Store Manager

Quest Search & Selection; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growing design-led business

Abu Dhabi cultural destination

VIP guest exposure

Premium customer experience

Landmark store opening

Job summary

Quest Search & Selection is partnering with a design-led retail business in Abu Dhabi to recruit a Store Manager. You will lead day-to-day operations, drive exceptional customer experiences, and act as brand ambassador in a premium cultural setting.

You will manage ~12 staff, deliver operations reports, and collaborate with leadership on events and VIP engagements, ensuring outstanding service in a luxury environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Store Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong people management and coaching experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams in customer-facing environments.
• Experience managing operational performance and customer experience standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable engaging with VIP guests and high-profile visitors.

Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of day-to-day store operation.
• Ensure presentation, service, and operational excellence.
• Monitor store performance and drive results.
• Maintain inventory accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare regular operational and performance reports.
• Lead, develop, and motivate a team of ~12 employees.
• Coach, train, and manage performance; promote a customer-focused culture.
• Deliver exceptional experiences in a premium cultural environment.
• Engage with VIP guests and stakeholders; support events and activations.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

VIP guest engagement

Team coaching

Job description

Store Manager - Abu Dhabi

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Working Pattern: 6 Days Per Week

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Opportunity We are recruiting on behalf of a unique design-led retail business operating within some of Abu Dhabi's most prestigious cultural and museum environments. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Store Manager to lead the opening and day-to-day operations. Unlike traditional retail environments, this role places a strong emphasis on customer experience, hospitality, storytelling, culture, and engagement. The successful candidate will lead a team responsible for delivering an exceptional experience to both local and international visitors, including VIP guests.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations

• Take full ownership of the day-to-day store operation
• Ensure the highest standards of presentation, service, and operational excellence
• Monitor store performance and implement actions to drive results
• Maintain inventory accuracy and operational compliance
• Prepare regular operational and performance reports

Team Leadership

• Lead, develop, and motivate a team of approximately 12 employees
• Conduct coaching, training, and performance management activities
• Foster a positive and customer-focused culture
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and employee development initiatives

Customer & Visitor Experience

• Deliver exceptional customer experiences in a premium cultural environment
• Act as a brand ambassador for the business
• Engage with local and international visitors in a professional and welcoming manner
• Ensure the team provides knowledgeable product recommendations and storytelling experiences

VIP & Stakeholder Management

• Host VIP guests and key stakeholders when required
• Support special events, activations, and cultural initiatives
• Collaborate closely with the wider leadership team on operational requirements

Preferred Backgrounds

• Luxury Retail
• Premium Retail
• Hospitality
• Guest Relations
• Hotels
• Lifestyle Brands
• Beauty Retail
• Fashion Retail
• Duty Free
• Customer Experience-Focused Businesses

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Store Manager, Assistant Store Manager, Guest Services Manager, or similar leadership role
• Strong people management and coaching experience
• Proven ability to lead teams within customer-facing environments
• Experience managing operational performance and customer experience standards
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Comfortable engaging with VIP guests and high-profile visitors

Success Profile

• Polished and professional
• A natural people leader
• Customer-centric and service-oriented
• Highly organised and hands-on
• Passionate about delivering exceptional experiences
• Comfortable operating in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Interested in design, culture, hospitality, or premium retail

Nice to Have

• Museum or cultural institution experience
• Exposure to art, design, or creative industries
• Arabic language skills

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to join a growing and design-led business
• Be part of one of Abu Dhabi's most exciting cultural destinations
• Exposure to international visitors and VIP guests
• Leadership role within a premium customer experience environment
• Opportunity to contribute to a landmark store opening

If you have a passion for leadership, customer experience, and premium retail or hospitality environments, we'd love to hear from you.