Trainee Store Manager

SUMMARY:
Trainee Store Managers (x 2) required for reputable and growing fashion retail Client to be based at the Pongola store with a min Grade 12, Diploma / Degree in Retail, Fashion or Business Management (advantageous) and approximately 3 to 5 years' experience in retail (preferably fashion / clothing / PPE).

POSITION INFO:
Position Purpose
To manage the full operations of a Fashion Retail store, ensuring sales growth, excellent customer service, effective stock control, visual merchandising, and the development of a motivated sales team. The Store Manager is accountable for achieving profit targets, minimizing losses, and upholding the company’s brand standards.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Sales & Customer Service

• Achieve and exceed daily, weekly, and monthly sales targets.
• Deliver excellent customer service through staff training and direct engagement with customers.
• Handle customer complaints, exchanges, and returns in line with company policy.
• Build and maintain relationships with bulk/corporate customers (e.g., schools, businesses for uniforms/PPE).

• Ensure stock is merchandised according to company guidelines (size curves, displays, promotional layouts).
• Keep store windows, mannequins, and promotional areas attractive and up to date.
• Maintain price accuracy and promotional execution as per head office instructions.
• Monitor slow-moving, high-demand, and seasonal items to optimize floor space.

• Oversee receiving, transfers (IBTs), and returns.
• Ensure all stock counts (daily, weekly, monthly) are accurate and variances investigated.
• Implement measures to prevent shrinkage (theft, incorrect ringing, discount misuse).
• Control stockroom organization and back-of-house efficiency.

• Recruit, train, and develop sales staff.
• Schedule staff rosters according to peak trading hours and wage budgets.
• Motivate and coach staff to achieve sales targets and maintain service standards.
• Conduct performance reviews, discipline, and counselling when necessary.

• Oversee daily opening and closing procedures, ensuring smooth trading.
• Manage cash handling, daily cash-up, and banking in line with policy.
• Control store expenses (wages, petty cash, utilities) within budget.
• Ensure health, safety, and housekeeping standards are met in-store.
• Submit daily/weekly/monthly sales and expense reports to Head Office.

• Achievement of sales and profit targets
• Shrinkage within company benchmark
• Execution of visual merchandising and promotional standards
• Customer service/complaint resolution rate
• Staff productivity, attendance, and turnover levels

• Education: Matric (Grade 12); Diploma/Degree in Retail, Fashion, or Business Management an advantage
• Experience: 3–5 years in retail, at least 2 in a supervisory or management role (fashion/clothing/PPE experience preferred)
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and people management
• Visual merchandising and stock control knowledge
• Financial acumen (sales, GP, expense control)
• Computer literacy (POS, IQ Retail or similar, Microsoft Office/Google Suite)
• Excellent communication and customer engagement skills

• Passion for fashion retail and customer service
• Energetic, hands-on leader visible on the floor
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to detail
• Results-driven and able to work under pressure
• Flexible to assist across branches when needed