Area Operations Manager

Our AVI Field Marketing Share Services team bridges the gap between our brands and the market by creating impactful in-store experiences and engaging directly with customers. We focus on executing marketing strategies at ground level, ensuring our products are both visible and accessible. Through promotional activities and close collaboration with retailers, we drive sales and strengthen our connection with consumers.

We’re looking for a passionate Area Operations Manager to join our AVI Field Marketing Shared Services Division in for our Inland East region. In this role, you will be required to lead and manage a high-performing merchandising team and drive retail excellence by boosting sales, optimizing in-store execution, managing promotions and building strong customer relationships. The role will service retail customers in Ermelo, Secunda, Piet Retief and surrounding areas.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports to: Regional Operations Manager
• Direct reports: +/- 28

Job Specification:

Key Performance Areas:

• Monitor store ordering process, stock levels, and returns and take corrective action if required
• Monitor pricing and ensure mandate adherence
• Negotiate promotional activity
• POP implementation and negotiate ad-hoc display and space
• Check-in stock, expiry dates and ensure shelf health standards are maintained
• Address pricing and delivery issues
• Monitor forward share in relation to market share as well as the rate of sale
• Maintain customer and company records
• Complete price surveys timeously
• Update records of all company equipment and assets
• Communicate issues and provide solutions where possible
• Ensure adherence to store policies and procedures at all times
• Monitor and manage Merchandiser / Field Marketer and Sales Representatives' attendance and ensure registers are updated
• Confirm call cycles are followed and communicate changes to customers when needed
• Manage and plan leave for subordinates
• Prepare monthly payroll for Human Resources
• Conduct floor walks with Field Marketers, Merchandisers, and Sales Representatives
• Brief staff of all cycle priorities and ensure a clear understanding of objectives
• Develop staff by identifying training needs and providing on-the-job coaching if required
• Keep Regional Operations Manager up to date on conduct issues
• Staff management in line with company policy and procedures
• Conduct appraisals on field staff
• Set targets for subordinates by store by category in line with business unit objectives and strategy

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a Sales Supervisor or Sales Manager role required
• Experience within FMCG dealing with retail customers
• Experience with managing teams
• Good understanding and implementation of human resources and industrial relations processes and procedures

Qualifications:

• Completed Matric / Grade 12 is essential
• A completed tertiary qualification (Business / Sales / Marketing / Retail) would be advantageous

Additional Requirements:

• Sound knowledge of the FMCG industry
• A good understanding of the merchandising industry
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office (MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
• Able to present information to various levels in the organization
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Ability to travel essential