Area Manager

Description

Sales and Commercial Performance of the Area

•    Maximize sales and profitability of the area
•    Formulate and implement store strategies and procedures
•    Coach Store Managers to use commercial information effectively
•    Control costs within budgetary guidelines
•    Promote awareness of local trading patterns, the trading environment and competitor activity
•    Identify internal and external commercial opportunities
•    Maximize productivity in stores through effective deployment of resources
•    Increase market share in the area and study competition regularly
•    Monitor and control expenses ( overtime, local, stock and consumables) through efficient store operations
•    Look at prospective sites and evaluate new sites

Operational Standards and Management

•    Execute new store openings and re-fits.
•    Execute promotions are implemented according to guidelines and that local/seasonal promotional opportunities are identified and maximized.
•    Ensure maintainence and regular review of store operational and corporate standards leading to standardization of systems
•    Monitor inventory management systems within the area (stock availabililty,order management, back store management, stock consolidation and transfer)
•    Ensure ontime stock count and effective stock management (right product is available at the right time in all stores)
•    Monitor staffing levels in stores within the area to ensure resources are effectively deployed
•    Monitor store administration through periodical store visits and retail meetings to maximize operational efficiency within the area
•    Ensure all the stores are in compliance with all employment and state laws, health and safety standards
•    Ensure all the stores portrays the company image in all aspects of personal presentation and adheres to the company dress code as laid out by the Company
•    Maintain best retail standards in all showrooms as per market positioning of the brand
•    Initiate timely action on slow moving and non moving products
•    Furnish regular product feedback to the senior management and the buying department.
•    Supervise the visual merchandising function to ensure that they support the brand and intended theme.
•    Execute and monitor stores for events like sale, promotions etc.

People Management

•    Support induction of new recruits through buddy system
•    Manage, develop and motivate staff to increase sales and improve efficiency
•    Ensure right mix of staffing across all showrooms
•    Train/Assist Store Managers in conducting staff welfare activities
•    Ensure that all new recruits understand their job and settle down well within the company
•    Assist Store Managers in grievance handling and disciplinary actions
•    Ensure skill development of showroom staffs through Job rotation and Learning & Development
•    Monitor and appraise the performance of showroom staffs in coordination with showroom managers and developing individual career plans.                                                                                                                              
•    Set KRA's for direct reports and conduct performance appraisal
•    Oversee staff deployment and drive motivation levels of the direct reportees
•    Monitor staff welfare ( staff accommodation and transport) and facilitate complaint resolution
•    Ensure effective resource planning and succession planning

Customer Focus

•    Implements a high standard of customer focus within the store in the area through effective coaching
•    Regularly assesses customer service standards within store
•    Ensure that customer satisfaction is maintained at the highest level in all stores
•    Assess mystery shopping feedback and prepare action plan for improvement
•    Create seamless customer service orientation among store employees by ensuring timely and efficient customer service

Basic Qualification / Education / Vocational Training  

Graduate degree in any field
Advanced Qualification / Certification / Specialist Training    Post Graduate degree in Business Administration
Minimum Experience    5-7 years
Specific / Relevant Experience    3 years in retail industry handling at least a couple of stores.

Skills and Capabilities    
•    Good Knowledge of retail processes and retail industry
•    Good Knowledge of Merchandising, Stock Management and Inventory processes
•    Result orientation
•    Teamwork & collaboration
•    Communication skills
•    Planning and organising skills
•    Leadership skills
•    Analytical skills
•    Attention to detail