General Store Manager

Main Job Purpose:

As General Manager, you will oversee all aspects of the business unit, managing day-to-day operations while driving performance and ensuring the achievement of both budgeted and strategic goals. Your leadership will be crucial in achieving store performance targets, optimizing stock levels, managing marketing and supplier relations, and ensuring excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities:

Store Performance & Measurement:

• 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).

Stock Management & Buying Controls:

• 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.

Marketing & Supplier Relations:

• 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.

Budgeting, Sales, & Reporting:

• 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.

Loss Control:

• 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.

Customer Service:

• 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.

Safety & Hygiene:

• 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.

HR Management:

• 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.

Finance Administration:

• 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.

Systems & Procedures:

• 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.