Develop the regional annual performance planning (targets) in cooperation with the Head of Retail or Retail Operations Manager and adjust, based on external/internal circumstances, along the year when possibilities for improvement.
• Inspire a team of Shop Managers to continuously improve store operations, performance and engagement.

Result Areas:

Your Stores

• Manage the realisation and implementation of the strategy and annual plan towards the stores, monitor and adjust where necessary.
• Execute programs and the commercial cycle according global guidelines.
• Manage targets and budgets for the area, monitor performance in alignment with business needs and available resources.
• Translate targets into concrete action plans per store to drive sales and KPI performance.
• Approve and monitor staffing plans aligned with productivity targets and employee wellbeing.
• Be present in the field, visit every store once a month or more according to store and team needs.
• Drive operational excellence in store processes and systems.
• Regularly review health and safety reports from stores and provide feedback to the Head of Retail or Retail Operations Manager.

Your Team

• Lead and inspire (the cooperation between) colleagues within the area.
• Hire and retain a diverse, talented team that represents our FOAM values.
• Coach on the shop floor, inspiring continuous improvement in the Feel Good Experience.
• Ensure new employees in the area are successfully and consistently onboarded.
• Manage employee wellbeing and absenteeism professionally.
• Drive team participation in product, sales, operational and leadership trainings.
• Have effective conversations with Shop Managers about their performance and the individual performance & development of their respective teams.
• Anticipate on non-performers and on succession planning for talents in the area.
• Make plans to influence People KPI’s (sickness, turnover, engagement, etc.).
• Facilitate effective team meetings and workshops.

Your Rituals

• Act as a brand ambassador and FOAM role model.
• Cascade and filter information effectively from central / local head office to store management.
• Be a change agent; drive central / local transformation programs to optimize store performance and store operations.
• Provide insights regarding quantitative and qualitative developments by means of periodical and ad hoc reports and/or analyses.
• Create a winning culture by presenting team goals and expectations clearly while being soft on people in a Rituals way.

Skills & Competencies:

• Communicate Effectively: Develop and deliver communication that shows understanding of unique needs of different audiences.
• Ensure Accountability: Hold self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drive Engagement: Create a climate where people are motivated to help the organisation reach its objectives.
• Plan and Align: Plan and prioritise work to meet commitments aligned with organisational goals.
• Build Effective Teams: Build strong teams that apply diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Financial acumen: Interprete and apply understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
• Customer Focused: Build strong customer relationships and deliver customer-centric solutions.
• Direct work: Provide direction, delegate, and remove obstacles to get work done.

Key Requirements:

• At least five years of relevant experience within the retail or hospitality industry.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject.
• Fluency in English and any other language would be an advantage

“We’re not here to sell you beauty; we are here to make you feel good.”

Raymond Cloosterman, CEO Rituals