SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
I am recruiting on behalf of a well-established and respected business in Williston for an exceptional Retail Manager who is ready to step into a role with real impact and real growth potential. This is not a maintenance role. This is a “take it to the next level” opportunity.
We are looking for a mature, highly driven leader with strong emotional intelligence, commercial sharpness, and the ambition to grow. This is ideal for someone who wants responsibility, impact, and a better quality of life. This role has long-term growth potential. The right individual could grow into overseeing additional stores within the group.
We are not looking for someone who just wants a job. We are looking for someone who wants to build something.
Relocation is required if you’re not based there.
But here’s the upside:
- Extremely safe and peaceful
- Strong sense of community
- Exceptionally low cost of living
- No traffic. No chaos.
- House and Housing Allowance included
You will take full operational ownership of the store, from people to profit.
The key responsibilities (KPAs) of the position are:
- Organise and manage all functions of the Store
- Allocate responsibilities to staff.
- Supervise and provide leadership to staff to ensure maximum performance.
- Prepare and control the department’s budget to ensure minimum expenses and maximum efficiency.
- Monitor stock levels and orders to ensure the budget is not exceeded while maintaining sufficient stock on shelves at the right time.
- Develop business strategies to attract customers, increase foot traffic, and optimise profits.
- Develop innovative plans to increase market share.
- Handle all staff and customer complaints.
- Conduct staff performance evaluations and manage disciplinary matters.
- Maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of the Store
Detailed Key Performance Areas (KPAs)
Operational Management
- Organise and manage all store functions.
- Ensure overall cleanliness of the store (inside and outside, including restrooms).
- Prevent long queues at cashiers.
- Remove loiterers/beggars with assistance of security.
- Monitor kitchen camera when off duty.
- Avoid use of personal cell phone for work purposes; encourage customers to use the store’s official WhatsApp line.
Financial & Profit Management
- Prepare and control departmental budget to ensure minimum expenses and maximum efficiency.
- Pursue maximum gross profit at all times.
- Analyse daily IQ reports and dashboard data.
- Monitor GP% especially on top-selling products.
- Compare high turnover vs high profit products and strategically pursue higher profitability.
- Conduct weekly reporting to the General Manager.
- Provide explanations for major variances during board meetings.
Stock Control & Inventory Management
Daily Controls
- Review cashier cash-up reports.
- Investigate and correct surpluses or shortages.
- Review negative stock list.
- Investigate low or negative GP% items.
Stock Counts
- Initiate, coordinate and finalise ongoing stock counts.
- Ensure all products are counted at least once per month.
- Investigate ALL variances and sign off counts.
- Variances above R400 must be externally signed off.
- Conduct regular spot checks.
- Ensure stock count figures are accurate and credible.
- Weekly reporting of all counts to General Manager.
Stock Level Management
- Analyse month-end stock (units and value).
- Compare stock levels to weekly/monthly sales.
- Identify slow-moving stock and market as specials.
- Avoid overstocking.
- Ensure top sellers NEVER run out of stock.
- Monthly reporting (first week of each month).
Procurement & Supplier Management
- Generate purchase orders.
- Obtain approval from Financial Manager.
- Place orders.
- Identify top and worst sellers before ordering.
- Ensure no long-standing stock.
- Cross-check orders .
- Identify and evaluate new suppliers continuously.
- Conduct regular price comparisons between suppliers.
- Maintain relationships with local bakers and key suppliers.
- Ensure quality and continuous supply (non-negotiable).
Pricing Strategy
- Determine final selling prices per product.
- Adjust pricing based on stock levels and sales data.
- Experiment with pricing to maximise profit while monitoring impact on sales.
Deliveries & Receiving
- Ensure all stock passes through register before delivery.
- Ensure correct documentation for all deliveries (including Liquorland).
- Supervise offloading process to prevent stock losses.
- Capture incoming loads on IQ system same day.
- Verify documentation matches system entries.
Promotions & Sales Growth
- Ensure continuous promotional activity.
- Clearly display specials (use in-store and exterior boards).
- Promote slow-moving and strategic products.
- Prepare for seasonal peaks (school holidays, long weekends).
- Use WhatsApp groups for continuous advertising.
- Hold weekly profit growth discussions with General Manager.
Electricity & Cost Control
- Manage Eskom electricity account.
- Monitor energy usage (fridges and air conditioners).
- Identify units to be switched off at night.
Customer & Market Strategy
- Maintain constant interaction with customers.
- Identify customer needs and buying patterns.
- Assess why potential customers are not buying.
- Analyse competitor pricing, quality and availability.
- Develop strategies to outperform competitors.
- Maintain regular contact with selected customer groups.
- Report findings to General Manager.
Staff Leadership & Performance Management
- Allocate responsibilities clearly to all staff.
- Maintain written breakdown of all job activities (no grey areas).
- Categories include: Floor Staff, Cleaning, Cashiers, Security.
- Ensure all staff are on duty and performing correctly.
- Conduct performance reviews and manage discipline.
- Enforce house rules consistently.
- Weekly review of staff registers and overtime records.
- Follow principle: “Be hard on rules, but soft on people.” Maintain professionalism – no nicknames or informal addressing.
What We’re Looking For
- Minimum 5 years’ retail experience
- Proven track record as a Retail Manager
- Strong staff management experience
- Solid stock management and buying exposure
- Analytical mindset (you must understand numbers, trends and margins)
- Computer literate (Excel and Word)
- Valid driver’s license
- Matric essential
But more importantly:
- You lead by example
- You hold high standards, and enforce them
- You are resilient, disciplined and solutions-driven
- You understand people (high EQ is non-negotiable)
- You are ambitious and want growth beyond a single store
- You are detail-oriented but commercially minded
- You take ownership, fully
