Full Time
Dubai
Posted on January 12, 2026

Website IKEA UAE

Your Mission: Lead the IKEA Store Heart

As the Store Operations Manager, you are the operational leader responsible for the entire in-store customer journey, from the moment they arrive until they leave. You will ensure our store operates seamlessly, safely, and efficiently, creating the unique IKEA experience that keeps customers coming back. Your focus is on the people, processes, and premises that make our store function brilliantly every day.

You will lead a large, diverse team across key store functions, driving performance through our IKEA values. Your success is measured by co-worker engagement, customer satisfaction, operational excellence, and commercial results. This role is the cornerstone of store leadership, requiring a balance of strategic planning and hands-on, day-to-day management.

Core Responsibilities & Key Result Areas

1. Leadership & Co-Worker Development

Lead, coach, and develop a management team of 4-6 leaders overseeing departments including Goods Flow (Logistics), Recovery, Safety & Security, Facilities, and Customer Services.
Foster a strong IKEA culture based on togetherness, simplicity, and cost-consciousness within your teams.
Drive co-worker engagement through clear communication, recognition, and by creating a safe, inclusive, and development-focused environment.
Be responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance management of your teams, championing internal career growth.

2. Operational Excellence & Customer Experience

Ensure smooth, efficient, and safe daily store operations, optimizing routines for goods receipt, replenishment, recovery, and facilities maintenance.
Own the store’s visual and operational standards, ensuring the premises are safe, clean, inspiring, and fully functional at all times.
Analyze and act on key performance indicators (KPIs) related to customer satisfaction (e.g., SFI – Store Feedback Index), stock availability, logistics efficiency, and safety.
Lead the store’s safety and security agenda, ensuring full compliance with UAE regulations and IKEA’s global safety standards.
Drive the commerciality of operations, finding efficiencies that reduce operational costs while improving the customer experience.

3. Commercial Contribution & Financial Stewardship

Contribute to the store’s Sales and Profit & Loss (P&L) performance by managing your area’s operational budget, minimizing waste, and optimizing resource planning.
Work closely with the Commercial Manager to ensure optimal product availability and effective store layout to support commercial goals.
Utilize IKEA operational systems and tools to forecast, plan, and review performance data, making informed decisions to improve results.

4. Project & Change Management

Lead or participate in local and global IKEA projects, such as new process implementations, store refurbishments, or sustainability initiatives.
Effectively manage change within your teams, communicating the “why” and guiding co-workers through new ways of working.
Act as Deputy Store Manager, taking full responsibility for the store in the Store Manager’s absence.

The IKEA Leader We Are Looking For

Experience & Competencies

Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of senior retail management experience, preferably in a large-format store environment. Proven experience in managing large, diverse operational teams (100+ co-workers) is essential.
Leadership Style:
- A servant leader who leads by example, empowers teams, and focuses on co-worker development.
- Strong coaching and people development skills with a proven track record of building high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the cultural sensitivity to lead in a multicultural environment.
Operational Acumen:
- Strong understanding of retail logistics, inventory management, and facilities operations.
- Experience with retail safety, security, and loss prevention.
- Data-driven decision-making skills, with proficiency in using retail management systems and analyzing KPIs.
- Financial literacy and budget management experience.
Personal Qualities:
- Shares and lives the IKEA values.
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a strong focus on commercial results and cost-consciousness.
- Resilient, adaptable, and solution-oriented, thriving in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Passionate about creating a better everyday life for both customers and co-workers.

Eligibility & Logistics

This role is open to applicants of all nationalities.
Professional fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Arabic, Hindi, or Urdu is a significant advantage for the UAE market.
Must be willing to relocate to the United Arab Emirates.
A university degree in Business Management, Retail, or a related field is preferred.

Why Join IKEA in the UAE?

A Career with Meaning

Lead with Purpose: Contribute to our vision of creating a better everyday life in a dynamic, growing market.
Growth Opportunities: IKEA is committed to internal promotion and offers clear career paths locally, within the region, and globally.
Make a Difference: Influence the retail experience for millions of customers in one of the world’s most exciting retail landscapes.

Compensation & Relocation Package

Competitive, tax-free salary aligned with market standards and your experience.
Full employment visa sponsorship for you and eligible dependents (spouse and children).
Comprehensive relocation support, including flight tickets, shipping allowance, and temporary hotel accommodation upon arrival.
Annual flight ticket allowance to your home country.
Private medical insurance for you and your family.
Education allowance for eligible dependent children.
End-of-service benefit (gratuity) as per UAE labor law.

Life in the UAE & Our Culture

Live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, world-class cities known for safety, diversity, and exceptional lifestyle amenities.
Be part of a truly diverse and inclusive team with over 50 nationalities.
Work in a value-driven company where your ideas are heard, and your leadership can make a real impact.
Enjoy staff discounts and the unique, vibrant IKEA co-worker community.

Application & Hiring Process

How to Apply

Prepare Your Application: Update your CV to highlight your retail operations leadership experience, team size, and key achievements (improvements in customer satisfaction, safety, efficiency, or cost savings).
Submit Online: Apply via the official IKEA Careers portal or the Al-Futtaim careers site, specifying your interest in UAE opportunities.
Initial Screening: Our recruitment team will review your application for key competencies. Successful candidates will be contacted for a preliminary video interview.
Competency-Based Interviews: A multi-stage interview process, including:
- Interview with the Store Manager and Market HR Manager.
- A practical assessment or presentation on an operational retail case study.
- A final “Values-based interview” to ensure alignment with the IKEA culture.
Offer & Onboarding: A formal offer will be extended. Our dedicated onboarding team will then guide you through the visa and relocation process, ensuring a smooth transition to life in the UAE.

Operations Manager IKEA UAE Dubai

To apply for this job please visit t.co.