Key Responsibilities

1. Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework aligned with company strategy and growth plans.
• Identify, assess, and monitor strategic, operational, financial, compliance, and reputational risks, with focus on retail operations and supply chain.
• Maintain and regularly update the Risk Register, including risk ratings, controls, and mitigation plans.
• Facilitate risk assessment workshops with business leaders and ensure ownership of key risks.
• Report key risks, emerging threats, and mitigation status to senior management and the Audit Committee.

2. Internal Control Framework

• Design, implement, and oversee an effective Internal Control Framework covering retail stores, warehouses, e-commerce (if applicable), and head office functions.
• Ensure controls are embedded across critical processes such as sales, cash handling, POS operations, inventory management, procurement, warehousing, and financial reporting.
• Periodically review and enhance controls to address business expansion, new store openings, and process changes.

3. Retail, Inventory & Shrinkage Controls

• Establish strong controls over high-value perfume inventory, including receiving, storage, transfers, promotions, returns, damages, and expiries.
• Monitor and analyze inventory shrinkage, pilferage, and obsolescence; investigate variances and recommend corrective actions.
• Oversee physical stock counts and cycle counts; review discrepancies and ensure timely resolution.

4. Financial & Operational Controls

• Review controls over cash management, discounts, promotions, loyalty programs, and gift schemes.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of sales data, margins, and cost reporting from POS and ERP systems.
• Support finance teams during month-end and year-end close by validating key financial controls.

5. Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with Kuwait regulatory requirements, company policies, and internal governance standards.
• Support Board and Audit Committee requirements related to risk management and internal control reporting.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of policies, SOPs, and delegation of authority matrices.

6. Audits & Assurance

• Plan and conduct risk-based internal reviews and control assessments across business units.
• Coordinate with external auditors and regulatory reviewers.
• Track audit findings and ensure timely implementation and closure of management action plans.

7. Fraud Prevention & Investigations

• Design and implement fraud risk management and prevention mechanisms.
• Lead investigations into suspected fraud, control breaches, or unethical practices.
• Recommend disciplinary actions and control enhancements based on investigation outcomes.

8. Systems & Process Improvement

• Work closely with IT and operations teams to strengthen controls within ERP, POS, and inventory systems.
• Support system implementations, upgrades, and automation initiatives from a risk and control perspective.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency while maintaining strong controls.

9. Training & Awareness

• Conduct training and awareness sessions on risk management, internal controls, and compliance for store managers and corporate teams.

Promote a strong risk-aware and control-focused culture across the organization.

Skills

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of ERM and internal control frameworks
• Deep understanding of retail operations and inventory processes
• Excellent analytical, investigative, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities
• High integrity, independence, and sound professional judgment

Proficiency in ERP systems, POS platforms, and MS Office