General Store Manager

SUMMARY:
Our client, a dynamic and growing company in the retail and FMCG sector, is seeking a General Manager to lead their operations and ensure the successful achievement of their business objectives. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to make a significant impact on store performance, stock management, marketing, customer service, HR, and financial administration.

POSITION INFO:

Main Job Purpose:

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive the achievement of the Top Line Budget, Gross Profit, and Bottom Line Profit goals.
• Maximize income through various revenue streams, including rebates, promotions, selling of ends, and ad-hoc sales.
• Ensure success in key performance areas such as basket size, feet count, departmental participation, and cash/credit ratio to sales.
• Manage shrinkage and stock holding to ensure inventory remains within budgeted limits (not exceeding 4.5 weeks).

• Ensure a broad and suitable product range for both retail and wholesale needs, aligned with consumer demands.
• Ensure stock levels meet rate of sale demands, with top-selling items stocked and correctly merchandised.
• Maintain effective stock management practices, including the use of stock card systems and supplier cycle sheets.
• Oversee purchasing decisions in line with the rate of sale, ensuring stock turnover and minimizing overstocking.
• Manage stock returns, claims, and discrepancies effectively.

• Foster strong relationships with suppliers and negotiate promotions, deals, and marketing activities.
• Identify products for promotion and set competitive pricing based on market research.
• Develop initiatives to increase market share by engaging with customers, suppliers, and community partners.
• Execute direct marketing campaigns to target specific demographics and LSM groups.
• Drive promotional activities through local advertising, SMS campaigns, and supplier-led events such as product demos.

• Ensure daily sales budgets are closely monitored and achieved.
• Conduct daily floor walks, set performance targets, and ensure store standards are consistently met.
• Monitor customer buying behaviors and manage open-to-buy customers, ensuring financial reports meet deadlines.

• Minimize losses and shrinkage by implementing daily hazard counts, stock checks, and spot checks at point of sale.
• Enforce security protocols and ensure compliance with receiving, stock management, and cash-handling processes.
• Ensure returns, damages, and discrepancies are monitored and acted upon.

• Address customer queries promptly, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction.
• Ensure staff are trained to offer excellent service, and schedule staff accordingly for optimal coverage.
• Engage with the local community through promotional events and social responsibility initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations (Occupational Health and Safety Act).
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness across all areas of the store, including the sales floor and stockrooms.
• Perform regular inspections and ensure staff are trained in safety procedures, including forklift operation.

• Lead, motivate, and train store staff, ensuring they understand their roles and performance expectations.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws, staff scheduling, leave management, and handling grievances.
• Regularly evaluate staff performance and implement goal-setting to improve productivity.

• Ensure adherence to cash management procedures, including pick-ups, drops, and cash reporting.
• Monitor financial performance by reviewing income statements, tracking expenses, and ensuring accuracy in all financial records.
• Manage age analysis on customer debt and ensure timely collection in line with agreed terms.

• Ensure compliance with all company systems and procedures for sales, stock management, and financial reporting.
• Monitor pricing and discount activities, ensuring compliance with internal controls.
• Oversee accurate stock takes and implement corrective actions for variances.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Proven experience in retail management, ideally within the FMCG or wholesale sectors.
• Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting and financial reporting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making abilities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Proficient in using Pastel, Excel, SAP, and other related software.
• Experience in inventory management, stock buying, supplier relations, and promotional planning.