Head Of Retail South Africa – Cape Town

This role is responsible and accountable for the overall strategy, sales, marketing, profitability and operations of the retail division. This role will provide clear direction to deliver on budgets and display inspirational leadership across a diverse team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop, execute and update strategic expansion plan for new store openings
2. Provide input into the strategic direction for the Retail Department in relation to turnover, profitability, budgets and departmental structure
3. Develop strategic plan to achieve sustainable long term growth for the division
4. Manage relevant reporting of management and financial information for the retail department
5. Maintain and develop the company’s image and reputation through compliance with all relevant legislation and company policies
6. Plan and manage internal communications to all team members within the retail department
7. Determine return on investment for merchandising and marketing programs to make recommendations for future strategies that drive sales
8. Responsible for ensuring short & long term strategic and tactical objectives fully support strategy
9. Deliver agreed sales and profit targets for the retail division
10. Responsible for providing outstanding levels of customer service and customer satisfaction
11. Holds staff accountable to ensure exceptional customer service
12. Ensures staff are fully trained on all company products
13. Design and implement the annual sales & marketing plan for the retail business
14. Work with the Product Manager & Wholesale Marketing Director on new product development feasibility and execution, and on merchandising, product selection, promotions and offerings
15. Work in conjunction with Finance and IT to develop sound, cost effective tracking systems on par or beyond competition
16. Report to the CEO on a monthly basis performance against budget
17. Management of the POS system in delivering the requirements of the retail team and utilizing information in making informed decisions in the ongoing management
18. Assess product range including pricing
19. Manage each store in line with agreed target ratios on labor and stock shrinkage
20. Ensure store and staff presentation are in line with corporate objectives for the brand
21. Forecasting sales volumes for operations needs
22. Manage and supply the sales forecast by SKU for all stores on a monthly basis to marketing & operations and transpose into LE1, LE2 & FY budget requirements and lead the S&OP process from a sales perspective
23. Through effective training, instill a culture that ensures all Retail employees understand the Company Brand and have complete product knowledge that can be transferred to the consumer
24. Executes the Company’s brand equity, understanding that the retail stores are the most direct way for consumers to experience the company brand
25. Maintain awareness of consumer desires within the retail stores and work with the Marketing Department to execute those selected
26. Monitor sales of seasonal and promotional product ranges and report performance
27. Monitor and analyze each store’s sales performance by product segment and take in-store action and advise marketing as required
28. Work with the Supply Chain Manager to establish the most efficient order / delivery process for stock
29. Manage all store lease negotiations on an ongoing basis including new options and renewals
30. Manage third party service agreements
31. Ensure that all equipment and machinery are fully operational and in good repair
32. Conduct quarterly maintenance reviews on each site
33. Understand & ensure compliance with the relevant labor laws governing employees
34. Manage the recruitment process for all retail management
35. Develop leadership & implement a training schedule to include company history, policies & procedures, product knowledge and customer service
36. Counsel, coach and guide management team on proper techniques, operational issues and human resources
37. Motivate staff to achieve desired sales & profit results
38. Communicate regularly with the Training Manager, Retail Manager, Store Managers and appropriate management in regards to sales, P / L, Service and best practice
39. Provide direction to the Store Manager in setting targets & contribute to action plans to achieve these targets
40. Analyze daily sales figures for retail and compare to forecasted figures
41. Provide sales information to staff and utilize in incentive programs
42. Work with the HR department in the selection, training, development and succession planning of current and future staff in all states
43. Responsible for regular coaching and performance evaluations of all direct reports.
44. Apply best practice and ensure compliance with all OHSA legislation
45. Ensure new retail store shop fitting supports a safe work environment that minimizes risk to employee health and wellbeing
46. Ensure OHSA standards are strictly observed (or company standards where they exceed statutory requirements)
47. Enforce food safety and hygiene standards in store at all times
48. Strategic thinker, strong analytical skills
49. Ability to mentor, guide and inspire teams to develop a strong-productive team
50. Entrepreneurial with ability to think outside the box
51. Ability to deliver direction and motivate teams to achieve results based on sound strategy
52. Assigns the highest priority to customer satisfaction and is committed to quality
53. Sets clear performance targets, provides direction and defines responsibility
54. Fully utilizes diversity of team-members to achieve superior business success
55. Minimum of 4 - 6 years in field area of Hospitality and / or Retail Senior management in a premium environment
56. Proven record of successful conceptual development and strategic implementation
57. Proven track record with increasing responsibilities and the ability to manage effectively areas of profit / loss with a growth oriented multi-unit organization
58. Previous food / chocolate Industry experience preferable
59. Strong written and verbal communication skills
60. Creative and innovative problem solving skills