Unit Head-General Merchandise Full Time NEW

Spinneys the leading supermarket retailer in the Middle East, with hypermarkets and supermarkets currently operating in Lebanon.

Spinneys was first established in 1924 by Arthur Spinneys in the suburbs of Alexandria Egypt, to provide consumers with a friendly shopping environment where they can find high quality fresh produce, groceries, and baked goods at a fair price.

Spinneys opened its doors to Lebanese shoppers in 1948 in the old Beirut Souks, and went on to expand its stores in Raouche, Verdun, Hamra and Jnah, to offer customers a convenient one-stop shopping experience.

Due to civil war happening in Lebanon at that time, Spinneys stopped their operations in 1976. However, they overcame these challenges, reopened their doors twenty-two years later, and pioneered the concept of hypermarkets in Lebanon in 1998 through a new flagship store in Dbayeh. As this success was tremendous, it led Spinneys to expand its branches and open additional stores across Lebanon once again.

Job Description

Job Overview:

The Unit Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the General Merchandise commercial team, strategies, and plans and ensure its proper implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Operational Effectiveness

• Assist in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, presenting recommendations, and implementing programs to improve operational effectiveness, including process improvements, technology enhancements, change management, and training.
• Assist in setting and controlling SOPs for related business functions in coordination with the Organization Development department.
• Review and adapt the department structure in coordination with the Organization Development department to align with department strategies.
• Develop work plans on Division/Category levels, covering future development plans at the company or division levels.

Market Research & Competitive Analysis

• Conduct market research to identify department trends, competitor behavior, and customer needs.
• Develop plans and recommendations based on research to ensure the department remains competitive.
• Attend international conventions periodically to identify industry trends and provide suggestions.
• Ensure proper product positioning relative to competitors and industry standards.

Sales & Profitability Management

• Implement strategies that drive sales, margin, inventory optimization, and improve customer service.
• Monitor the sales of each product and take corrective actions as needed to meet targets.
• Abide by profitability margins set by upper management and oversee negative margin products, taking corrective action when necessary.
• Identify and create opportunities to increase other operating incomes.
• Ensure the set prices for categories under the department remain competitive in the market.

Vendor & Supplier Management

• Negotiate, approve, and manage contracts with suppliers.
• Track orders and suppliers’ payments, including claims and rebate deductions.
• Meet with suppliers to discuss sales, new releases, opportunities, and threats.
• Ensure proper supplier relationships to maintain smooth operations and resolve any issues promptly.

Product & Brand Management

• Identify and select differentiated and exclusive offerings, services, brands, and promotions.
• Handle brand management for developed and exclusive brands.
• Develop plans for new products or services based on market research and customer feedback.
• Execute and manage product assortment/selection based on the store’s concept.
• Ensure the correct execution of promotional guidelines, product selection criteria, and pricing strategies.

Inventory & Stock Management

• Monitor and manage stock and service levels, product movement, aging, and allocations.
• Control daily and periodic replenishment orders for local and foreign product supplies.
• Ensure ordering processes and parameters are properly set to prevent overstock and wastage.

Category Performance & Reviews

• Initiate periodic category reviews on all levels (product, space, brand, supplier) as a tool to monitor performance and achieve targets.
• Prepare a yearly Profit and Loss (P&L) statement by category to maintain optimal performance.

Retail Space & Merchandising Management

• Collaborate with the Retail Space Management department to set merchandising guidelines for the department.
• Conduct occasional store visits to ensure alignment with company goals and merchandising standards.

After-Sales & Customer Service

• Closely oversee the after-sales function, maintaining a professional attitude toward suppliers and customers to ensure satisfaction.

Team Management:

• Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees
• Maintain staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees
• Provide on-going leadership and support to team
• Resolve any staff issues and escalate any unresolved issue to superior
• Ensure on-the-job training using training checklists
• Recommend disciplinary action as needed following established policy
• Control knowledge of procedures and ensure their strict implementation
• Give clear responsibilities to the team
• Organize and maintain departmental communication system that encourages staff participation
• Manage shift schedule to include trainings, vacations, leaves, and backups Ensure department staff is informed of policy changes
• Conduct timely performance evaluations and staff development
• Involve the team in service and activities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in related field
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or any related field

Additional Information