Duty Free & E-Commerce Operations Lead Specialist

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Duty Free & E-Commerce Operations Lead Specialist to oversee and enhance the operational efficiency of our Duty Free and E-Commerce divisions. This pivotal role requires a forward-thinking professional capable of leading autonomous work activities, implementing long-term operational strategies, and driving significant improvements in policies, procedures, and standards. The ideal candidate will play a critical role in developing and updating eligibility criteria, assessing operator performance, and ensuring compliance with national and international regulations while fostering competitive advantages in the market.

Key Responsibilities

The Duty Free & E-Commerce Operations Lead Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of operational and strategic duties, including:

• Strategic Research and Recommendations: Conduct in-depth research on regional and international trends, strategies, protocols, and standards in Duty Free and E-Commerce to identify opportunities for gaining a competitive edge. Recommend innovative initiatives that align with organizational goals and market demands.
• Policy and Criteria Development: Review and update eligibility criteria for Duty Free and Authorized Express Carriers operators, as well as investment applications, ensuring alignment with ZATCA’s strategic priorities and national regulations. Recommend updates to service fee policies and exemptions for E-Commerce based on best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Technology and Systems Oversight: Research and recommend tailored technical software and systems to enhance communication and data exchange with relevant operators, ensuring fast, reliable, and secure operations.
• Regulatory Coordination: Collaborate with regional and global authorities to exchange critical data related to E-Commerce decisions, protocols, and standards, ensuring compliance with international best practices.
• Application Review and Approval: Receive and evaluate Duty Free & E-Commerce applications against established eligibility criteria and regulatory frameworks. Provide approval or rejection decisions for license requests and finalize agreements for approved applications, activating necessary facilities and ensuring operational support for investors.
• Performance Assessment and Compliance: Evaluate operators’ performance to determine license renewals or revocations. Conduct continuous follow-ups to ensure adherence to policies, guidelines, and regulatory standards. Perform site visits at ports to monitor activities and identify operational gaps for corrective action.
• Operational Oversight and Support: Process Duty Free entry and exit requests, as well as E-Commerce declarations, in accordance with applicable policies. Provide first-level support and escalate technical or operational issues to senior management for resolution. Address escalated tickets from operators to improve service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Inspections and Inventory Control: Conduct regular inspections of Duty Free and E-Commerce zones, perform inventory control through random site visits and system oversight, and reconcile goods’ movements to identify discrepancies for further investigation.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Gather and analyze data on Duty Free and E-Commerce sales to monitor revenue trends and customer demand. Consolidate violations and report findings to internal stakeholders for timely resolution. Develop and dispatch periodical reports highlighting operational activities, performance gaps, and strategic recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
• Process Adherence and Team Support: Ensure all operations adhere to relevant policies, processes, and standard operating procedures to maintain consistency and control. Provide guidance and support to junior team members to resolve escalated issues and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Qualifications and Competencies

To excel in this role, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or an equivalent field is required.
• Experience: A minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in Duty Free, E-Commerce, or a related operational field is essential.
• Competencies:
  • Advanced Data Analytics: Proficiency in analyzing complex datasets to derive actionable insights and drive informed decision-making.
  • Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, regional and global authorities, and stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement long-term operational strategies that align with organizational goals and market trends.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of national and international regulations governing Duty Free and E-Commerce operations.
  • Problem-Solving: Aptitude for identifying operational gaps, resolving escalated issues, and implementing corrective measures efficiently.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to reviewing applications, conducting inspections, and ensuring compliance with policies and standards.

Why Join Us?

As a Duty Free & E-Commerce Operations Lead Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our operations, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance with the highest standards. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic initiatives, collaborate with global stakeholders, and contribute to the growth and success of our organization in a dynamic and evolving industry.