FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER

Smollan; Vredenburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Smollan is seeking an FMCG operations leader to oversee store execution, promotions and stakeholder engagement. You will drive cost control, data-driven sales initiatives, and promotional activity across multiple stores, ensuring planograms and category flows align with targets.

The role requires 4-5 years in FMCG operations at supervisory level, with a relevant NQF6/7 qualification and a Code 08 driver’s license. Strong leadership and analytical skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of FMCG operations experience at managerial level.
• Diploma or degree at NQF level 6 or 7 and a valid Code 08 driver’s license.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse data and drive sales initiatives.
• Proven track record in achieving targets.

Responsibilities

• Control cell phone/telephone expenses and monitor fuel/vehicle/training/travel/stationery costs.
• Identify and act on new business opportunities; provide insights for improvements.
• Plan and implement sales operations based on client and customer data.
• Monitor and evaluate new innovations and competitor activity.
• Manage promotional activity and ensure timely execution across stores.
• Achieve POP objectives with store-specific planograms and category flows.
• Identify in-store cross-merchandising opportunities; monitor pricing and stock.
• Drive ad-hoc promotions to increase sales and monitor results.
• Oversee day-to-day operations and optimize store execution.
• Engage stakeholders; compile reports and provide feedback to clients and managers.
• Lead and develop staff; ensure compliance with policies and health & safety.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Sales management

Problem solving

Communication

Business acumen

Commercial awareness

Decision making

Education

Diploma/Degree (NQF6/7)

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