Retail Area Manager (Gauteng)

About the role

Absolute Pets, the leading pet retailer in South Africa with over 200 stores, is looking for a passionate and driven Area Manager to join its Gauteng Operations team. You will oversee branches in Gauteng and the surrounding areas.

Key responsibilities

• Ensure every customer receives the highest level of service and resolve customer complaints referred by store managers promptly
• Drive individual and overall sales targets, hold fortnightly meetings with store managers and coach, develop and motivate the team
• Ensure up-to-date product knowledge through in-store and supplier training, and maintain a succession plan for stores and your own role
• Conduct store manager performance reviews twice a year, manage poor performance and handle escalated staff issues
• Schedule staff across stores for optimal customer service and coverage, and ensure compliance with company policies
• Oversee cleanliness, stock management and rotation, visual merchandising, promotions, marketing requirements and cash pickups
• Ensure accurate administration including stocktakes, ordering, goods receiving, inter-branch transfers and credits
• Monitor local competitors and recommend and implement improvements to store experience

Required profile

• Matric and valid driver's licence
• At least 2 years of leadership and management experience managing multiple area managers
• Proven ability to lead and influence a team, with strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise, delegate and manage daily and weekly sales targets
• Ability to multitask under pressure, motivate teams and manage poor performance and disciplinary procedures
• Customer centric, computer literate, able to interpret financial data and make key decisions
• Passion for people, customer service and animals