21 Oct
Equate Recruitment
Sandton
Introduction
We are a leader in supplying business essentials, backed by an extensive national retail network and e-commerce platform. Our commitment is to deliver an outstanding in-store experience while offering top-quality products. We are seeking a Retail Operations Executive.
The Retail Operations Executive is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the overall operations and performance of our retail stores across the country. The ideal candidate will drive sales growth, optimize store operations, ensure consistent brand execution, and elevate the customer experience. This role is critical to ensuring that retail stores meet both commercial and operational goals while fostering a positive, results-driven store culture.
In addition, The Retail Operations Executive will focus on the strategic expansion of the retail network, identifying opportunities to improve profitability, streamline processes, and enhance customer satisfaction across all stores.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. Retail Strategy & Sales Growth
• Develop and implement a comprehensive retail strategy aligned with the company’s overall business goals, including product positioning, store expansion, and promotional campaigns.
• Drive sales performance across all nation stores, setting clear objectives for revenue growth, profitability, and customer engagement.
• Work closely with the merchandising, marketing, and logistics teams to ensure that in-store product offerings reflect customer needs and market trends, with a particular focus on seasonal items and core categories.
• Identify new opportunities for growth, including potential new store locations, refurbishments, or innovations in store format.
2.
Store Operations & Performance Management
• Oversee daily operations across the retail network, ensuring that stores operate efficiently, effectively, and in line with brand standards.
• Regularly visit stores to assess performance, provide feedback, and ensure operational consistency across all locations.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) that improve efficiency and maintain consistent operational excellence across all stores.
• Work with the Finance team to manage store budgets, monitor P&L; performance, and control operating costs while maximizing profitability.
• Ensure each store achieves its sales targets, and KPIs, and maintain tight control of inventory and shrinkage.
3. Leadership & Team Development
• Lead, coach,
and inspire a team of regional managers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Set clear performance goals and KPIs for all retail staff, ensuring alignment with company objectives and promoting accountability.
• Implement training programs focused on customer service, sales, leadership, and operational excellence to ensure all store teams are performing to their full potential.
• Ensure that a robust talent pipeline is in place, identifying and developing future leaders within the retail team.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and store audits, providing feedback and development plans to retail teams.
4. Customer Experience & Brand Execution
• Drive a customer-first culture across all stores,
ensuring that exceptional service and in-store experience are at the forefront of the retail operation.
• Ensure consistent execution of the brand image and merchandising across all stores, including promotional campaigns, product displays, and in-store signage.
• Use customer feedback and mystery shopping results to identify areas of improvement and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the retail network.
• Oversee the implementation of loyalty programs, in-store events, and other initiatives designed to increase footfall, customer retention, and sales conversion.
5. Retail Expansion & Market Analysis
• Identify and evaluate potential new store locations, analyzing market trends, customer demographics,
and competitor landscapes to inform expansion decisions.
• Lead store opening, refurbishment, and closure projects, ensuring smooth execution and alignment with strategic business goals.
• Continuously assess market conditions and regional opportunities, making recommendations for strategic store placements and optimizing store formats.
• Partner with real estate and legal teams to negotiate lease agreements and ensure the best financial outcomes for the business.
6. Retail Reporting & Analysis
• Monitor key retail metrics (e.g., sales growth, footfall, conversion rates, customer satisfaction, store-level profitability) and use data to drive informed decision-making.
• Develop and present regular reports to the senior leadership team on retail performance,
identifying key opportunities and challenges.
• Utilize sales data, market trends, and competitive analysis to inform pricing strategies, promotions, and product placements in collaboration with the merchandising team.
• Identify underperforming stores and work closely with regional and store managers to implement turnaround strategies.
7. Cross-functional Collaboration
• Collaborate closely with the merchandising, buying, logistics, marketing, and eCommerce teams to ensure alignment between in-store and online initiatives, product launches, and marketing campaigns.
• Coordinate with the Supply Chain team to ensure timely product deliveries, appropriate stock levels, and efficient stock replenishment processes.
• Work with the IT team to ensure that retail technology (POS systems, inventory tracking, etc.) is up to date and effectively supports the retail operations.
Desired Experience & Qualification
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Retail Management, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in a senior retail management role, with experience managing a national multi-category network.
• Strong experience in managing large retail teams and working within a complex retail environment.
▶️ Retail Operations Executive
🖊️ Equate Recruitment
📍 Sandton