Operational Excellence Manager

WHO YOU ARE:

We are looking for a passionate, dynamic and results-driven Operational Excellence Manager to join the Ardene Headquarters Store Operations team. This role is integral to elevating store performance by combining operational precision with a strong focus on people development. The Operations Manager will lead initiatives that enhance consistency, efficiency, and execution across all stores while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Reporting to the Head of Stores, the responsibilities of the Operational Excellence Manager include, but are not limited to:

Training & Development

• Design and deliver operational training programs, tools, and content that align with business strategy and support company objectives.
• Create effective and engaging resources such as guides, playbooks, and checklists to enhance store team performance.
• Build training and development content tailored to store operations and team growth.
• Identify training needs across regions and develop targeted initiatives to strengthen operational capabilities.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs and continuously improve content based on feedback and performance outcomes.

Operational

• Oversee and support the execution of daily store operations, ensuring efficiency and consistency in all processes.
• Address and resolve operational challenges, including inventory management, OMNI process execution, and adherence to store and service standards.
• Monitor operational compliance across regions and identify opportunities to streamline procedures and improve store performance.
• Conduct weekly store visits at the Headquarter’s Flagship store, and accompany Head of Stores and OPS team on additional store visits to assess performance and support operational initiatives.
• Collaborate with store District Supervisors and Regional Directors to ensure best practices are communicated, understood, and applied consistently.

Team Leadership & Project Management

• Manage a team of 3 OPS members, including the Operational Coordinator, Operational Specialist, and Project Lead, overseeing all projects, tasks, and initiatives associated with the Store Operations team.
• Drive the team toward achieving corporate objectives and strategic goals.
• Support team development through coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

Strategic Alignment & Communication

• Partner cross-functionally with HR, Marketing, Visual, and Brand teams to align operational and training strategies with overall company goals.
• Deliver presentations, and lead meetings that engage and inspire teams.
• Drive strong communication to stores and take ownership of weekly newsletter content.
• Contribute to strategic projects that enhance operational excellence and support long-term business growth.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in business management, retail management or other related field of study.
• 5+ year of experience in retail operations.
• Experience in retail operations, store management, or a related field, with a strong focus on operational excellence and team development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to interact with multiple stakeholder groups across the organization at various levels.
• Ability to build and lead a high functioning team that are results oriented.
• Ability to adapt and adjust to shifting priorities.
• Ability to introduce new ideas to enhance both operations and training effectiveness.
• Ability to foster and build trust and alignment across teams and functions.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute business strategies and initiatives that achieve financial performance and operational targets.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms used for operations, training, and communication (e.g., SurveyMonkey, GoCanvas, Microsoft Office Suite).
• Demonstrated analytical, strategic thinking, and problem solving skills.
• Bilingual (English/French).
• Ability to work in-office 5-days per week.

Artificial intelligence (AI) may be used to support certain stages of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications. AI is used as a tool to assist our hiring team and does not make hiring or rejection decisions. All employment decisions are made by Ardene's recruitment team.

Ardene is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, does not discriminate in hiring or terms and conditions of employment on the basis of an individual’s race, ancestry, color, place of origin, religion, gender, gender identity, citizenship, age, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, family status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. Accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Selection decisions are solely based on job-related factors.