Introduction:

A vibrant prospect to play a pivotal role in the Retail expansion of a global luxury / premium-brand.
Skilled in all Retail-related disciplines, you are highly stimulated by the prospect of analysing and adapting global Retail models to suit the discerning South African consumer.
By successfully driving a national Retail roll-out through inspirational leadership and sound operations and budget management, you may be afforded the opportunity to “create your legacy” within a commercially-astute leading multinational business.

Company Overview:

Our client forms part of an international FMCG Group and is a global market-leader in a luxury / premium-brands category. With its head office situated in “the Mother City” of Cape Town, the South African business offers a dynamic, fast-paced and cosmopolitan working environment. Individuals with commitment, drive and initiative have the opportunity to make an impact as part of a global team attaining outstanding results.

Strategic Overview:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the South African business, the incumbent is accountable for the strategy, operations (including sales and marketing) and profitability of the Retail division. This person will provide clear direction to deliver on budgets and display sound leadership capabilities across a diverse team.

In summary:

1. Strategy: Analyse international Group Retail Concepts and potentially test new store concepts in SA. * Operations: Take full ownership of the national Retail expansion plan and lead the project team to successfully open new boutique stores.
2. Experience: Demonstrate a proven track record of successfully opening new Retail outlets. * Skills: Demonstrate exceptional project management abilities.

Role Objectives:

Strategy:

Provide input into the strategic direction of the Retail department including turnover, profitability, budgets and structure. * Develop, execute and update strategic expansion plan for new store openings. * Develop an effective strategy for sustainable and profitable long-term growth. * Assume responsibility for ensuring short and long-term strategic and tactical objectives in support of overall business strategy. * Determine ROI for merchandising and marketing programs and make recommendations for future strategies to drive sales. * Maintain and develop the company’s image and reputation through compliance with relevant legislation and company policies.

Operations:

Design and implement the annual Retail Sales & Marketing Plan to deliver upon sales and profit targets. * Maintain relevant management and financial reporting and report to CEO monthly on performance vs. budget. * Ensure that team members are fully trained on all products and instil a culture to ensure that all Retail employees understand product and brand and communicate effectively to consumer. * Ensure the provision of outstanding customer service and satisfaction and hold staff accountable thereto. * Work with Product Managers and Marketing Director on new product development feasibility and execution, product selection, merchandising and promotions. * Assess product range and pricing. * Work with Finance and IT to develop thorough, cost-effective tracking systems. * Manage POS system to deliver upon requirements and utilise information to make informed decisions. * Manage each store in line with agreed target ratios on labour and stock shrinkage. * Ensure that store and staff presentation are fully compliant with brand corporate objectives. * Manage Sales Forecast by SKU for all stores monthly and communicate to Marketing and Operations. * Transpose into LE1, LE2 and FY budget requirements and lead the SandOP process from a sales perspective. * Monitor and benchmark competitor activity.

Marketing:

Execute the business’s brand equity through Retail stores, as being the most direct delivery of consumer brand experience. * Maintain awareness of consumer desires and work with Marketing to select and execute thereon. * Monitor sales of Seasonal and Promotional product ranges and report on performance. * Monitor and analyse each store’s sales performance by product segment and take instore action / advise Marketing as required.

Logistics:

Forecast sales volumes for operational requirements and ensure effective communication between Production and Retail. * Work with Supply Chain to establish most efficient stock order and delivery process.

Maintenance and Agreements:

Manage all store lease negotiations including new options and renewals. * Manage Third Party Service Agreements. * Ensure that all equipment and machinery is fully operational and in good repair. * Conduct quarterly maintenance reviews of each store.

Staff Development and Management:

Manage internal communications with Retail staff members and motivate staff to achieve desired sales and profit results. * Provide sales information to utilise in incentive programs. * Provide regular coaching and performance evaluations. * Communicate with Training Manager, Retail Manager, Store Managers and other appropriate management with regards to sales, P&L, service and best practice. * Understand and ensure compliance with relevant labour laws governing employees. * Work with HR in selection, training, development and succession-planning of current and future staff. * Develop leadership and implement a comprehensive Training Schedule. * Guide management team on Retail techniques, operational issues and human resources matters. * Provide direction to Store Operations Manager in setting targets and contribute to action plans to achieve. * Analyse daily sales figures vs. forecast.

Health & Safety:

Apply best practice and ensure compliance with all OHSA legislation. Ensure that OHSA and company standards are strictly observed. * Ensure that new Retail store shop-fittings support a safe work environment and minimise risk. * Enforce food safety and hygiene standards in stores at all times.

General:

Manage Retail process / system improvements. * Liaise with global management and external consultants as required. * Liaise with Finance for required fiscal information.

Requisite Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinker with strong analytic skills.
• Advanced leadership capabilities: able to mentor, guide and inspire productive teams.
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Creative and innovative problem-solver, entrepreneurial nature and able to ‘think outside the box’.

Experience:

• Minimum 4 years in Hospitality and / or Retail management (luxury / premium environment).
• Proven track record of successful conceptual development and strategic implementation thereof.
• Proven track record demonstrating increasing responsibilities and the ability to effectively manage P&L in a growth-oriented multi-unit organisation.
• Previous food industry experience beneficial.
• Intermediate computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point).

Education:

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in field / related field.

Personal Attributes:

• Strives for superior results and generates a “passion to win”.
• Able to energetically motivate teams to achieve results based on sound strategies.
• Fully utilises diversity of team-members to achieve superior business success.
• Sets clear performance targets, provides direction and defines responsibility.
• Motivates others, inspires and engenders trust.
• Is fair and compassionate yet willing to make difficult decisions.
• Decisive, action-oriented, uses initiative and speed as a competitive advantage.
• Flexible and regards change as an opportunity.
• Assigns the highest priority to customer satisfaction and is committed to quality.

Our client offers a market-related Salary including Company Car, Performance Bonus, Medical Aid, Pension and Company-assisted study.