This report provides a comprehensive analysis of leadership and management roles, characteristics, and their application within an operational context, using the German retail company Aldi as a case study. It begins by defining and comparing the roles of leaders and managers, highlighting their distinct responsibilities and characteristics, such as strategizing, communicating, motivating, and delegating. The report then examines how leadership and management functions apply in various situational contexts, including fast-changing business environments and conflict situations, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to meet customer needs and resolve internal issues. Furthermore, it explores the application of different leadership theories and models, such as situational, systems, and contingency leadership, to enhance operational efficiency. Key approaches to operations management, including total quality management, just-in-time, lean principles, and six sigma, are also explained, emphasizing the roles of leaders and managers in achieving business objectives. Finally, the report assesses the impact of factors within the business environment, such as economic and social factors, on operational management and decision-making, concluding with an overview of the key insights and implications for effective leadership and management in the retail sector.