Director - Retail Operations

About:Alef Group is a pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, is seeking a dynamic and strategic Director - Retail Operations to lead, manage, and optimize the operational performance of Alef's retail portfolio.Job Purpose:The Director – Retail Operations will be responsible for leading, managing, and optimizing the operational performance of the retail portfolio within Alef’s real estate developments, ensuring maximum tenant satisfaction, high occupancy levels, strong brand positioning, and sustainable revenue growth through effective operational, financial, and customer experience strategies.Key Accountabilities:Develop and implement retail operational strategies, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient day-to-day management and alignment with the company’s overall business objectives.Oversee and monitor retail asset performance to achieve targeted occupancy rates, rental income, and return on investment.Drive and manage tenant relationship programs to enhance tenant satisfaction, retention, and brand reputation across all retail properties.Coordinate and supervise the handover process of retail units to tenants, ensuring timely delivery and compliance with contractual, design, and operational standards.Collaborate with leasing and marketing teams to plan and execute tenant mix strategies, promotional activities, and footfall enhancement initiatives that increase visitor engagement and sales performance.Establish and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for property management, maintenance, and customer service to ensure a consistent and high-quality retail experience.Lead and manage the budgeting and financial planning process for retail operations to ensure cost efficiency and profitability targets are met.Monitor and evaluate vendor and service provider performance to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are met and operational costs are optimized.Ensure compliance with all regulatory, health, safety, and environmental requirements across the retail portfolio to maintain a safe and compliant operating environment.Provide leadership and direction to the retail operations team, fostering a culture of performance excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.Report and present operational performance metrics, risks, and improvement initiatives to senior management to support informed strategic decision-making.Educational Qualifications, Work Experience, and Skills required: Educational Qualifications & Certifications:Must have Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Real Estate Management, or a related field.Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.Work Experience:Must have a minimum of 15 years of experience in retail operations management within the real estate development or retail property sector, of which at least 5 years must be in a senior leadership role.Proven experience in managing large-scale retail destinations (e.g., malls, mixed-use developments, or lifestyle centers).Demonstrated success in tenant relations, operational excellence, and commercial performance management.Skills required:Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.Excellent understanding of retail asset management and operations best practices.Financial acumen with the ability to develop and manage budgets effectively.Strategic thinking with the ability to translate corporate goals into operational plans.Strong negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.Proficiency in retail management systems, lease administration tools, and MS Office suite.High attention to detail with strong organizational and analytical capabilities.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and multicultural environment.