Senior Area Manager

Education: Bachelor 'degree in business management or equivalent studied.

Professional: Functional: Minimum 5 years retail operations experience and 2-3 years from a similar position with a Global Brand in a customer service-oriented environment (preferably apparel/footwear/sports/outdoor)

Leadership: Minimum 2 years of managerial experience. Experience in managing multiple stores required.

IT Skills: MS Excel; Basic computer skills in MS Word, PowerPoint

Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills including English at business level

Strategically manage and promote sales culture within a District of 8-12 stores to achieve or exceed sales, KPI’s, and profitability goals to position PUMA to be the Fastest Sports Brand in the world.

Task 1: Deliver on Set Targets and KPIs

• Deliver on set retail P&L and KPI targets and identify opportunities and initiate plans to improve and grow the business by increasing store productivity (e.g. Conversion Rate, UPT, ATV, Sales per hour and sqm).
• Increase comp sales of all PUMA stores by setting & driving SMART targets and implementing operating plans locally.
• Closely monitor business performance and take necessary action.
• Proactively manage Store-related OPEX with particular emphasis on Personnel Expenses.

Task 2: Operations Standards / Store Management

• Adopt and implement global/regional Operational Tools and Standards.
• Execute country-specific operational policies and procedures (per Global Retail Operation Manual) to ensure they are compliant with International/Global Retail standards.
• Deliver all operational standards for store openings (with Daily Game Plan), closings, relocation, upgrades, stock replenishment, inventory management, staff roster etc, to ensure smooth implementation and that budgets and timelines are met.
• Coach and lead local Retail Operations Teams to ensure Area- and Store Managers’ capabilities and competencies are developed and comply with International/Global standards.
• Manage all operational aspects of store inventories, including defining in-store shipment processes, coordinating stock takes and ensuring data integrity. Work with Merchandise and Planning team to manage store inventory level to ensure optimal stock to support sales targets.
• Manage country loss prevention standards and ensure that shrink goals are met and security is to PUMA standard.
• Execute VM guidelines in accordance with Global VM Survival Guide and RESEC.
• Guide, coach and train retail staff in all aspects of retail operations and retail training, working with close co-operation with the Country Retail Trainer. Support retail field training programs and roll-out of training initiatives.
• Execute the Customer Experience Program and use it to improve Retail Sales and customer service standards.
• Tailor Regional and International operational initiatives to meet Country needs including translation of material and execute these according to designated timeline and budget.

Task 3: Cross Functional Relationship

• Work effectively with Retail support functions for country specific projects and needs.
• Establish collaborative and effective relationships with Country Retail Manager, Retail Training, Retail Marketing, Merchandising Manager, E-Commerce Director etc.

Task 4: Process Improvement

• Set and implement best practices on Operations Management via cross-functional and cross-channel collaboration. Drive process improvements and strategic priorities in the country.

Task 5: Teams

• Drive and coach country Operations teams to ensure that they are motivated and capable of managing the business effectively.
• Work closely with Country Retail Training teams to identify the relevant developmental needs for store teams to ensure that training programs are targeted, relevant and conducted effectively.
• Work closely with country support functions and wholesale teams.
• Identify talent within the staff pool and develop them as part of succession planning.
• Develop strong store management team and secure succession plan through effective hiring, development, training and staff retention programs.