Available Vacancies at Ares Holdings

Job Description

• Under Armour Springfield is looking for a Seasonal sales assistant to join their team.
•  This would be an ideal opportunity for students studying Retail Management, Fashion or Sports Management.   
• Well-Established and fast-growing international sports brand is looking to employ Sales Assistants to join their dynamic team.
• Working with them means one key thing: no matter what you do, you see every day and every project as a chance to push your field forward. In every store and every office, they build teams where everyone is an MVP and together, they tackle every challenge head on.

Company Values:

• We Will – Love Athletes
• We Will – Stand for Equality
• We Will – Fight on Together
• We Will – Create Fearlessly
• We Will – Always Connect
• We Will – Stay True
• We Will – Think Beyond
• We Will – Celebrate the Wins

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Purpose, Values, Culture:

• Communicate business purpose and values
• Develop, communicate and drive retail strategies and operational goals
• Ensure that all store people have a clear and consistent focus
• Drive consistent, Brand-aligned customer satisfaction

Retail Operations:

• Design tools & processes to ensure that all operational activities support an efficient, easy customer experience
• Ensure that facilities, equipment, tools, systems, security and physical environment are conducive to optimum performance
• Ensure that stores SOP's are well and consistently communicated
• Facilitate appropriate technical/ functional training
• Ensure that Store/ Area managers have the required tools to manage well
• Facilitate effective engagement between stores and HO
• Ensure that the disaster recovery plan is regularly refreshed and communicated as appropriate
• Ensure that the necessary OHS regulations are adhered to
• Develop, update & submit weekly & monthly reports as required

People:

• Develop and manage the process to ensure that stores are well staffed and that contingencies are in place
• Talent management & succession planning
• Ensure role clarity and effective goal-setting
• Drive in-store training programme to build front-line capability
• Monitor the application of the 'HR Value Chain' & adherence to people related SOP's
• Develop, update & submit weekly and monthly reports as required

Financial Management:

• Develop financial performance parameters, goals and targets
• Develop, update & drive Country plan
• Manage and drive revenue, quantity, margin and operating income targets
• Develop & Submit weekly and monthly reports as required
• Ensure that the relevant regulatory/ statutory requirements are adhered to e.g. VAT, Employee PAYE

Sales and Marketing:

• Brand management
• Key customer relationship management
• Public relations
• Ambassadorship
• Develop promotional initiatives
• Partner with Merch to ensure that VM standards are adhered to
• Create tools to ensure that all stores reflect the correct quality standards of cleanliness, tidiness, safety, visual impact and good housekeeping

Education and experience:

• Grade 12
• Relevant Tertiary qualification advantageous
• 3 – 5 years relevant experience
• Experience in the premium fashion industry

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Planning Strategy

• Understand the business strategy and assist in developing product strategies and range building in line with the business vision.
• Develop an integrated planning process that deals with customer demand, upselling opportunities in high demand end uses, EOL & stock to management in accordance with budgeted guidance (OTB), to consume against future seasons.
• Evaluate data from other relevant brand countries for forecasting purposes and to support recommendations for range decisions.

Operational Partnerships (Retail)

• Assist buying department with information needed for the buying process.
• Together with the Buyer, ensure optimal samples are selected that are applicable to the South African market.
• Assist Retail and Merchandiser/Buyer to ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders
• Manage merchandise, supply chain and logistics aspect of retail
• Measure stock levels against plans

Reporting and Analytics

• Consolidation and loading of all POs for the company
• Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, planning, point of sale, order tracking and Bl tools etc.
• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to establish sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans etc.
• Build and manage a consumption tool to react early to effectively plan for stores & business
• Develop management reports indicating attainment to target, margins and EOL status
• Develop an accurate ATS document to be refreshed on a weekly basis
• Develop seasonal and ATS order forms
• Create business dashboards highlighting business opportunities as well as risks

Lead

• Lead and manage the planning process for the brand
• Facilitate recruitment, on boarding, mentoring and succession within the department
• Ensure planning governance and compliance within the brand

Requirements

• Degree in Logistics, Supply-Chain, Retail, Business or any other related field
• 3+ years' management experience in planning/retail environment
• 5 years proven merchandise distribution and planning experience
• Strategic agility and able to articulate the vision and purpose
• Ability and experience in managing a dynamic, diverse and decentralised team
• Advanced Excel skills
• Highly numerate, analytical and detailed orientated
• Organized and deadline driven with exceptional attention to detail
• Drives collaboration and promotes teamwork
• Must have good problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize tasks according to importance in a fast-paced environment
• Multi-tasking capability without compromising on quality
• Dependable, punctual and able to work flexible working hours
• Valid Driver's license and own transport
• Willing to travel locally

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Buying Strategy

• Attend seasonal sales meetings and other relevant travel requirements.  Select from the pre-existing range, making intuitive selections that suit the SA customer, so optimums can be achieved.
• Must be a subject matter expert in terms of product features, specifications and categorisation.
• Establish shipment plan and identify consolidation opportunities for cost reduction based on OOR reconciliation
• Understand the current retail strategy and make recommendations in developing product strategies and range building in line with the business vision 
• Maintain strong awareness of the commercial potential of product in the market from a price point of view and assist in developing appropriate pricing structures
• Assist Planner in identifying sales patterns for future seasons and place forecasts and orders for the SA market

Operational Partnerships

• Manage the delivery of samples to Head Office as necessary maintaining responsibility for this inventory until signed over to the relevant merchant
• Work with marketing, sales and Planner to set up promotions to drive underperformers to clear stock.
• Conduct sell-ins promoting new, fresh product to Retail
• With the sales and marketing functions, manage the full GTM sales process. 
• Review previous season merchandise with Planner to identify possible reasons for success or non-performance and note for future reference
• Ensure optimal samples are selected that are applicable to the South African market.
• Ensure that buy-plans are well detailed and clearly understood by team members and relevant stakeholders
• Meet range development deadlines in order to ensure supplier deadlines are met
• Manage Stock levels in line with orders
• Assist Retail Ops team in the opening of new Brand House stores with specific focus on stock planning
• Ensure along with Visual Merchandiser and Retail manager that product is displayed in all stores according to brand standards.
• Manage the reconciliation of OOR against purchase order identifying irregularities and highlighting this to the Planners
• Ensure accurate requested ship dates to ease cash flow pressures

Reporting & Analytics

• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to monitor stock arrival in SA, sales, history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory etc.
• Report on inventory tracker and forecasting report
• Feedback market trend information to the brand team and suggest best merchandising practice to maximise turnover.
• Assist in the mapping and architecture of the IT system for order management, logistical support, buying, point of sale, order tracking and Bl tools etc.
• Develop and continually evaluate all reports in order to establish sales history, seasonal sales analysis, aged inventory & liquidation plans etc.
• Review relevant historical information and make recommendations to management for product segmentation in stores
• Build and manage a consumption tool to react early to plan across channels

Experience & qualifications

• Relevant Degree (Bcom) or related Diploma in Retail Management/Planning/Supply Chain/Merchandise Management
• Driver’s license essential
• Experience and understanding of import merchandising.
• A working knowledge of the latest Microsoft packages (Excel & PowerPoint knowledge is essential).
• In depth knowledge of brands in this market segment
• Have a high degree of decision-making ability and be service orientated.
• Be assertive and communicate at all levels.
• Be a team player.
• A proven solid track record in buying
• An interest in and knowledge of trends
• Excellent planning, organising and interpersonal skills
• 3-5 year’s experience in similar role/ management experience
• Min 3 year’s experience in retail buying
• Knowledge of ERP systems

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Responsibilities:

Sales & Business Development 

• Set & communicate daily sales targets to everyone on the team including casuals
• Focus the team on delivering excellent customer service
• Create relationships with GPs, podiatrists, schools, clubs & gyms in the area to generate sales
• Grow customer data base and communicate offers regularly

 Team Management

• Build a team environment through daily team meetings and providing regular feedback
• Lead and motivate the store team to maximize sales and provide exceptional customer service in line with Birkenstock standards
• Master the feedback process & provide monthly feedback to all team members
• Develop the team through weekly Customer Service, Loss Prevention, Podiatry and Sales training.
• Develop the team by ensuring they complete the Rookie Pack in the prescribed time frame.
• Manage the appraisal process for all team members
• Manage the induction process
• Complete rosters and adhere to the staffing template
• Minimize and control staff costs and store controllable expenses (e.g. discounts given, petty cash, stationery, phone, cleaning etc.) through proactive and effective management.
• Complete weekly time sheets, allocate tasks to rostered staff & coordinate lunch breaks

Inventory

• Complete OTB process weekly and order the relevant product to optimise stock levels
• Maintain inventory at target levels for all categories & price points every week
• Minimise shrinkage & maintain accurate stock records in the POS system
• Complete quarterly stock counts
• Run daily negative stock report and request relevant adjustments
• Process deliveries including checking quantities to invoices, tagging, hanging and pricing product, and recording in the POS system
• Ensure storeroom is maintained to Birkenstock standards
• Run daily inventory reports

Daily Operations

• Oversee the administrative processes at store level and ensure compliance with all policies and standards with respect to the handling of cash, stock control, POS, visual merchandising, security and operational health and safety
• Ensure visual merchandising of the stock and windows complies Birkenstock standards
• Open and close the store
• Reconcile cash to end of day tender report and prepare banking.
• Bank takings.

Month End

• Prepare month end reports.

Individual Attributes:

• Outgoing determined self-starter
• Retail management experience preferably at a national retail chain
• Demonstrated ability to achieve sales budgets
• Proven people management and leadership shills
• Excels at coaching, driving and developing a team
• Extensive stock management experience
• Proven merchandising skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.

Requirements:

• Grade 12 or equivalent
• 1 – 2 years management experience
• 3 – 4 years retail experience
• Sports knowledge advantageous

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Responsibilities:

Customer Service & Sales

• Acknowledge every customer within 30 seconds.
• Deliver excellent customer service to every customer following the Birkenstock customer service procedures.
• Establish your customer’s needs and use your technical knowledge to demonstrate benefits to meet those needs.
• Close the sale & secure add on sales.
• Invite your customer to back & turn them into Birkenstock fans.
• Monitor your daily sales against your individual budget every few hours.

Inventory

• Replenish footwear, apparel and accessories from the storeroom daily.
• Minimizing shrinkage by zoning the store, acknowledge customers, and following the Birkenstock changing room policy.
• Ensure stock entries in the POS systems are accurate.
• Process deliveries by checking quantities, invoices, tagging, hanging and pricing product, and recording in the POS System
• Process customer orders.

Daily Operations

• Ensure store housekeeping is maintained daily including dusting, cleaning mirrors, vacuuming, emptying bins, clearing counter area and tidying change rooms.
• Assist the manager with open and closing the store.

Training

• Your training is your responsibility.
• Ensure you are allocated a buddy initially & that you learn from them.
• You must attend quarterly training sessions & complete the assessments.
• Ensure you receive monthly feedback from your manager.
• Set up monthly meeting with your store manager to discuss your progress through the Birkenstock rookie pack.
• These are essential as they will determine your eligible for promotions.

Merchandising

• Observe the store & maintain stock presentation in accordance to the Birkenstock standards.
• Ensure sizes are replenished.
• Assist the team to change the windows/ Mannequins fortnightly.
• Ensure POS materials are stored in the area to avoid damage.
• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• Min. 6 months customers services experience
• Birkenstock knowledge advantageous
• Able to work flexible shifts.

go to method of application »

Responsibilities:

Customer Service & Sales

• Acknowledge every customer within 30 seconds
• Deliver excellent customer service to every customer
• Establish your customer’s needs and use your technical knowledge to demonstrate benefits to meet those needs
• Close the sale & secure add on sales
• Monitor your daily sales against your individual budget every few hours.

Inventory

• Replenish footwear, apparel, and accessories from the storeroom daily
• Minimizing shrinkage by zoning the store, acknowledge customers, and following the store changing room policy
• Ensure stock entries in the POS systems are accurate
• Process deliveries by checking quantities t invoice, tagging, hanging and pricing product, and recording in the POS System
• Process customer orders.

Daily Operations

• Ensure store housekeeping is maintained daily including dusting, cleaning mirrors, vacuuming, emptying bins, clearing the counter area and tidying change rooms
• Assist the manager with open and closing the store.

Training

• Your training is your responsibility
• Ensure you are allocated a buddy initially & that you learn from them
• You must attend quarterly training sessions & complete the assessments
• Ensure you receive monthly feedback from your manager
• Set up a monthly meeting with your store manager to discuss your progress through the Hey Dude rookie pack
• These are essential as they will determine your eligibility for promotions

Merchandising

• Observe the store & maintain stock presentation in accordance with the store standards
• Ensure sizes are replenished
• Assist the team to change the windows/ Mannequin’s fortnightly
• Ensure POS materials are stored in the area to avoid damage.

Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• 1 year of customers services experience minimum
• Crocs product knowledge advantageous
• Able to work flexible shifts

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Responsibilities:

Sales

• Maximise Sales by driving conversion
• Set & communicate daily sales targets to everyone on the team including casuals. Report actual v target results three times during each day to all staff.
• Focus the team on cross & up selling
• Create relationships with podiatrists, running clubs & gyms in the area to generate sales
• Grow Rewards program data base
• Ensure all customer orders are accurately processed with one working day
• Achieve gross margin targets

Team Management

• Build a team environment through daily team meetings. Allocate tasks.
• Recruit, lead and motivate the store team to maximise sales and provide exceptional customer service in line with Crocs standards
• Drive conversion through traffic analysis & rostering
• Master feedback process & provide monthly feedback to all team members
• Develop the team through regular Tech, Customer Service, Loss Prevention, Podiatry and Sales training.
• Develop the team by ensuring they complete the Rookie Pack in the prescribed time frame.
• Follow up with all customers queries or requests within 24 hours always
• Execute the months Mystery Shopping action items
• Manage the induction process
• Complete rosters and adhere to the staffing template
• Ensure all staff wear lanyards & the correct uniform/tech apparel

Inventory

• Minimise shrinkage & maintain accurate stock records in the POS system
• Complete quarterly stock counts
• Execute mark downs as directed
• Run daily negative stock report and request relevant adjustments
• Process all deliveries on the same day as receipt, including checking quantities to invoices, tagging, hanging and pricing product, and recording in the POS system
• Ensure storeroom is maintained with the top ten sellers at the front, & all product stored by line of business, gender & category to expedite floor replenishment
• Run & action the daily inventory reports
• Review the store sell through report. Remerchandise or adjust replenishment levels as required
• Quarterly stock takes: This includes the planning of stock take and making sure all preparation is completed, signed off and filed.
• Make sure all necessary paperwork for stock take is printed off, filed and sent through to the Regional Brand Manager.
• Review the stock status and pending transfers report that gets sent out weekly. Follow up that appropriate investigation are getting done.
• Complete OTB process weekly and order the relevant product to optimise stock levels
• Maintain inventory at target levels for all categories & price points every week
• Minimise shrinkage & maintain accurate stock records in the POS system
• Process deliveries including checking quantities to invoices, tagging, hanging and pricing product, and recording in the POS system.

Operations

• Ensure VM and windows comply with Store standards
• Ensure the store is clean, no lights are out, change rooms are clear of product & that the music is appropriate
• Open and close the store
• Reconcile cash to end of day tender report & complete & sign the end of day banking book
• Complete month end Stock Receipt report and Sales reports
• Proactively manage controllable store expenses; discounts given, petty cash, stationery, phone, cleaning etc.
• Ensure compliance with the operational health and safety policy.

 Month End

• Prepare month end reports
• Complete Return to Supplier report
• Prepare sales report with budget variance explanations

Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• 2 years’ experience in a similar capacity
• Willing to work shifts
• Valid Drivers’ Licence
• Own Vehicle advantageous

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Responsibilities:

• Opening & closing procedures
• Cash ups & banking
• Housekeeping (FOH & BOH)
• PI & Cycle counts
• Stock replenishment
• Dispatch & receipt of stock
• POS control
• General staff control (time management, shop duties, shift control)
• Customer queries
• Daily taking sheet updates
• Employee motivation
• Assisting Store Management in daily store managing

Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• 6 months customers services experience
• Crocs product knowledge advantageous
• Able to work flexible shifts

go to method of application »

Responsibilities:

• Opening & closing procedures
• Cash ups & banking
• Housekeeping (FOH & BOH)
• PI & Cycle counts
• Stock replenishment
• Dispatch & receipt of stock
• POS control
• General staff control (time management, shop duties, shift control)
• Customer queries
• Daily taking sheet updates
• Employee motivation
• Assisting Store Management in daily store managing

Requirements

• Grade 12 or Equivalent
• 6 months customers services experience
• Crocs product knowledge advantageous
• Able to work flexible shifts