Store Manager – Spar Vacancies

Job Description

The Store Manager is accountable for the overall performance, profitability, and operational excellence of the store. This role leads all store functions, ensures strong governance and compliance, drives customer service excellence, and develops a high-performing team aligned to business objectives.

Key Performance Areas and Core Accountabilities

Store Profitability

• Drive sales performance to achieve and exceed profitability targets

• Develop, present, and manage annual business plans, budgets, and capital expenditure

• Control store and departmental budgets in line with financial targets

• Monitor performance trends, competitor activity, and changing trading conditions

• Execute in-store initiatives to achieve margin and sales targets

• Authorise expenditure within approved budget parameters

• Implement and monitor effective shrinkage control measures

• Maintain a strong in-store look and feel with optimal stock levels, strong fresh departments, and clear price messaging

• Ensure effective merchandising, end-cap displays, bulk stacks, and cross-merchandising to drive impulse sales

Store Management and Governance

• Oversee all store functions, including Administration, Merchandise, HR, and Operations

• Compile and review performance reports covering sales, margins, and monthly trends

• Ensure full compliance with SOPs to protect assets and maintain data integrity

• Identify risks proactively and implement corrective actions

• Maintain effective governance controls to manage business risk

• Safeguard company assets within delegated authority levels

Stock Management

• Ensure adherence to stock management principles, including accurate ordering and receiving

• Manage waste within agreed targets

• Oversee daily returns to suppliers

• Ensure effective execution of in-store promotions

• Conduct stock takes in line with SOP requirements

• Analyse stock take results and implement action plans to minimise losses

• Manage total stock holding, including discontinued lines, overstocks, out-of-stocks, and key value items in line with targets

Supplier and Service Provider Management

• Ensure service providers perform in accordance with agreed service levels

• Manage operational relationships and enforce supplier agreement compliance

Customer Service Excellence

• Ensure consistent stock availability and product quality

• Maintain high merchandising standards throughout the store

• Ensure Frontend and Service Departments are adequately staffed

• Engage with customers professionally and resolve enquiries effectively

• Drive customer loyalty, repeat business, and new customer acquisition

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate with internal departments including Finance, Merchandise, Operations, HR, IT, and Administration

• Communicate effectively with employees at all levels to achieve business objectives

• Build strong, collaborative working relationships across the business

Clean, Safe Working and Shopping Environment

• Ensure compliance with OHSA, food safety standards, and all relevant legislation

• Conduct internal audits and implement corrective actions

• Maintain a clean, safe, and secure store environment

• Ensure all security and safety systems are fully operational

• Support staff training on safety procedures in collaboration with HR and Learning and Development

Workforce Management

• Manage leave planning, shift schedules, and workforce deployment

• Ensure resourcing levels comply with legislation and operational requirements

• Build and sustain a stable, engaged, and high-performing team

• Drive continuous training, development, and skills enhancement

• Monitor attendance and apply disciplinary procedures where required

• Recognise and reward performance and achievements

• Communicate business priorities clearly and consistently

• Promote diversity, inclusion, and open exchange of ideas

• Develop talent through coaching and mentoring initiatives

Policies and Procedures

• Support the implementation of company strategies, policies, and procedures

• Ensure correct application of systems and standard operating procedures

• Conduct regular operational reviews to maintain process integrity

Store Key Holder Responsibilities

• Execute opening and closing procedures in line with approved checklists

• Respond to alarm call-outs and manage after-hours operational issues

Self-Management

• Demonstrate professionalism, respect, and ethical conduct at all times

• Display adaptability, resilience, and continuous learning

• Manage competing priorities effectively and make sound, data-driven decisions

• Identify root causes of challenges and implement practical solutions

• Uphold SPAR’s code of ethics and values

Staff Management

• Set clear performance standards and manage team outputs

• Identify development needs and implement training plans

• Provide ongoing coaching, counselling, and performance feedback

• Support long-term career development and succession planning

• Motivate teams and drive a culture of continuous improvement

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Matric qualification

• Relevant Diploma or Bachelor’s degree advantageous

• Retail Management courses are beneficial

Experience

• 3–5 years’ experience in a retail or store environment

• Minimum of 3 years’ management experience

• Strong financial and commercial acumen

• Intermediate proficiency in MS Word and Excel

Competencies and Skills

Core Competencies

• Sound judgement and decision-making ability

• Strong customer focus

• Effective execution and results management

• Team-based improvement and leadership

• Shrinkage and waste control expertise

• Store compliance and governance

• Adaptability in a dynamic retail environment

General Competencies

• Team supervision and people management skills