Retail Area Manager

Absolute Pets; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A retail pet care company in Pretoria seeks an experienced retail manager to ensure excellent customer service and manage team development across stores. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, a passion for animals, and at least 2 years of management experience. Responsibilities include staff scheduling, performance appraisals, and maintaining store standards.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years leadership/management experience.
• Proven ability to lead and influence a team.
• Knowledge of HR procedures.

Responsibilities

• Ensure high level of service at all stores.
• Coach and develop the team.
• Conduct performance appraisals for store managers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Team leadership

Customer service orientation

Time management

Multitasking

Computer literacy

Education

Matric

Valid SA Driver's License

Retail-related qualification

Job description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensuring all customers in all stores experience the highest level of service at all times
• Responding to customer complaints referred by store managers and ensuring timely resolving.
• Ensuring individual and overall sales targets are met and exceeded. Fortnightly meetings with store managers to review and drive team performance. Ensuring that the team maintains a high level of up-to-date product knowledge at all times via in‑store and supplier training.
• Coaching, development and motivation of team. Ensure succession plan is in place for all stores, as well as for own role.
• Conducting performance appraisals/reviews on Store Managers twice a year, managing poor performance and dealing with staff issues that store manager has escalated.
• Scheduling staff across all stores ensuring optimum customer service and coverage.
• Ensuring that the team uses product knowledge to give expert advice to customers on all our products.
• Ensuring compliance across all stores to company policies and procedures.
• Ensuring high level of cleanliness and housekeeping in stores and back areas.
• Ensuring optimum stock management and stock rotation.
• Maintaining visual management – ensuring merchandise is kept neat and orderly in appearance, and merchandising goods according to guideline principles.
• Ensuring that promotions and windows are set up according to guidelines and visually appealing.
• Ensuring that the team follows through on any marketing requirements.
• Cash pickups from stores as required.
• Ensuring that all stores manage admin accurately and timely including stocktakes, ordering, goods receiving, inter‑branch transfers, credits and all other necessary transactions.
• Ensuring the team maintains a high standard of appearance.
• Monitoring what local competitors are doing. Recommending and implementing changes to improve store experience (products, opening hours, promotions, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS, PERSONAL TRAITS AND EXPERIENCE

Educational level/qualifications

• Matric
• Valid SA Driver's License
• Retail‑related qualification (desirable)

Experience

• At least 2 years leadership/management experience
• Proven ability to lead and influence a team
• Knowledge of HR procedures
• Experience of selling in veterinary/pet care shop (desirable)

Intelligence/Aptitude

• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan and prioritise
• Ability to lead and manage a team – delegation, follow‑up, daily/weekly sales targets
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure
• Ability to motivate and drive performance as well as manage poor performance and disciplinary procedures.
• Customer centric
• Computer literacy
• Ability to interpret financial data and make key decisions
• To have completed retail courses on leadership, performance management, understanding of labour laws (desirable)

Interests

• Passion for people and customer service
• Passionate about animals
• Knowledge about brands and products we stock (desirable)

Personality/Motivation

• Team player
• High energy and highly motivated
• Approachable, persuasive, trustworthy and reliable
• Strong leadership skills and shows initiative

Appearance

• Smart and presentable