Role Overview
The Operations Manager will be responsible for the smooth and efficient day-to-day running of The Bodega Emporium. The role will oversee store operations, staff performance, inventory, customer experience, sales performance, and operational controls, while working closely with the Managing Director to achieve business goals and improve overall performance.
Responsibilities
Store Operations
- Oversee the daily operations of the store, ensuring all activities run efficiently and in line with company standards.
- Ensure proper opening, closing, shift management, store presentation, cleanliness, and general operational standards.
- Identify and resolve operational issues promptly, escalating major concerns to the Managing Director.
- Develop and maintain practical operating procedures and ensure staff follow them consistently.
People Management
- Supervise and coordinate store staff across functions and shifts.
- Set clear expectations around performance, attendance, conduct, and customer service.
- Monitor staff productivity and ensure appropriate staffing levels based on business needs.
- Work with HR on recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee relations.
- Conduct team meetings and provide regular feedback to improve accountability and performance.
Inventory & Stock Management
- Oversee stock levels, replenishment, stock movement, damages, wastage, and expired products.
- Ensure regular stock counts and investigate discrepancies between physical stock and records.
- Monitor fast-moving, slow-moving, and low-stock products and make recommendations for replenishment.
- Ensure proper storage, handling, pricing, and presentation of products.
Sales & Customer Experience
- Monitor daily and weekly sales performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Work with the Managing Director to implement initiatives that support sales and profitability.
- Ensure promotions, pricing, and product displays are properly implemented.
- Maintain high customer service standards and ensure customer complaints are handled promptly.
- Monitor customer feedback and recommend practical improvements to the customer experience.
Financial & Operational Controls
- Monitor operational expenses and ensure spending is properly authorised and controlled.
- Work with relevant teams to maintain proper controls around cash, sales, purchases, expenses, and stock.
- Identify and address operational leakages, wastage, losses, and unnecessary costs.
- Ensure proper documentation and accountability for operational activities.
Suppliers & Procurement
- Coordinate with suppliers and procurement personnel to ensure timely availability of products.
- Monitor supplier performance, delivery timelines, product quality, and pricing.
- Escalate supplier-related issues and support the Managing Director with procurement decisions where required.
Reporting & Compliance
- Provide regular reports and updates to the Managing Director on sales, inventory, staffing, customer issues, and operational performance.
- Use operational data to identify trends, solve problems, and support decision-making.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and applicable health, safety, food handling, and regulatory requirements.
- Support the implementation of new processes, systems, and business improvement initiatives.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Operations, Retail Management, or a related field.
- 4 years of experience in retail, grocery, supermarket, hospitality, FMCG, or a similar customer-facing business, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, sales, and customer service.
- Experience managing teams and coordinating multiple operational functions.
- Strong organisational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Good numerical and reporting skills with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Google Workspace and familiarity with POS or inventory management systems.
- Strong communication, leadership, accountability, and commercial awareness.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.