Head, Retail Operations

Our Client, a multi-site retail business operating within the food and grocery sector, is seeking to fill the position of Head, Retail Operations.

Our Client, a multi-site retail business operating within the food and grocery sector, is seeking to fill the position of Head, Retail Operations. The business operates seven days a week and serves a broad cross-section of consumers, with a strong emphasis on accessibility, service quality, and consistent operational standards.

JOB PURPOSE

The Head, Retail Operations will be responsible for overseeing and driving the business strategy for the operations, growth initiatives, delivering financial goals, driving the culture of the business, developing a strong and motivated team, continuously elevating customers’ expectations, and constant innovation of the business. This position requires a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of the food and perishable industry, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics of the retail sector. Additionally, this position will be required to drive E-Commerce sales while delivering excellent service and catering for a wide range of products that meet customer needs and demands.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership: 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive business strategy aligned with overall organizational goals.
• Identify new market opportunities and areas for business expansion within the Food Industry
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors, and retailers.
• Explore and establish partnerships to enhance the product portfolio and market reach.
• Conduct thorough market research to stay abreast of industry trends, consumer preferences, and competitive landscape.
• Utilize market insights to make informed decisions and drive business growth.
• Oversee end-to-end supply chain operations, ensuring efficiency and quality control.
• Collaborate with production and logistics teams to optimize processes and reduce operational costs.
• Work closely with Cross Functional teams to drive innovation and develop new products and service
• Ensure products meet or exceed quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Financial Management:

• Delivers the financial objectives identified in the Strategic and Operating Plan.
• Drives business development initiatives, ensuring decision-making based on strategic financial analytics, modelling, and insights.
• Oversees and monitors the budgeting and forecasting process.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial models to achieve revenue and profit targets.
• Implement cost-saving measures without compromising product quality.

Product and Systems Innovation

• Identifies, negotiates, and oversees the profitability and launch of new business.
• Leads the business’ approach to measurement and evaluation with a focus on the creation of a company-wide dashboard for impact and organizational effectiveness.
• Drives system efficiency and effectiveness by leading the utilization of process improvement methodologies and system innovation best-practices.

Employee Excellence

• Drives organisation culture and employee engagement.

• Build team members by developing talent and cultivating a high-performance culture.
• Recommends and implements key performance indicators for the team and utilizes the Performance Management System to measure, supervise and  motivate performance.
• Ability to manage complex employee relations issues and address grievances timely.

Customer & Team Leadership:

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a cross-functional team, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Provide guidance and direction to achieve individual and team performance goals.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with customers, addressing their needs and ensuring high satisfaction levels.
• Implement customer feedback mechanisms to enhance product offerings.

Stakeholders Expectations

• Builds trusted relationships with key partners and stakeholders and acts as a point of contact for stakeholders, including but not limited to, customers, suppliers, government officials, unions, and shareholders.
• Represents the organization for civic and professional association responsibilities and activities in the local community.
• Participates in industry-related events or associations that will enhance his/her leadership skills, the organization’s reputation, and the organization’s potential for success.
• Maintains quality service by enforcing customer service standards, overseeing the analysis and resolution of customer service problems, and driving system improvements.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in business, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in a leadership role with 5 years in the fresh food industry.
• In-depth understanding of the fresh food market, trends, and supply chain dynamics.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams towards common objectives.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive business growth.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, adapting to market changes and industry disruptions.
• Track record of achieving and exceeding revenue and profit targets.
• Ability to train, develop and manage leadership teams.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those favourably considered will be contacted.