Position Purpose
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
Strategy
Develop, execute and update strategic expansion plan for new store openingsProvides input into the strategic direction for the Retail Department in relation to turnover, profitability, budgets and departmental structureDevelop strategic plan to achieve sustainable long term growth for the divisionManage relevant reporting of management and financial information for the retail departmentMaintain and develop the companys image and reputation through compliance with all relevant legislation and company policiesPlan and manage internal communications to all team members within the retail departmentDetermine return on investment for merchandising and marketing programs to make recommendations for future strategies that drive salesResponsible for ensuring short & long term strategic and tactical objectives fully support strategy
Operations
Deliver agreed sales and profit targets for the retail divisionResponsible for providing outstanding levels of customer service and customer satisfactionHolds staff accountable to ensure exceptional customer serviceEnsures staff are fully trained on all company productsDesign and implement the annual sales & marketing plan for the retail businessWork with the Product Manager & Wholesale Marketing Director on new product development feasibility and execution, and on merchandising, product selection, promotions and offeringsWork in conjunction with Finance and IT to develop sound, cost effective tracking systems on par or beyond competitionReport to the CEO on a monthly basis performance against budgetManagement of the POS system in delivering the requirements of the retail team and utilizing information in making informed decisions in the ongoing managementAssess product range including pricingManage each store in line with agreed target ratios on labor and stock shrinkageEnsure store and staff presentation are in line with corporate objectives for the brandForecasting sales volumes for operations needsManage 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 perspectiveThrough 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
Marketing
Executes the Companys brand equity, understanding that the retail stores are the most direct way for consumers to experience the company brandMaintain awareness of consumer desires within the retail stores and work with the Marketing Department to execute those selectedMonitor sales of seasonal and promotional product ranges and report performanceMonitor and analyze each stores sales performance by product segment and take instore action and advised marketing as required LogisticsWork with the Supply Chain Manager to establish the most efficient order/delivery process for stock
Maintenance, Agreements & Contracts
Manage all store lease negotiations on an ongoing basis including new options and renewalsManage third party service agreementsEnsure that all equipment and machinery are fully operational and in good repairConduct quarterly maintenance reviews on each siteStaff Development & Management
Understand & ensure compliance with the relevant labor laws governing employeesManage the recruitment process for all retail managementDevelop leadership & implement a training schedule to include company history, policies & procedures, product knowledge and customer serviceCounsel, coach and guide management team on proper techniques, operational issues and human resourcesMotivate staff to achieve desired sales & profit resultsCommunicate regularly with the Training Manager, Retail Manager, Store Managers and appropriate management in regards to sales, P/L, Service and best practiceProvide direction to the Store Manager in setting targets & contribute to action plans to achieve these targetsAnalyze daily sales figures for retail and compare to forecasted figuresProvide sales information to staff and utilize in incentive programsWork with the HR department in the selection, training, development and succession planning of current and future staff in all statesResponsible for regular coaching and performance evaluations of all direct reports.
Work Health & Safety
Apply best practice and ensure compliance with all OHSA legislationEnsure new retail store shop fitting supports a safe work environment that minimizes risk to employee health and wellbeingEnsure OHSA standards are strictly observed (or company standards where they exceed statutory requirements)Enforces food safety and hygiene standards in store at all times
Personal Characteristics
Strategic thinker, strong analytical skillsAbility to mentor, guide and inspire teams to develop a strong-productive teamEntrepreneurial with ability to think outside the boxAbility to deliver direction and motivate teams to achieve results based on sound strategyAssigns the highest priority to customer satisfaction and is committed to qualitySets clear performance targets, provides direction and defines responsibilityFully utilizes diversity of team-members to achieve superior business success
Skills and Competencies required
Minimum of 4 - 6 years in field area of Hospitality and/or Retail Senior management in a premium environmentProven record of successful conceptual development and strategic implementationProven track record with increasing responsibilities and the ability to manage effectively areas of profit/loss with a growth oriented multi-unit organizationPrevious food/chocolate Industry experience preferableIntermediate computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point)Strong written and verbal communication skillsCreative and innovative problem solving skills