Area Manager

FRS Recruitment; Carlow; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

25 days annual leave

Company pension scheme

Exclusive employee discounts

Enhanced family-friendly benefits

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Bike to Work Scheme

Private medical insurance

Onboarding and professional dev.

Fully expensed company car

Job summary

FRS Recruitment is seeking an Area Manager for the Carlow/Laois district to lead multiple stores and drive strong commercial performance. You will inspire and develop Store Managers, oversee stock and operational controls, and partner with the Sales Executive on district initiatives.

The role requires strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and a proven retail leadership background in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2.1 degree or 3+ years management experience.
• Excellent communication, planning, and analytical skills.
• Full, clean driving licence.
• Proactive, adaptable leadership with a track record in fast-paced retail.
• Experience leading store management teams.
• Long-term career focus in retail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee performance of multiple stores across Carlow/Laois.
• Build a positive, high-performing team culture.
• Coach, mentor, and develop Store Managers.
• Monitor stock, inventory, and cash handling.
• Conduct district visits with Sales Executive to review performance.
• Analyze data and support strategic initiatives.
• Coordinate new store openings, refurbishments, and re-openings.
• Develop annual business plans and staffing strategies.
• Set KPIs and drive operational excellence.
• Ensure district ops align with company strategy.
• Prepare for Area Manager meetings with updates and actions.

Skills

Communication

Planning

Organisation

Analytical skills

Leadership

Adaptability

Customer focus

People development

Team leadership

Career motivation

Education

2.1 degree or equivalent

Job description

Area Manager - Carlow/Laois

Our client, a large grocery chain, is looking for an Area Manager to join their well-established team and assist them with managing the stores in the Carlow/Laois area.

We are looking for strong retail professionals with proven experience in a similar role. The ideal candidate would be a strategic thinker and problem-solver who can inspire everyone to be high achievers. Suppose you think that you have it. In that case, you will get loads back, fast-tracked with a great package and every opportunity to develop your management abilities in a visible role with a keep-it-simple, fast-growing, retail-changing business.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the performance of multiple stores, providing direction and support to Store Managers across the district
• Build and foster a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture
• Coach, mentor, and develop Store Managers to maximise individual and business performance
• Monitor stock management, inventory control, and cash handling to ensure operational efficiency
• Conduct regular district visits with the Sales Executive to review store performance and identify opportunities for improvement
• Analyse operational data and provide insights to support strategic initiatives and business projects
• Coordinate and manage new store openings, refurbishments, and store re-openings, ensuring smooth execution
• Develop and implement annual business plans, workforce planning, and staffing strategies to achieve commercial objectives
• Establish, monitor, and drive key performance indicators (KPIs) to deliver operational excellence
• Ensure district operations are aligned with company strategy, policies, and performance standards
• Prepare for and actively contribute to Area Manager meetings by presenting performance updates, business insights, and action plans

Requirements

• A minimum 2.1 degree in any discipline, or at least three years' management experience
• Excellent communication, planning, organisational and analytical skills
• A full, clean driving licence
• A proactive, adaptable and results-focused approach to leadership
• Experience working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and develop high-performing teams
• A genuine ambition to build a long-term career within the retail sector

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Generous annual leave entitlement of 25 days
• Company pension scheme (following 6 months' service)
• Exclusive employee discounts with a range of partner retailers
• Enhanced family-friendly benefits, including maternity, paternity and marriage leave
• Access to a confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Comprehensive onboarding, training and ongoing professional development
• Fully expensed company car provided

Area Manager, Operations Manager, Retail Manager, Retail Operations Manager, Carlow, Laois