FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

Smollan; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Smollan seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead in-store execution across FMCG clients, driving efficient field operations, resource planning and staff management to deliver promotional activities on time and within budget.

You will analyze sales data, implement planograms, negotiate listings with store managers, and coordinate promotions, while ensuring data integrity and strong stakeholder engagement with clients and regional teams.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years’ Operations experience in FMCG at managerial/supervisory level.
• Relevant Diploma/Degree at NQF level 6 or 7; Code 08 driver’s licence.
• Strong leadership, problem solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Control expenses and optimize day-to-day store execution.
• Provide business insights and drive execution based on sales data.
• Monitor new innovations, promotions, and stock in distribution centers.
• Manage promotional activity and planograms across stores.
• Achieve POP objectives with timely store rotations and shelf health.
• Lead stakeholder engagement and provide regular client reports.
• Oversee people management and performance development of in-store staff.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem solving skills

Computer literacy

Business acumen

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Sales management skills

Decision making skills

Communication skills

Education

NQF 6/7 Diploma or Degree

Code 08 Driver’s Licence

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