Role Profile

Drive the overall operational strategy and execution across markets, ensuring delivery of the business plan for both stores and delivery channels. This role holds joint accountability for the P&L, focusing on maximizing sales, profitability, and sustainable growth.

UAE - 318 stores & Oman - 11 stores 

Accountable, through a team of leaders (Operations Managers /District Managers), for end-to-end store operations across the markets. Drives operational excellence, partner development, and commercial performance while ensuring brand standards, customer experience, and business growth are consistently delivered.

Plays a critical role in shaping and executing business strategies, leading market initiatives, and ensuring successful new store openings and expansion plans.

Key Performance Areas include but are not limited to:

Business & Financial Performance
• Set, agree, and deliver the annual business plan, with a strong focus on sales growth, cost control, people, and profit maximisation.
• Identify and drive strategic opportunities and initiatives to achieve target growth and profitability.
• Contribute to and lead the strategic direction of the business, including expansion, infrastructure readiness, and ensuring return on investment (ROI) targets are achieved.
Operations Excellence
• Set the benchmark for operational excellence, ensuring the highest standards in store operations and customer service across all markets.
• Balance local market cultural and legal requirements while maintaining overall Starbucks brand integrity.
• Continuously review and enhance operational procedures and business practices to drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
• Lead a team of Operations Managers / District Managers to ensure consistent delivery of Starbucks standards across all stores.
• Drive excellence in customer experience, store operations, and visual merchandising execution.
• Ensure seamless execution of new store openings, including operational readiness, partner capability, and training.

People & Talent Leadership
• Own and be accountable for succession planning, talent development, and manpower planning across all operational roles.
• Ensure all operational roles are staffed at optimum levels to support business performance.
• Develop leadership capability within the team, coaching and inspiring leaders to build high-performing, engaged teams.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Act as a key link between Operations and Brand/Support teams, maintaining strong, dynamic relationships.
• Collaborate closely with functional leaders (People, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance, Property) to deliver the overall strategic plan.
• Partner with the Property team to expand the store portfolio in high-potential locations.
Growth & Market Expansion
• Lead the identification and execution of strategies to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and market expansion.
• Leverage market insights and operational data to shape future growth strategies.

Leadership & Culture
• Lead with a deep understanding of operations, systems, and tools to ensure Starbucks operating standards are consistently achieved.
• Foster a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Inspire teams to deliver both business results and exceptional partner & customer experiences.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in multi-unit retail / F&B operations with experience of managing large teams
•  Strong commercial acumen 
•  Track record of leading large, geographically dispersed teams.
•  Expertise in talent development, succession planning, and organisational capability building.
•  Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence across senior leadership teams.
•  Passion for customer experience, brand excellence, and partner engagement.

Leadership and Cultural Fit
• Leads with impact, authenticity, and a people-first mindset.
• Drives accountability while fostering a high-performance culture.
• Balances strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
• Customer-centric mindset with a passion for community impact and social responsibility.
• Champions Starbucks values and builds a culture of belonging and excellence.

Reporting

• Reports to: Starbucks Director of Operations
• Direct reports include Operations Manager & District Managers  ( In certain markets only )