Operational Excellence Manager

Ardene

$75K — $95K *
Retail & Consumer Goods
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business management or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in retail operations.
  • Proven expertise in operational excellence and team development.
  • Strong communication skills for engaging multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to lead and develop a high-performing team.
  • Adaptability to shifting priorities and new ideas.
  • Bilingual in English and French.

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement operational training programs aligned with business goals.
  • Create engaging resources to improve in-store team performance.
  • Identify and address training needs across different regions.
  • Oversee daily store operations for consistency and efficiency.
  • Resolve operational challenges related to inventory and compliance.
  • Conduct weekly visits to flagship stores for performance assessments.
  • Collaborate with supervisors to ensure best practices are applied.

Benefits

  • Engaging and dynamic workplace culture.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Access to ongoing training and development programs.
  • Team-oriented environment encouraging collaboration.
Full Job Description
Location Details: Head Quarters

PostalCode: H7X 4G8

Category: Corporate

Requisition Number: 19249-OPM-10-24-25

Date Opened: October 24, 2025

Number of Openings: 1

Job Type: Permanent

Pay Class: Full Time

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Career Level: Experienced

Description:

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.

GROW WITH US!

We're pretty proud to say that everything we do starts with our people - whether it's in-store or at the head office. From sales associates and store leadership; dedicated in-house apparel and design teams; marketing, brand, and digital experts; stylists, photographers, and graphic designers; all the way to store concept and operations. We do it all. Ardene is truly a creative hub that is second to none.

Be part of a fun, dynamic and energetic team! Join our team and begin your career at one of North America's top retail chains!

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