Job: Regional Retail Operations Manager – Premium Cigars

Our Client

Our client for this opportunity is a Tobacco / Premium Cigar company with a network of cigar stores and smoking lounges in the US.

Objective

The Regional Retail Operations Manager to lead the retail teams. He/She will have overall responsibility to manage the sales, operations, and staff development of all retail 10 stores to achieve maximum profitability, compliance with company procedures and excellence in customer service. He/She will act as an ambassador of the brand within our retail team.

Job Description

• Serve as the market expert, ensuring the retail stores are consistently up to standard ofthe company
• Provide insight and be able to influence assortments, pricing strategies, and merchandising standards tailored specifically to the market
• Share market best practices across stores
• Develop systematic reporting for macro trends (real estate development, trading conditions, competitive activity, travel patterns)

Retail Sales Generation & Customer Service:

• Ensure the highest level of customer service is being provided in stores
• Work with Store Managers to achieve sales goals
• Recognize best sellers and superb customer service, while serving as a role model for both

Staff Training & Development

• Interview, screen, hire, coach and counsel Store Managers (and Assistant Store Managers if appropriate) in accordance with company’s policies
• Delegate duties and responsibilities to foster a sense of ownership among Store Managers and to increase efficiency of store operations
• Ensure consistent management, operational practices and customer service in all stores in area
• Implement training programs
• Hold regular staff meetings and initiate on-the-job training; supervise and train Management Team to develop their managerial skills

Merchandise Management

• Ensure stores present merchandise in a manner that will maximize sales and achieve optimum merchandise turn, and are reflective of the company’s corporate direction.
• Stay current on product range and educate staff on new products
• Oversee maintenance of accurate inventory records
• Funnel product improvement ideas and feedback to corporate

Operations

• Comply with all local lease and statutory obligations as well as with local codes
• Identify methods for lowering expenses and increasing overall store profitability
• Ensure payroll budget is achieved
• Attain store shrinkage goals
• Uphold highest standards on all Company audits
• Ensure that all HR paperwork (new hires, terminations and change in status) is promptly and accurately completed
• Ensure Time & Attendance system is reviewed/approved on time in each payroll cycle
• Ensure execution of performance management for business, including reviews, goals, and disciplinary action process

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years prior experience in an upscale retail environment, including 4 years as a multi-store manager; or previous management experience as a multi-store manager preferred
• Ability to work with and motivate multiple levels within the retail organization
• Must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate important issues related to Market to Senior Management, and partner on solutions
• Pro-active problem solver – ability to assess an issue and develop action steps for resolution
• Demonstrated ability to think broadly, considering all perspectives on issues, and reaching logical conclusions that best serve the brand as a whole
• Cigar/Pipe Tobacco knowledge a very strong plus
• Appreciated previous experience: Luxury Goods, Luxury Products, Watches, Jewelry, Wines, Spirits, Liquors, Tobacco, Cigars
• Appreciated previous titles: District Manager, Area Manager, Regional Manager, Store Director, Retail Manager, General Manager