Department Manager

General Summary

Oversees daily operations for one or more specific business area(s) at a Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) local farm supply center, member co-op, petroleum, retail, or agronomy facility. Implements merchandising and/or production strategies, leads customer support initiatives, trains and supervises staff. Relies on expertise of assigned area(s) and knowledge of local industry trends.

Essential Job Functions

Essential Job Functions may vary due to merchandise mix, customer base, and business volume across SSC locations.

• Collaborate with facility management team to develop strategies for achieving daily/weekly/monthly sales and/or production goals. Effectively communicate action plans to staff. Lead sales and/or production efforts to implement strategies and achieve goals.
• Serve as subject matter expert for merchandise and services related to assigned department(s). Manage training and development initiatives to increase staff expertise. Coach team members to recommend the best product solutions to meet customer project needs. Effectively demonstrate skills and proper product usage. Contact Product and Vendor Support Representatives to obtain current product information.
• Provide specialized support and expertise to customers in person and via telephone. Seek information to understand the full scope of customers' projects and recommend SSC merchandise and service solutions. Assess whether companion products or additional equipment and services may be useful. Utilize advanced customer-focused interpersonal skills to independently resolve escalated issues. Assist with delivering products to customer locations as necessary.
• Conduct inventory of merchandise. Place orders to maintain optimum quantities of products and supplies. Partner with management team to implement new product introductions, discount old inventory, and develop creative displays to move excess inventory.
• Manage merchandising efforts for assigned department(s). Lead staff to replenish merchandise, face and organize products on shelving, update signage, pricing and shelf labeling to ensure a neat and professional presentation. Coordinate with management team to plan and execute local store events. Lead circular prep and tear down. Interpret planograms and move shelving and fixtures to build merchandise displays. Cross-stage merchandise with companion products.
• Provide general supervision to staff as requested by facility management. Assign various tasks within the department(s) to support sales, merchandising, production, and housekeeping goals. Effectively utilize leadership skills to motivate team members and foster a positive working environment.
• Assist with overseeing maintenance programs for equipment, including motorized vehicles. Maintain ability to effectively operate all facility equipment. Perform physical inspections, including climbing, crawling, and maneuvering on and around equipment. May perform minor repairs and general maintenance. Ensure equipment logs and records are accurately maintained.
• Promote the SSC brand and business philosophy in a positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community and sales region. May conduct on-farm sales consultations for current and prospective customers to present product offerings, strengthen rapport, and develop business relationships. Attend local board meetings as requested.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, developments, regulations, and updates to SSC products and services. Utilize a variety of resources, including: professional organizations, seminars, conferences, training courses, self-study, and on-line tools.
• Serve as a key-holder to independently open or close the facility. Comply with established policies and guidelines to ensure the security of facility, all assets, employees and customers.
• Maintain a clean, safe facility to meet OSHA and EPA regulations and Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards. Lead department housekeeping functions. Conduct and attend safety meetings. Monitor employees for safe performance. Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.