Retail Area Manager

**Who We Are**:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. At New Balance, We Got Now.

JOB MISSION:
As an Area Manager you will own and ensure all stores within the district adhere to operational policies and best practises, through store visits and consistent execution of audits on site. Utilising store results to drive corrective action planning and work with store management to deliver continual improvements, alongside supporting the Regional Manager with tasks and projects to improve performance of the stores and the business.

**MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES**:
**Operations**
- Coordinate all the activities of Retail (inline and outlets,) according to brand guidelines and strategy including implementation of Game Changer
- Inform the Retail Regional Manager about the general condition of the stores (stock, display, windows, cleaning) and staff (uniform, performance etc) during store visits by performing the RGCCL
- Ensure that each store delivers exceptional customer service to our consumers - ensuring that all customer service initiatives are in place and any problems are dealt quickly and courteously.
- Ensure stores support any marketing campaigns and promotions effectively.
- Drive store sales through innovative approaches and techniques
- Minimise costs across stores through effective rota planning, utilisation of hours, overheads expense and loss prevention
- Stocktake attendance and spot checking to drive best practice across stores. Post stocktake action planning reports to be provided regularly to the Retail Regional Manager.
- To take full responsibility for mystery shop action plans, ensuring the Retail Regional Manager has regular feedback on progress and improvement plans.
- Publishing of all monthly audit results into the Retail Portal
- To actively drive KPI’s such as sales, UPT, ATV and conversion through regular commercial report usage and walkthrough’s at store level with the SM & ASM
- Ensure that Store Managers from owned and partner stores follow and implement corporate policies and procedures
- To provide cash and loss prevention support to all stores. To include regular reviews of G4s collections, petty cash management, reviewing floats prior to business peaks and reporting any financial losses in a timely, effective manner
- To monitor and manage controllable costs in all stores, including items such as stationary, essential back of house items, minor repairs and maintenance
- Maintain a good relationship with stakeholders like centre’s management and landlords across the area
- Perform other duties and projects as required

**People**
- To lead, guide and inspire teams throughout the area through regular feedback, coaching and celebrating success
- Manage performance through effective goal/target setting and monitoring through regular 1-1s and constructive feedback
- Responsible for the recruitment, selection and onboarding of Store Managers and teams, supporting them with their recruitment needs
- Management of holidays across all stores and feedback to the Retail Regional Manager on a quarterly basis.
- At least 3 days per week you will be based at stores performing retail game plan check lists and working together with the stores in your area

**REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS**:

- 5 years’ Retail management experience
- Demonstrated ability to achieve sales targets/budgets
- Proven people management and leadership shills
- Experience in coaching, driving and developing a team
- Excellent attention to detail
- Quality focused with a continuous improvement mindset
- Excellent communication skills, written and verbal
- Ability to organise and manage projects
- Proficiency with MS Excel and retail software
- Fluent in English
- Interest in Fashion and/or sport desirable
- Commercially aware of the retail market/consumer trends
- Experienced in working in a stand-alone role - autonomous and comfortable being remotely managed
- Team player
- Ability to travel to visit stores and office locations

**Equal Opportunity Employer**:
New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

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