Area Manager (Gqerberha)

Reports To: Regional Manager / Director of Operations

Job Purpose: The Area Manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of 15 retail clothing stores within a designated area. The role involves ensuring that each store meets or exceeds sales targets, maintains high standards of customer service, and adheres to company policies and procedures. The Area Manager will lead and support store managers to achieve operational excellence and drive business growth.

Key Responsibilities

Sales and Profitability

• Develop and implement strategies to achieve sales targets and maximize profitability across all stores.
• Monitor and analyze sales performance, identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Provide regular sales reports and forecasts to senior management.

Store Operations

• Ensure all stores are operating efficiently and effectively, following company policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular store visits to assess performance, provide feedback, and support store managers.
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring stock levels are optimized and shrinkage is minimized.

Team Management

• Recruit, train, and develop store managers and staff, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching and mentoring to store managers.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and company HR policies.

Customer Service

• Ensure all stores deliver exceptional customer service, meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
• Address customer complaints and issues promptly, ensuring satisfactory resolutions.
• Implement initiatives to enhance the customer experience.

Marketing and Merchandising

• Oversee the implementation of marketing and promotional activities in stores.
• Ensure visual merchandising standards are consistently maintained to attract customers and drive sales.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and execute local marketing strategies.

Financial Management

• Manage budgets for each store, ensuring expenses are controlled and financial targets are met.
• Review financial statements and reports, identifying areas for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all stores comply with health and safety regulations, providing a safe environment for staff and customers.
• Implement and monitor loss prevention strategies to safeguard company assets.
• Ensure stores adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills and Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field. (Preferred but not mandatory)

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail management, with at least 2 years in a multi-store management role.
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and managing store operations.
• Experience in the retail clothing sector is highly desirable.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in using retail management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Personal Attributes

• Highly motivated and results-driven.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Customer-focused mindset.
• Ability to travel frequently between stores.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Working Conditions

• The role requires frequent travel between stores within the designated area.
• The Area Manager may need to work beyond standard business hours to meet the demands of the role.