Area Manager

Absolute Pets is a fast-growing specialist retail company that caters to the premium pet market offering pet lovers a range of food and accessories for their beloved companions. The Company is the leading pet care retailer in the country with over 180 stores nationwide and aims to be one of the most respected specialist retailers in the country.

Overview of the Role
An opportunity has become available for an Area Manager in Gauteng. The individual will be responsible for overseeing stores mainly in Pretoria as well as in Johannesburg, and potential outlying stores. The successful candidate will need to oversee and be responsible for the operations of their assigned stores. They will need to drive revenue and ensure the customer service experience is aligned to brand standards.

The position will report directly to the Regional Manager.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring all customers in all stores experience the highest level or service at all times
• Responding to customer complaints referred by store managers and ensuring timeous resolving.
• Ensuring individual and overall sales targets are met and exceeded. Fortnightly meetings with store managers to review and drive team performance. Ensuring that the team maintains a high level of up-to-date product knowledge at all times via in store and supplier training.
• Coaching, development and motivation of team. Ensure succession plan is in place for all stores, as well as for own role.
• Conducting performance appraisals/reviews on Store Managers twice a year, managing poor performance and dealing with staff issues that store manager has escalated.
• Scheduling of staff across all stores ensuring optimum customer service and coverage.
• Ensuring that the team uses product knowledge to give expert advice to customers on all our products.
• Ensuring compliance across all stores to company policies and procedures.
• Ensuring high level of cleanliness and housekeeping in stores and back areas.
• Ensuring optimum stock management and stock rotation
• Maintaining Visual management – ensuring merchandise is kept neat and orderly in appearance, and merchandising goods according to guideline principles.
• Ensuring that promotions and windows are set up according to guidelines and visually appealing.
• Ensuring that the team follow through on any Marketing requirements.
• Cash pickups from stores as required.
• Ensuring that all stores manage admin accurately and timeously including stocktakes, ordering, goods receiving, inter branch transfers, credits and all other necessary transactions.
• Ensuring the team maintains a high standard of appearance
• Monitoring what local competitors are doing. Recommending and implementing changes to improve store experience (products, opening hours, promotions etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS, PERSONAL TRAITS AND EXPERIENCE

Criteria

Essential

Desirable

Attainments/Educational Level/Qualifications

Matric

Valid SA driver's license

Retail related qualification

Experience

At least 2 years Leadership/Management experience in managing multiple area managers

Proven ability to lead and influence a team. Knowledge of HR procedures

Experience of selling in veterinary shop/pet care shop.

Intelligence/Aptitude

Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to plan and prioritise. Ability to lead and manage a team – delegation, follow up, daily/weekly sales targets. Ability to multi – task and work under pressure. Ability to motivate and drive performance as well as manage poor performance and disciplinary procedures.

Customer Centric. Computer literacy. Ability to interpret financial data and make key decisions

To have completed retail courses on leadership, performance management, understanding of current labour laws

Interests

Passion for people and customer service. Passionate about animals

Knowledge of the brands and products we stock

Disposition/Personality/Motivation

Good team player, high energy, highly motivated. Approachable, persuasive, trustworthy and reliable. Strong leadership skills, shows initiative

Appearance/Physical Characteristics

Smart and presentable appearance