Assistant Store Manager

Assistant Store Manager - UCOOK - Cavendish

An exciting opportunity at UCOOK has become available for an Assistant Store Manager at our new store.

UCOOK is a tech start-up and dinner-kit delivery service based in Cape Town. Our network of top SA chefs creates recipes for our customers to choose from each week, and we deliver the fresh, locally sourced ingredients to their door.

This position is responsible for assisting in maximizing sales and ensuring the effective operation of all store activities. In the absence of the Store Manager, this position is responsible for meeting set sales objectives as well as for projecting the company’s vision and mission statement through effective customer service and visual presentation techniques. Assisting in the planning and development of committed and well-trained staff is a top priority for this position and is approached with a concise training program focusing on all aspects of store procedures.

Responsibilities

1. Sales and Customer Service:
   
   • Ensure that customers receive outstanding service by offering a friendly environment, to include excellent product knowledge and all aspects of UCOOK’s non-negotiable standards.
   • Maximize store sales targets while working with team members to model successful sales techniques and customer service standards.
   • Ensure compliance with all policies and procedures through regular walk-throughs and audits.
   • Monitor local market conditions and business trends by assessing mall standings and competitors, in order to maximize sales and meet or exceed set goals.
   • Monitor sales performance through analysis of productivity and sales reports and suggest new strategies to supervisors.
2. Merchandise and Inventory Management:
   
   • Ensure the selling floor is adequately merchandised, with the right assortment and presentation.
   • Train team members and ensure proper adherence to set company visual and marketing strategies.
   • Ensure the efficient and timely implementation of Head Office directives for markdowns, stock counts, etc.
3. Operating Cost Control & Profitability:
   
   • Control wage cost by following directions as determined by the wage cost department and by analyzing traffic trends, staff productivity, and scheduling.
   • Ensure efficient opening and closing procedures including correct banking practices.
   • Follow all company P.O.S. and related systems with accuracy and consistency.
   • Ensure effective asset protection in the store to control shrinkage.
4. Human Resources Management:
   
   • Coach and motivate store personnel to meet the highest standards of customer service excellence by planning and assigning daily goals and tasks, and ensuring proper completion through follow-up.
   • Successfully recruit, train, develop, and communicate with all staff in all areas of store operations.
   • Evaluate, develop, and maintain set store productivity goals through continuous evaluation. Assess performance on a regular basis and react to performance issues.
   • Maintain a professional demeanor in both attitude and attire at all times and provide staff with a strong leadership role model in all work-related activities.
   • Act as a liaison between store staff and Head Office Personnel to ensure the successful understanding and implementation of all store-related information.
   • Ensure that Health & Safety regulations are in place and communicated to all team members.
   • Ensure that all employee files are maintained and updated.
   • Ensure timely and accurate processing of all EFT and payroll information through the system.
   • Other ad-hoc duties required from time to time.

• 2 - 5 years FMCG retail experience, or in a similar retail environment.
• 1 – 2 years’ experience in a supervisory/assistant manager position.
• Microsoft Office Suite beneficial.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work varied hours/days as required in a retail environment.
• A Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
• Own reliable transport.