The General Manager role is pivotal in guiding the business to achieve outstanding results while cultivating a culture of excellence, motivation, and inclusivity.
Location: Barbados
The Opportunity
Caribbean ARI Inc. operate Duty Free retail under the brand name ‘Runway Duty Free’ in the international departures area of Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados. Categories include fragrance, skincare, cosmetics, sunglasses, accessories, liquor, tobacco and confectionery.
The General Manager role is pivotal in guiding the business to achieve outstanding results while cultivating a culture of excellence, motivation, and inclusivity. Success in this role is driven by effectively managing the retail operations and resources, ensuring sales growth, financial stability, and customer-centricity. By promoting continuous performance improvement and fostering strong stakeholder relationships, the successful candidate plays a key role in steering the organisation toward sustained success.
Retail Operations Leadership
•Oversee the Retail Operation and Support Office Functions, including Finance, HR, Buying, Marketing, and Logistics.
•Ensure compliance with all applicable business processes, procedures, and standards.
•Performance & Financial Management.
•Champion operational standards and retail excellence across store, ensuring consistency in execution and brand experience.
•Deliver budgeted financial performance and key targets.
•Maximise financial returns from retail operations.
•Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals to drive sales and maximise Passenger Average Spend (PAS).
•Drive innovation in store, layouts, and technology to enhance the customer journey and operational efficiency.
•Set and review KPIs across all business functions and departments.
Strategic Growth & Innovation
•Drive improvements for increased sales through shift excellence, rostering tools, and real-time sales analysis.
•Develop meaningful customer insights to maximise commercial returns.
•Implement best-in-class practices (category management, space planning, customer segmentation).
•Identify and mitigate risks and threats to the business.
Leadership & Team Development
•Provide leadership, motivation, and coaching to build a high-performing, agile, and effective team.
•Inspire the retail team to embody the company and brand's vision, mission, and values.
•Champion talent management and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
•Apply ARI Leadership Standards and deliver on people objectives.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Customer Experience & Excellence
•Motivate the team to enhance customer satisfaction through an outstanding retail offering.
•Deliver excellence in operational standards and the "ARI Way".
•Partnerships & Stakeholder Management.
•Represent the business unit, cultivating strong relationships with regulatory and government bodies.
•Identify and pursue partnership opportunities.
•Negotiate with the airport on sales initiatives and financial strategies to improve profitability.
Key Experience & Background
•A senior professional with a proven track record in the development and operation of consumer focussed retail operations (10+ years’ experience)
•Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
•Experience liaising with airport authorities, tourism boards, and regulatory bodies.
•Proven experience in Travel Retail
•Strong financial and commercial acumen
•Experience in buying/supply chain operations desirable
•Significant stakeholder management experience
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Key Skills & Competencies
•Customer led dynamic leader who is sales and performance driven
•Highly resilient with an ability to influence and motivate all levels to achieve effective business results
•Expertise in delivering exceptional service standards tailored to international travellers and local shoppers.
•Familiarity with Retail systems, retail analytics, and digital transformation tools to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
•A confident, highly motivated individual with strong leadership and interpersonal skills
•Articulate and excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
•Ability to identify and evaluate opportunities and to implement change
Ability to inspire and nurture an effective and diverse team in a result orientated environment
