Purpose
Responsible for engaging, coaching and developing department managers and their teams for the maximization of sales and profits; enhanced merchandising; service first; improved shrink; excellence in execution plus the selection, development and training of department teams. Likewise insures that Department Managers work to maintain clean, efficient, well-stocked stores with competitive prices and fast friendly customer service. Ensures that operations are consistent with established Company policies and objectives.
Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Overall
• Ensures that store and department objectives are in alignment with division goals.
• Works collaboratively with store directors and department managers to insure that common objectives are being addressed.
• Works closely with division category merchandising teams to insure an understanding of merchandising goals and execution.
• Provides expert knowledge through instruction, coaching and development, to enable department managers to achieve company, division, district and store objectives. Pro-actively stays in touch with new trends and practices to improve operational performance.
• Focuses on the clarification of roles and responsibilities; establishing clear lines of accountability.
Financial
• Coaches department managers in all aspects of financial management: sales planning; ordering; inventory management; merchandising for sales and profits; labor scheduling;
• Assists store associates in using and interpreting IT reports; becoming proficient with new technology and utilizing it to its maximum advantage.
• Constantly monitors and recommends ways to control operating costs and maximize return on investment.
• Analyzes financial reports; sales and profits trends; labor planning and scheduling; customer feedback; associate feedback, etc.
Merchandising
• Attends sales and merchandising execution meetings with division office staff. Works in collaboration with the merchandising team on ideas to drive sales and profits; identify problems and arrive at solutions.
• Communicates sales and merchandising expectations to department teams through regular visits, meetings and communications. Reviews and monitors in-store signing programs
• Visits all assigned stores on a regular basis. Coaches department managers regarding excellence in execution. Monitors pricing, advertising, shrink, order-writing, stock rotation, accounting procedures, product mix, inventories, safety, sanitation, grosses, employee relations and sales-per-man-hour on a continuing basis. Provides technical assistance, training and coaching to store management and department managers as necessary.
• Evaluates Shaws’ and competitors’ operations from a customer perspective. Routinely looks for areas for improvement and innovative opportunities. Recommends/implements aggressive plans to counteract loss of sales and profits. Communicates changes to division office staff and coordinates sales plans to maintain sales. Keeps abreast of new ideas and innovations in the grocery industry.
Human Resources
• Responsible for consulting with store directors and department managers regarding human resource management. To include: staffing, performance management, succession planning, diversity, technical training, development, cross development, change management, recognition and engagement.
• Works to enhance associate engagement. Demonstrates this by maintaining an open door policy. Motivates and coaches department managers in effective supervision, management skills and associate engagement.
• Works through district DOP trainers to insure that an adequate supply of trained department managers are ready as required.
• Coaches department managers to utilize in-store training lead and skill programs to enhance and maximize performance.
• Maintains good associate and customer relations. Handles customer and employee complaints as necessary through oral or written communications.
Policies and Practices
• Sets and monitors standards, within prescribed Company and Division guidelines, regarding quality, variety, and general appearance of products, store conditions and levels of customer service. Supports and implements Company policies and procedures. Provides data to Division and Corporate Management regarding the operation of stores within the assigned area.
• Develops and maintains positive working relationships with Company personnel, suppliers, and the community in general. Insures retail stores operate within all federal, state and local laws and maintain good working relationships with these agencies.
Implements Company and Division policies, procedures, and programs and monitors stores to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
Job Requirements
Relevant Experience, Education, Certification, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Assistant Store Directors and Department Managers with specialized knowledge of assigned product lines with previous experience in merchandising or retail grocery operations required.
• Possess working knowledge of procurement procedures, economics, marketing, mathematics, and accounting principles. Possess ability to analyze and interpret data from computer reports and respond with the appropriate remedy.
• Ability to travel to all assigned locations on a daily basis
• Must possess good organizational and supervisory skills and be capable of managing large numbers of employees effectively. Possess the ability to motivate and work with and through others to achieve desired results.
• Must demonstrate strong competencies in communications; coaching; conflict resolution; analysis; decision making; embracing change; risk taking; collaboration; leadership; and leading without influence.
• Must possess general knowledge of IT applications, computer capabilities and prior experience with personal computer applications required.
• Possess good verbal, written and public speaking communications skills. Deal effectively with a wide variety of people both in person and over the telephone. Must have the ability to represent the company's interest to outside vendors.
• Requires analytical ability and mental alertness to ensure accurate, safe, and thorough completion of work activities. Possess ability to concentrate and deal with frequent interruptions.
Physical Environment
• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled environment in the store.
• Incumbent may work on their feet and/or sit at a desk or computer terminal for long periods of time.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephone, and other office equipment in the course of normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in completion of job duties.
• Travel up to 90% of time to company units throughout the division.
• Position may require work during “non-traditional” hours including evenings and weekends.
• Position may require some travel, including occasional overnight/weekend travel.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.
EOE