Head of Retail Innovation - Smart Retail (HSR005)

To lead the groups innovation and retail experience strategy by identifying, piloting, and deploying cutting-edge technologies that enhance customer engagement, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation across Saudi Arabia.

• →Develop and oversee the companys retail innovation roadmap, introducing AI, IoT, immersive technology, and predictive analytics into the customer journey.
• →Pilot and scale intelligent store formats including cashier-less checkout, smart fitting rooms, mobile-first customer journeys, and behavioral analytics engines.
• →Collaborate with the IT, UX, and operations teams to ensure the integration of front-end innovations with back-end systems and infrastructure.
• →Partner with marketing and product teams to develop in-store experiences that align with brand storytelling, loyalty strategy, and customer retention goals.
• →Lead cross-functional innovation squads focused on specific challenge areas from last-mile delivery tech to in-store personalization and employee enablement.
• →Source and evaluate technology partners, startups, and solution providers capable of accelerating the groups innovation agenda.
• →Track innovation ROI across pilots, measuring engagement uplift, operational savings, and conversion improvements.
• →Serve as a thought leader in retail innovation forums and represent the company in industry and regulatory innovation councils.

• 10-15 years of experience in digital innovation, retail technology, or experiential commerce with a proven track record in the GCC retail sector.
• Strong exposure to AI-enabled personalization, RFID, mobile commerce, or AR/VR in consumer environments.
• Experience designing innovation programs from ideation to commercialization, ideally within high-footfall retail or lifestyle brands.
• Bachelors degree in Business, Technology, or Innovation Management; Masters preferred.
• Fluent in English, with Arabic proficiency strongly preferred to lead internal adoption and external partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial spirit with corporate structure sensitivity, able to deliver impact within a matrixed environment.