Gucci Operations Manager

About Gucci

Gucci, one of the world’s most influential luxury houses, offers employees the opportunity to contribute to a Florentine legacy defined by creativity, craftsmanship and cultural daring. As part of Kering, the Maison combines Italian heritage with a progressive global outlook, fostering careers across design, retail, clienteling, merchandising, digital, operations and corporate functions. Gucci seeks individuals who bring curiosity, excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit, supporting them through inclusive leadership, learning opportunities and international mobility. Its workplace celebrates self-expression, collaboration and innovation, while upholding exacting standards of quality, sustainability and client experience.

Gucci seeks an Operations Manager in Costa Mesa, California, to lead store operations, inventory, payments, omnichannel execution, compliance, and back-of-house teams while elevating the client experience. The role requires at least 5 years of retail operations management experience; a bachelor’s degree is a plus. The estimated base salary is $90,000–$100,000 annually, with eligible employees able to participate in benefits and an incentive program.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of the store’s operational strategy, managing store operations and back-of-house teams to improve efficiency and provide timely support.
• Drive, improve, and maintain operational excellence across the store; monitor quantitative and qualitative KPI dashboards and develop action plans with a commercial and strategic mindset.
• Maintain the organization of back-of-house and proximity areas, stockrooms, cash counters, maintenance and tailoring rooms, product-care areas, and holding areas.
• Develop and implement inventory-management strategies to optimize stock levels, minimize losses and shrinkage, track merchandise accurately, and oversee cycle counts and stock reconciliation.
• Monitor payment flows and tenders, including cash, store credits and deposits, special orders, and discounts; reconcile tills daily, verify transaction compliance and accuracy, and report discrepancies or issues to Finance/Accounting/Kering Services and store management.
• Oversee omnichannel activities, including collect-in-store, pay-by-link transactions, in-store iPad use, and appointment-booking services.
• Serve as the cross-functional point of reference with Retail, Security, Facility, Inventory Control, Kering Service, Digital, and Merchandising to execute Gucci’s operational and service standards.
• Ensure operations tools remain functional, are understood technically, and are used effectively, supported by a strong presence on the sales floor.
• Lead the product-care team and ensure efficiency across before-sale and after-sale activities and KPIs.
• Ensure compliance with company guidelines and local regulations for payments, returns, exchanges, refunds, and sensitive transactions while providing a positive client experience and minimizing checkout wait times.
• Follow security procedures to prevent theft, fraud, and stock losses.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, regulations, health and safety standards, legal requirements, and internal guidelines.
• Assist with floor coverage, client purchases, and store opening and closing.
• Oversee general store maintenance and ensure IT equipment is working properly; deliver an excellent hospitality experience for clients.
• Plan communications and implementation of new retail operations policies and processes; train new and existing staff on store procedures and tools; lead, mentor, and motivate the team to achieve operational excellence.
• Assist in training Operations Managers at other locations and support store openings, closures, refurbishments, and temporary stores within the market or region.
• Support the Store Director in managing and controlling costs and efficiency.
• Manage team uniform orders from entry and allocation through distribution.
• Stay informed about industry trends, market dynamics, and competitor activity; propose and implement initiatives to improve operational efficiency and drive business growth.
• Lead the Store Operations and Back Office teams and foster a positive, unified work environment.
• Establish effective communication between front-of-house and back-of-house managers and team members to strengthen collaboration and coordination.
• Coach and develop direct reports in operations, customer service, and sales support.
• Lead annual Performance and Development Conversations with direct reports, ensuring constructive career discussions.
• Conduct regular monthly OTOs with team members to discuss performance, results, opportunities, and action plans.
• Ensure effective, holistic, and timely onboarding for new team members.
• Manage and resolve employee-relations matters in partnership with Store Managers and People Partners.
• Partner with the Store Director to attract, recruit, and retain a high-performing operations team and build a talent pipeline through networking and competitive headhunting.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of retail operations management experience, preferably in fast fashion or luxury retail.
• A bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• A proven record of success managing inventory, logistics, and store operations.
• Ability to analyze information, identify business priorities, solve problems, and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High ethical standards, professionalism, integrity, and the ability to inspire trust and influence a team.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels in an international environment.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve goals.
• Knowledge of retail best practices, market trends, and customer behavior.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving abilities, with keen attention to detail.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, as needed.
• Proficiency in inventory management software, SAP, and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; knowledge of RFID systems is a plus.

Skills

Experience

At least 5 years of retail operations management experience, preferably in fast fashion or luxury retail.

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Workplace

Compensation

The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 90,000 to USD 100,000 per annum.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off (PTO); 401(k); eligible employees may participate in an incentive program, subject to its rules and performance-related factors.

Culture

Gucci fosters a creative, inclusive workplace where individuality, craftsmanship, and cultural curiosity are central to how teams collaborate. As an employer, the Maison encourages bold ideas and personal expression while maintaining a strong commitment to excellence, innovation, and responsible luxury.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.