Job Purpose:The Area Manager is responsible for all operations in his/her business unitThe Area Manager assists the Operations Manager to make careful considerations of all aspects in the business unit before making a business decisionThe Area Manager is responsible (with the Operations Manager) for business unit goals, decisions, plans, implementation and evaluation of performanceReporting Structure:Area Manager will report directly to the Operations ManagerLocation:Candidate will oversee all stores within the area namely: Bloemfontein x 3, Kimberly x2, Welkom , Ficksburg, Phuthaditjhaba & Sterkspruit. (9 stores) Minimum Requirements:Grade 12/ MatricOperations Management diploma/degree or relevant/related Retail NQF 5/diploma (Highly advantageous)Valid Driver’s License – Code 8 unendorsedComputer literate: Microsoft OfficeWillingness to travel Key Responsibilities:Asset Management:Responsible for the branch as a whole, ensuring that the outside of the store is kept neat and tidy and that inside fixtures and fittings are accounted for and maintainedCo-ordination of janitorial and repair servicesStock Control:Is responsible for all stock and will be held accountable for all overages and shortagesShould ensure control of inventoryPrepare requisitions to replenish stockIdentify and report on slow selling itemsStock loss action planMerchandising:Manage the quality and quantity aspects of the merchandise assortmentsCo-ordinate the layout of shelves and merchandise of seasonal and sale displaysIdentify new ways of promoting merchandiseEnsure required housekeeping standards at all timesEnsure that there is an equal standard throughout the storesMarketing and Sales:Manage the implementation of all marketing promotions to ensure maximum sales opportunities are exploited.Achieve and exceed store sales targetsActively participate in promotions, stay up to date with current advertising and provide sales leadership to staffStay current with products, marketing and pricing of area retailers with similar products.Admin and Cash:Ensure that the standard of administration and procedures in store are metMake certain that business direction and strategies are followedEnsure that the responsible persons are following proper procedures when handling all store cash. Check and verify these documents dailyManage controllable expenses as this directly affects the profitability of the branch.Management of Staff:Assign employees to specific dutiesEncourage, assist and train employees to become a motivated sales forceManage performance and development of staffEnsure that all procedures and policies are being followed and enforce disciplinary action when necessaryDetermine when extra temporary staff is needed and recruit same Security:Manage the security in all aspects of the business and ensure that security procedures are strictly adhered toMonitor security staff and make sure that they are alert and performing their duties to the maximumCustomer Service:Must possess strong customer service and communication skills and the ability to apply a friendly and enthusiastic manner on a daily basisTrain staff in customer serviceAssist customers with enquiries and complaintsContinuously satisfy customer needs and attract clientele Key Skills and Competencies:Ability to work under pressureAbility to use own initiativeGood attention to detailGood communication SkillsA proven ability to manage staff and ensure maximum productivity