FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

Smollan; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Smollan is seeking an experienced FMCG operations manager to lead field execution, drive efficiency, and improve in-store promotions across multiple retailers. You will oversee control of expenses, stock and planograms, while coordinating with store managers and the field force.

The role requires 4-5 years in FMCG operations at a managerial level, a relevant diploma or degree (NQF 6/7), and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• 4–5 years of operations management experience in FMCG.
• Bachelor’s or diploma at NQF level 6/7 with relevant focus.
• Valid South African license? Please verify country context; if US, note driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead store execution and in-store promotions, ensuring planograms are followed.
• Analyze data to improve sales, inventory, and stock availability.
• Manage field force, coordinate with store managers, and report to clients.
• Oversee control of expenses, fuel, travel, and operations efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Business acumen

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Sales management

Decision making

Communication (verbal & written)

Education

NQF 6/7 degree

Code 08 driver's license

Job description

Control Expenses

Control cell phone/telephone expenses Monitor and control fuel, vehicle, training, travel and stationary expenses, including overtime .

Business Insights and Execution

Identify and act on new business opportunities Ensure effective data collection and analysis Provide insights for improvements and new ways of driving sales Plan and implement sales operations for clients and customers based sales data Monitor and evaluate new innovations, including those of competitor’s .

Monitor New Innovations

Inform field force of new innovations Monitor speed to market and stock in DC Negotiate new or existing listings in stores with store managers Distribute trade presenters to Field Force and customers Provide feedback to clients Monitor sales of new innovations Manage staff in-store book comm and feedback .

Manage Promotional Activity

Facilitate the implementation of promotion grids Ensure informed about time frames for promotions Communicate promotional activities to field force Ensure understanding of objectives of various promotions Ensure POS material to stores Ensure sufficient stock has been ordered within required timeframes Ensure promotional activities have been implemented and maintained Analyse and manage data integrity (Field comms) .

Achievement of POP Objectives

Manage the implementation of generic Planograms Ensure store-specific planograms and category flows are implemented and maintained Provide feedback to Clients with regards to forward share changes Ensure forward share is reflected on shelf as per rate of sale Ensure market share is reflected in the category Manage the implementation and maintenance of shelf health .

Achievement of Targets

Identify in-store cross-merchandising opportunities Ensure stock pressure is applied and that out-of-stocks are limited Ensure forward share is a reflection of ROS Monitor in-store pricing Minimise credit notes Drive ad-hoc promotions to increase sales Ensure timeous promotional activities implemented .

Operational Excellence

Manage resources and ensure efficient and effective day-to-day operations of store execution including flexible people and resource allocation Continuously monitor service delivery Ensure implementation of systems to promote efficiency Implement sales initiatives and value-adding store operations Ensure all company assets are maintained according to company policy Manage staff in-store book communication and feedback .

Stakeholder Engagement

Provide continuous feedback as per client requirements Compile regular reports to relevant stakeholders Provide continuous feedback as per client requirements (competitor activities, promotions, ROS, product recalls, innovations, pricing, planograms, urgent deliveries) Liaise with customers and depot’s regarding stock pressure, stock holdings, new innovations, deliveries, credit notes, special deliveries, staff, ROS, price, reviews, category flows, planograms Compile trade visit reports and trade contact reports Compile regular reports to Regional Managers Conduct review meetings with client Provide feedback via feedback platform (e.g., IVR/Grapevine/Field Comms/Manual tracking) .

People Management

Take full responsibility for performance management of all direct reports, managing their performance in relation to quality standards and agreed benchmarks and objectives, focusing on all aspects of sound people management: Recruitment and selection Induction and orientation Training and development Rewards and remuneration Succession planning Performance management Ensure compliance with regards to leave, adherence to dress code, management of health and safety and adherence to staff welfare Ensure accurate in-store administration, provide updated stocking files and support staff with in- store conflict/issues Manage Employment Equity targets Ensure appropriate levels of management and accountability Motivate, delegate and empower appropriately, enabling direct reports to take responsibility and display creativity and initiative .

4-5 years’ Operations experience in FMCG environment at a managerial/ supervisory level

Essential / Minimum|0-5 years|

Relevant Diploma/Degree at NQF level 6 or 7, Code 08 driver’s licence

• Leadership Skills
• Problem solving skills
• Computer literacy
• Business acumen
• Commercial awareness
• Leadership skills
• Negotiation skills
• Sales management skills
• Decision making skills
• Communication skills (verbal & written)

#NM