Retail Operations Manager - Oceania

About Us

BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income. The company is deeply footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774. With around 7100 employees worldwide, BIRKENSTOCK is the largest employer in the German footwear industry.

The BIRKENSTOCK Group is headquartered in Linz am Rhein and maintains several locations in Germany, as well as sales offices in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Asia.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Retail Operations Manager on a 13-month Fixed-Term basis to manage and coordinate the Birkenstock stores and assist in growing sales. The role is also responsible for assisting the Store Managers in their roles by developing the customer service skills within their respective teams, increasing return customers.

This is a leadership role, reporting directly to the Head of Retail - Oceania. The role requires on-site availability Monday-Friday.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall management and coordination of the Birkenstock stores

• Direct and supervise the retail team across all stores to ensure they meet set objectives

• Provide training to retail team members to develop their skills and enhance their job

• Provide regular on-the-ground support to the retail sales team and store managers

• Mentor and motivate retail team members to put in their best efforts

• Staff Rosters – ensuring stores staffed correctly at all times

• Act as the central contact and key support between retail and office teams to ensure communication and all retail related initiatives e.g., VM, marketing etc are implemented expediently

• Contact store managers and other retail team members to communicate relevant information

• Supervise, train, and support store managers/assistant store managers in their roles

• Conduct store managers’ performance management

• Provide the store operations manual to the store manager

• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and procedures at all retail stores

• Visit retail stores to ensure efficient and effective management, store presentation and cleanliness

• Manage the recruitment lifecycle of retail team members and their performance management, supported by the People & Culture Business Partner and store managers

• Provide solutions that address performance issues in a timely and effective manner

• Manage the customer experience process, including customer care and customer complaints

• Co-ordinate, facilitate and finalise stock takes for all stores by following processes, providing training and organising staff and equipment.

About You

• 3+ years of experience as an area manager of 5+ retail locations.

• Proven responsibility for P&L, store operations, and team leadership

• Holds a current Drivers License

• A strong background in:

o Operational excellence (store standards, execution, compliance)

o Sales performance management

o Budgeting & forecasting

o People leadership across multiple layers (store managers, area managers)

• Customer-first mindset with the ability to drive premium customer experience.

• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making.

• Passion for footwear, fashion, and lifestyle brands.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a globally iconic brand.

• 13-month contract

• Collaborative, people-focused culture.

• Generous staff discounts & employee perks.

• Easy access to public transport.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

How to Apply

If you are a strategic, innovative, and results-driven leader with a passion for retail and lifestyle brands, we’d love to hear from you.