Company Background

Thrive on the opportunities that one of the country’s fastest leading and growing plastics and homeware retailers has to offer. Join Mambos for a challenging, yet rewarding career in the retail industry.

As we continue to expand, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Area Operations Manager to oversee and enhance the operations of multiple store locations.

The candidate’s primary role is overseeing daily operations across a designated group of stores within a region.  The Area Ops manager will ensure each store meets company standards for performance, profitability, customer service, and employee development.  The role requires a hands-on leader with a strong operational, analytical and team management skills.

Key performance areas

• Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day operations for multiple retail locations to ensure smooth and efficient processes.
• Sales & Profitability: Drive sales performance by implementing strategies to increase store profitability, maximize revenue, and control costs.
• Store Performance: Regularly monitor and evaluate store performance metrics, ensuring each location meets or exceeds key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Team Management: Recruit, train, and mentor store managers and their teams to foster a high-performance culture.
• Customer Experience: Ensure a consistent and exceptional customer experience across all stores by enforcing company policies and standards.
• Compliance: Ensure all stores comply with company policies, health & safety standards, and legal regulations.
• Inventory Management: Oversee inventory processes, including stock levels, shrinkage control, and supply chain coordination to meet demand.
• Reporting: Provide regular updates and reports to senior management regarding store performance, staff development, and sales goals.
• Problem Solving: Address and resolve operational issues as they arise, implementing corrective actions as necessary.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

Educational background: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Retail Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in retail operations management, including overseeing multiple stores or units
• Proven track record of improving store performance and driving results
• Experience in team leadership

Industry knowledge:

• In-depth understanding of retail operations best practices, industry trends and customer service standards
• Working knowledge of retail technologies such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, inventory/stock management systems, and workforce scheduling tools.

The successful candidate must have:

Key Skills and Competencies:

1. Leadership and Team Management:
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage teams across various store locations.
• Ability to delegate tasks effectively while maintaining accountability.
• Experience in conflict resolution and managing diverse teams.
2. Operational Expertise:
• Proficient in overseeing store operations, including stock control, store layouts, and compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple stores or regions.
3. Customer Service Focus:
• Commitment to providing exceptional customer service and improving customer experience across all retail locations.
• Ability to analyse customer feedback and implement improvements.
4. Financial Acumen:
• Competent in managing budgets, analysing profit-and-loss reports, and taking corrective actions to ensure profitability.
• Ability to forecast sales, plan inventory, and control expenses.
5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong interpersonal skills, enabling effective collaboration with store teams, senior management, and external partners.
6. Problem Solving and Decision Making:
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Proactive in identifying problems and implementing solutions to improve operational efficiency and store performance.
7. Adaptability and Resilience:
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment and adapt to changing circumstances and market conditions.
• Resilient and able to handle pressure and deadlines effectively.
8. Technological Proficiency:
• Competent with retail management software, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Understanding of e-commerce, online sales, and their integration with physical store operations (optional but advantageous).

Personal Attributes:

1. Results-Oriented:
• A driven individual with a strong focus on achieving sales targets and operational goals.
2. Customer-Focused:
• A commitment to delivering a high standard of customer service across all stores.
3. Organized and Detail-Oriented:
• Able to manage multiple priorities and maintain a strong attention to detail in all aspects of store operations.
4. Innovative:
• Open to new ideas and continuous improvement, constantly seeking ways to innovate and streamline processes.
5. Integrity and Professionalism:
• Displays a high level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical behaviour in decision-making and leadership.
6. Commercial Awareness:
• Strong understanding of the retail market, including competitor activities and consumer behaviour, to make strategic decisions.