General Manager

**Job Advert**:
We are looking for a dynamic, resilient, and efficient leader to join the Ackermans Operations senior leadership team as **General Manager - Operations Support**. You will based at our Head Office in Kuilsriver.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive: Operations, you will provide strategic, tactical, and operational management support and guidance to the Operations Leadership team with a specific emphasis placed on Visual Merchandising, Operations Projects, Field Communications and Operations Systems.

If you are self-motivated, passionate about performance and have the high energy level required for this fast-paced, exciting, and dynamic retail environment, consider this to be an opportunity to invest and grow your career.

**Qualifications**:
**Essential**:

- Management/Leadership Development Programmes

**Preferred**:

- Degree in Business Commerce/Retail or Marketing
- Advanced Retail and Leadership Programmes from Universities/Colleges

**Knowledge, Skills and Experience**:
**KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS**:

- Deep understanding of operational store processes and methodologies
- Experience in formulating and executing retail operational strategies
- A comprehensive knowledge/understanding of the local and international retail markets, customers, and competitors.
- Knowledge of retail merchandise cycles with regards to Buying, Planning, Logistics and Stores
- Knowledge of retail business systems and related processes (IT)
- Ability to complile qualitative and quantitative information for Operations team (metrics, analysis and reporting).
- Knowledge of best practice visual merchandise processes and practices
- Proven leadership ability with strong self management skills
- Business and interpersonal proficiency
- Ability to communicate and motivate using strong written and verbal communication
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced computer skills
- Advanced communication and presentation skills
- Ability to set and deliver on business targets, timelines and strategic plans
- Change management and communication
- Ability to manage cross-functional teams
- Project management skills

**EXPERIENCE**:

- 5+ Years senior management experience in the retail sector with a proven track record in retail operations, showing clear ability to set and deliver on business targets, timelines and strategic plans.
- Strategy formulation and tactical execution with regards to Visual Merchanding, Operations Projects, Operations Communication and Operations Systems.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Strategy formulation and execution**
- Oversee the formulation of tactical strategies and departmental business plans to support overall operations and business strategy.
- Interpret, communicate, and execute strategy alongside Visual Merchandise Manager, Operations Systems Manager, Operations Communications and Projects teams.
- Partner with key internal stakeholders i.e., Buying, Planning and Marketing to ensure tactical plans are incorporated in overall business plans.
- **Project Management and Communication**
- Liaise with stakeholders and EXCO on CAPEX projects’ needs and priorities.
- Lead multiple projects across various workstreams.
- Execute CAPEX projects within set budgets and timeframes.
- Effectively communicate and drive operations change initiatives.
- **Visual Merchandising**
- Research and analyse VM best practices and recommend fresh/new thinking.
- Partner with Product, Planning and Marketing departments and ensure that service delivery expectations are maintained and effectively communicated.
- Test different VM methodologies & implement best practices e.g., Store of the Future, VM Plus, etc.
- Support tactical VM/product interventions as and when needed.
- **Operations Systems and Processes**
- Maintain and improve operations methodologies and practices.
- Research and analyse operations systems best practices and recommend fresh/new thinking.
- In partnership with Operations Systems Manager, champion the translation of business requirements into effective and efficient systems solutions.
- Support Operations Systems Manager to successfully launch solutions and help to maximise the positive impact on the business and organisation.
- **Leadership**
- Lead the Operations Support team to maximise productivity and achieve departmental objectives.
- Develop and empower the team by implementing sound people management practices, employee relations, and a climate and culture of high performance.