Store Assistant Manager - Chanel SAB Gateway at The Prestige Cosmetics Group

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The Assistant Boutique Manager works in synergy with the Boutique Store Manager to lead an energetic and passionate team of people who are dedicated to creating experiences with our clients.  Through a keen sense of business acumen, the Assistant Boutique Manager is responsible for supporting the Boutique Manager in all retail activities that contribute to the brand’s image and leadership in the market by liaising with field and head office functions.  In the absence of the Boutique Manager, they will need to step up and support with the operational standards within the boutique and continue to coach and mentor the team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Team leader:  the Store Assistant Manager guides their team towards achieving results and developing individual talents.

• Alongside the Boutique Manager they will creates an environment rich with ethics, integrity, and diversity, which leads to positive team collaboration
• Partners with Boutique Manager to proactively identify, address and manage any employee relations issues in accordance with the local Chanel policies and procedures and shares feedback on performance
• Help facilitates frequent team and individual communication in order to ensure collective knowledge to all members of the boutique staff
• Shares the brand vision and the boutique challenges, gives meaning and empowerment to the team while holding them accountable
• Boutique Administration
• Standard Operating Procedure on the Job Training implementation 

Administration/Reporting

• Review and analyse all category sales
• Review all stock reports that are submitted monthly and ensure actions are taken to address identified
• Update respective reports monthly (Sales consultant Performance / New Launch feedback / Event feedback / analysis and sales).
• Provide feedback and reporting on business performance in terms of customers, competitor activities, product acceptance, and distribution and target sectors.
• Provide feedback on any information relating in to development within the V&A catchment area.

Business developer:  the Store Assistant Manager embodies an entrepreneurial spirit.

• Works in harmony with the Boutique Manager to drive growth by achieving retail and CRM targets and acts pro-actively to recruit, retain and grow client return rate
• Develops business initiatives in line with the brand vision and strategy
• In the absence of a manager take responsibility for staff schedules, including day-to-day operational zoning to ensure floor coverage and optimal client service
• Supports the Boutique Manager in communicating retail and collateral stock needs to all necessary parties
• Takes accountability alongside the Manager for the responsibility for all loss prevention activities, such as in-store security and inventory management
• Has a solid understanding of the business environment
• Works with Manager to provide feedback and reporting to line manager in order to influence strategies and recommendations

Experience creator:  the Store Assistant Manager creates conditions for a consistent and memorable experience.

• Leads by example on the selling floor by creating tailor-made client experiences, personalized for each visit and each client, using the CHANEL experience ritual and building long-lasting relationships
• Considers the omni-channel journey as a whole and helps the team embrace digital shopping trends
• Co-creates stories with and for the client, sharing the brand culture and blending it with the client's personal story at the point of sale
• Facilitates the resolution of client service complaints with a holistic approach so that each client leaves satisfied, regardless of which channel they chose to shop
• Ensures team has tools/training to provide a Chanel client experience
• Provides flexibility to allow the BA to create their own experience
• Ensures visual merchandising guidelines are adhered to throughout the boutique and guarantees that the boutique remains clean, tidy and welcoming always

CHANEL ambassador:   the Store Assistant Manager embodies the values of the brand.

• CHANEL Insider: has a solid knowledge of the Brand, its heritage and know-how, and shares it with clients as well as the team
• Implements all training received, is curious to learn more in order to nourish a global and beauty culture, being pro-active in self-learning
• Always implements and ensures respect of the uniform and grooming guidelines

Store operations: the Store Assistant Manager delivers strong operational excellence with support of their manager

• Supports the Manager in all areas of boutique operations, ensuring compliance across all areas and implementing clear and transparent procedures. Ensure the smooth running of all boutiques at all times, including responsibility for day-to-day operations such as boutique opening/closing, security and cleaning.
• Stock Management
• Responsible for the stock, tester and sample inventory of each boutique, keeping stocks of each to a minimum to ensure quick turnover.
• Support the Manager in ensure that the stock levels meet the needs of the business, managing planned seasonal increases in good time.
• Work with the Manager to increase stock accuracy in (stock audits), working to minimize stock loss at all times.
• Ensure meticulous stock handling and storage procedures are established and followed in each boutique.
• New line ordering and set up as required, ensuring that quantities ordered are realistic and reflect the needs of the business.
• Till and Cash Handling Procedures
• Ensure all team members are fully trained on Company till and cash handling procedures, and that these are always adhered to.
• Ensure Company returns procedures are clear and adhered to.
• Working with the Visual Merchandising Team, ensure that the CHANEL Standalone Boutique merchandising guidelines are always followed.
• Responsible for ensuring clarity of Health and Safety training and procedures in each boutique

COMPETENCIES

Leadership and Management skills

• Strategic thinker: Analytical and systemic, challenge the status quo, communicate the vision to inspire and engage
• Relationships-focused: Collaborative, partnering and influencing skills
• Ability to develop and empower people: Listening and empathy, feedback and coaching skills, performance management, delegation
• Performance minded and decisive, strive for continuous improvement

Managing Business skills

• Strong client experience mindset
• Able to understand and synthesize business and market intelligence
• Able to write reports and proposals
• Planning, organization and change management skills
• Problem solving and dispute resolution skills
• Technology savvy and digital trend awareness

Soft skills

• Posture and communication skills: Verbal and written communication, story telling
• Curious, personal agility, continuous learner
• Self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-control/stress management
• Enthusiasm, energy and motivation
• Trustworthy with integrity/ethics

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Matric certificate
• At least 3 years retail and cosmetics experience
• Certificate in Beauty/Make-Up is advantageous