Retail Store Manager

General Summary

Responsible for the efficient daily operations of a Southern States Cooperative, Inc. (SSC) local farm supply, managed co-op, petroleum or retail service center. Drives profitability by providing leadership and direction to SSC team members in the areas of customer service, sales and merchandising, and operational excellence. Relies on extensive knowledge of retail operations and industry best-practices to accomplish goals. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Essential Job Functions

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

• Execute a strategic retail operations plan that aligns customer service, sales and volume building, merchandising, inventory management, budgeting and expense control with SSC business and financial goals. Utilize standard operating procedures (SOP) designed to maximize efficiencies while complying with SSC policy and government regulations.
• Direct daily operations in a manner that optimizes resources and team member skills to achieve profitability targets. Review and analyze financial reports to identify opportunities to increase operating efficiencies. Handle escalated customer inquiries, manage showroom merchandising (dependent upon location), ensure adequate supply of bulk and/or packaged merchandise, oversee warehouse operations including receiving and customer delivery, and foster continuous communication to support team members. Lead daily housekeeping duties to ensure a safe, clean and welcoming environment.
• Lead the development of a highly effective team. Coach facility team members to drive sales by providing excellent customer service. Foster employee engagement by establishing clear performance objectives, continuously communicating facility results and goals, supporting cross training opportunities, removing obstacles to efficient performance, and resolving complex customer issues.
• Coordinate with division leadership to establish a staffing plan designed to meet seasonal volume adjustments and budget requirements. Oversee the hiring process for facility positions. Complete performance appraisals, conduct performance reviews, determine compensatory rewards, and administer corrective action. Promote recognition programs for individuals and teams.
• Promote the SSC brand and business philosophy in a positive and customer-focused manner throughout the local community and sales region. Develop and maintain open lines of communication with local civic leaders, patrons, and board. Direct and perform field sales. Visit current and prospective customer locations to strengthen business relationships and to present product offerings.
• Depending upon product mix, research and assess regional merchandising techniques, pricing trends and/or fluctuation in commodities markets. Gather data through observations of competitors and/or market performance. Collaborate with corporate and regional counterparts to ensure proper pricing to optimize inventory supply and profits.
• Supervise vehicle and equipment maintenance programs, dispatch routes, degree-day systems for fuels, and use of loaned equipment. Order tools and parts for equipment repair. Perform physical inspection, including climbing, crawling, and maneuvering on and around equipment.
• Oversee business office functions including accounting, payroll, returns processing and customer/vendor relations. Verify and approve accounts payable, credits, and other transactions. Manage collection of receivables. Monitor expenditures and control costs to meet financial objectives. Ensure compliance with SSC policies and government regulations.
• Safeguard facility assets. Maintain an inventory control program to ensure inventory integrity and minimize shrink of merchandise. Monitor a facility security program to protect inventory, equipment, facility and staff in accordance with SSC policy.
• Direct and prioritize safety initiatives. Maintain a clean, safe facility to meet OSHA and EPA regulations and Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards. Promote safety, work safely and monitor employees for safe performance. Maintain current Emergency Response Planning records.
• Perform work safely as to not cause harm to yourself, customers, co-workers, equipment, or inventory. Utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Operate all equipment according to SSC policy and government regulations. Comply with OSHA regulations, Southern States Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards, work rules and policies.
• Perform all other job functions as assigned.
• Pay-$58,681-$74,616