Retail Manager - Williston

I am recruiting on behalf of a well-established and respected business in Williston for an exceptional Retail Manager who is ready to step into a role with real impact and real growth potential. This is not a maintenance role. This is a “take it to the next level” opportunity.

The right individual could grow into overseeing additional stores within the group.

We are not looking for someone who just wants a job. We are looking for someone who wants to build something.

Relocation is required if you’re not based there.

But here’s the upside:

• Extremely safe and peaceful
• Strong sense of community
• Exceptionally low cost of living
• No traffic. No chaos.
• House and Housing Allowance included

You will take full operational ownership of the store, from people to profit.

The key responsibilities (KPAs) of the position are:

• Organise and manage all functions of the Store
• Allocate responsibilities to staff.
• Supervise and provide leadership to staff to ensure maximum performance.
• Prepare and control the department’s budget to ensure minimum expenses and maximum efficiency.
• Monitor stock levels and orders to ensure the budget is not exceeded while maintaining sufficient stock on shelves at the right time.
• Develop business strategies to attract customers, increase foot traffic, and optimise profits.
• Develop innovative plans to increase market share.
• Handle all staff and customer complaints.
• Conduct staff performance evaluations and manage disciplinary matters.
• Maintain the overall cleanliness and appearance of the Store

Detailed Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

• Organise and manage all store functions.
• Ensure overall cleanliness of the store (inside and outside, including restrooms).
• Prevent long queues at cashiers.
• Remove loiterers/beggars with assistance of security.
• Monitor kitchen camera when off duty.
• Avoid use of personal cell phone for work purposes; encourage customers to use the store’s official WhatsApp line.

• Prepare and control departmental budget to ensure minimum expenses and maximum efficiency.
• Pursue maximum gross profit at all times.
• Analyse daily IQ reports and dashboard data.
• Monitor GP% especially on top-selling products.
• Compare high turnover vs high profit products and strategically pursue higher profitability.
• Conduct weekly reporting to the General Manager.
• Provide explanations for major variances during board meetings.

Stock Control & Inventory Management

• Review cashier cash-up reports.
• Investigate and correct surpluses or shortages.
• Review negative stock list.
• Investigate low or negative GP% items.

• Initiate, coordinate and finalise ongoing stock counts.
• Ensure all products are counted at least once per month.
• Investigate ALL variances and sign off counts.
• Variances above R400 must be externally signed off.
• Conduct regular spot checks.
• Ensure stock count figures are accurate and credible.
• Weekly reporting of all counts to General Manager.

• Analyse month-end stock (units and value).
• Compare stock levels to weekly/monthly sales.
• Identify slow-moving stock and market as specials.
• Avoid overstocking.
• Ensure top sellers NEVER run out of stock.
• Monthly reporting (first week of each month).

• Generate purchase orders.
• Obtain approval from Financial Manager.
• Place orders.
• Identify top and worst sellers before ordering.
• Ensure no long-standing stock.
• Cross-check orders .
• Identify and evaluate new suppliers continuously.
• Conduct regular price comparisons between suppliers.
• Maintain relationships with local bakers and key suppliers.
• Ensure quality and continuous supply (non-negotiable).

• Determine final selling prices per product.
• Adjust pricing based on stock levels and sales data.
• Experiment with pricing to maximise profit while monitoring impact on sales.

• Ensure all stock passes through register before delivery.
• Ensure correct documentation for all deliveries (including Liquorland).
• Supervise offloading process to prevent stock losses.
• Capture incoming loads on IQ system same day.
• Verify documentation matches system entries.

• Ensure continuous promotional activity.
• Clearly display specials (use in-store and exterior boards).
• Promote slow-moving and strategic products.
• Prepare for seasonal peaks (school holidays, long weekends).
• Use WhatsApp groups for continuous advertising.
• Hold weekly profit growth discussions with General Manager.

• Manage Eskom electricity account.
• Monitor energy usage (fridges and air conditioners).
• Identify units to be switched off at night.

• Maintain constant interaction with customers.
• Identify customer needs and buying patterns.
• Assess why potential customers are not buying.
• Analyse competitor pricing, quality and availability.
• Develop strategies to outperform competitors.
• Maintain regular contact with selected customer groups.
• Report findings to General Manager.

• Allocate responsibilities clearly to all staff.
• Maintain written breakdown of all job activities (no grey areas).
• Categories include: Floor Staff, Cleaning, Cashiers, Security.
• Ensure all staff are on duty and performing correctly.
• Conduct performance reviews and manage discipline.
• Enforce house rules consistently.
• Weekly review of staff registers and overtime records.
• Follow principle: “Be hard on rules, but soft on people.” Maintain professionalism – no nicknames or informal addressing.

• Minimum 5 years’ retail experience
• Proven track record as a Retail Manager
• Strong staff management experience
• Solid stock management and buying exposure
• Analytical mindset (you must understand numbers, trends and margins)
• Computer literate (Excel and Word)
• Valid driver’s license
• Matric essential

But more importantly:

• You lead by example
• You hold high standards, and enforce them
• You are resilient, disciplined and solutions-driven
• You understand people (high EQ is non-negotiable)
• You are ambitious and want growth beyond a single store
• You are detail-oriented but commercially minded
• You take ownership, fully