Director of Retail Operations III - Ontario International Airport

Avolta, including its subsidiaries Dufry, HMSHost Corporation, Hudson, and affiliates, represents a global leader in travel retail and hospitality services. Operating in dynamic and high-traffic locations such as airports, Avolta specializes in delivering exceptional retail experiences to millions of travelers worldwide. With a strong reputation built on innovation, operational excellence, and commitment to customer satisfaction, the Company offers a robust career platform for professionals seeking growth and impact in the retail sector. The Company practices equal opportunity employment ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment across all its operations. Located in regions proximate to Riverside and Los Angeles, Avolta’s operations at Ontario International Airport are poised to deliver multi-unit retail solutions that place a premium on quality, efficiency, and customer engagement.

The Director of Retail Operations III role at Ontario International Airport is a pivotal leadership position responsible for overseeing multiple retail units that generate between $10 million and $20 million in annual revenue. This role demands a strategic and seasoned executive capable of driving sales growth, enhancing profitability, and ensuring operational excellence across diverse retail brands. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Retail Operations, the Director will lead with a focus on high employee engagement, exceptional customer service, and strong collaboration with multiple stakeholders including landlords, unions, DBE/Joint Venture partners, and brand representatives. This position requires an individual with deep expertise in retail operations, multi-unit management, and financial acumen to influence key business decisions and operational strategies.

The Director will be responsible for the daily operational oversight of various retail locations, instilling operational standards that align with brand expectations and company policies. They will analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), manage budgets diligently, and take corrective actions as necessary to optimize financial results. Leading regular operations meetings, the Director evaluates sales performance by store, category, and brand to identify trends and inform strategic direction. This role emphasizes talent management by making hiring, promotion, and performance decisions that support diversity and inclusion.

A critical aspect of the job involves maintaining and enhancing strong relationships with landlords, brand partners, and diverse stakeholders such as unions and DBE participants. The Director ensures that operational procedures, including opening, closing, reporting, and certification tasks, are executed flawlessly in coordination with partners. Facility maintenance and upgrades to meet brand and operational standards also fall under the purview of this role.

Additionally, the Director champions employee engagement and recognition programs that promote alignment with the company’s core values. Coordinating closely with the Operations Controller and senior leadership including SVP/VP, the Director plays a key role in financial planning and strategic initiatives. The role requires the candidate to work with supply chain, commercial, and marketing teams to optimize inventory levels and product assortments, manage vendor relations, and resolve supply chain challenges effectively.

Proficiency with various retail systems such as MIV, Crunch Time, and Kronos is essential. The Director will oversee the implementation of planograms, visual merchandising strategies, and product placements to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. This role also demands a proactive approach to resolving complex customer and employee issues, fostering technology adoption, and monitoring market trends and consumer behavior to sustain competitive advantages.

The advertised compensation for this role ranges from $97,214 to $123,037, reflecting the seniority, responsibilities, and expertise required. The position necessitates flexibility in work hours including early mornings, peak periods, late-night closings, weekends, and holidays to ensure leadership presence and operational integrity across all sites. The Company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, holiday pay, 401(k) retirement plans, company-paid life insurance, tuition reimbursement, employee discounts, employee assistance programs, and career growth opportunities. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic leader with a passion for retail operations excellence and team development within a thriving travel retail environment.