Area Manager

Purpose of the Role

To develop and lead a team of Shop Managers within the Region. To maximise sales, productivity, revenue opportunities and customer satisfaction levels through the efficient management of the Vincent’s shops by ensuring compliance within the SVP retail standards, current relevant legislation and SVP policy and ethos.

Guidance and Authority

The post holder is expected to operate with considerable autonomy, referring matters to their line manager when significant resistance is encountered in implementing good practices or policies, when actions may place stakeholders such as children, vulnerable adults, scheme participants, volunteers, or the Society's reputation at risk, or when decisions could substantially impact the workload of others.

Principle Accountabilities

The role holder will be responsible for:

Business Development

• Assist the Regional Manager in implementing the annual Business Development Plan for the shops in your area.

• Build strong relationships with Shop Managers and their teams to support, advise, and guide efficient store operations.

• Identify local opportunities and develop business plans in conjunction with Shop Managers.

• Analyse category performance and space utilisation by shop; work with teams to improve results.

• Promote the highest retail standards in merchandising, window displays, and shop appearance, recording findings in Area Manager reports.

• Monitor retail market trends, competitor activity, and customer initiatives to identify opportunities.

• Use monthly sales information to track and distribute performance data for each shop.

• Highlight inconsistent performance or KPI trends to the Regional Manager.

• Manage store P&Ls within your remit, ensuring financial targets are met.

• Ensure EPOS compliance and understanding, providing training and support where needed.

• Encourage volunteer participation and assist in recruiting new volunteers from across the community.

• Support donation drives and manage end-of-line stock efficiently.

• Identify and assess new opportunities for shop network expansion.

• Project manage new shop openings and refurbishments, adhering to procurement policies.

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with third-party contractors.

• Participate fully in any National SVP retail initiatives as directed.

Customer Service

• Establish and promote clear guidelines for customer interaction, encouraging staff and volunteers to exceed expectations.

• Foster a “sales through service” culture focused on customer satisfaction and loyalty.

• Promote thank-you cards and educate the public on appropriate donations.

• Ensure meet-and-greet practices are implemented where staffing allows.

• Investigate and resolve customer complaints promptly, aiming to recover customer relationships.

• Retain existing customers, attract new ones, and encourage participation through buying, donating, and volunteering.

Team Management

• Create an environment that promotes dignity, respect, and motivation for all staff and volunteers.

• Ensure all new and existing team members receive proper induction and training on SVP ethos, policies, and procedures.

• Set clear, measurable objectives for retail staff and provide regular performance feedback.

• Assess training needs and create opportunities for staff development.

• Ensure participation in scheduled training and continuous learning initiatives.

• Communicate KPIs effectively across your area and support Shop Managers in meeting goals.

• Conduct regular one-to-one and team meetings to maintain strong communication.

• Participate in CE interviews and liaise with TUS supervisors at the local level.

• Ensure all mandatory training is completed in line with SVP’s training guidelines.

• Review and approve shop rosters, ensuring sufficient cover during peak hours.

Compliance

• Ensure all staff and volunteers are familiar with SVP guidelines, relevant legislation, and best practices.

• Monitor performance and address any non-compliance issues in line with SVP policy.

• Promote health and safety awareness and ensure compliance with legislation.

• Maintain strong internal controls for cash handling and stock management.

• Enforce compliance in staff purchase and Emergency Assistance procedures.

• Act promptly and appropriately in cases of non-compliance, escalating issues as necessary.

• Report compliance concerns to the Regional Manager at the earliest opportunity.

Operational Risk Management

• Continually assess operational risks considering changing market, legal, or regulatory conditions.

• Evaluate the impact of new technologies, restructures, and economic shifts on retail operations.

• Address identified risks or concerns in conjunction with line management or relevant departments.

Challenges

There are a number of challenges in this role, largely determined by the scale, complexity, voluntary nature and high levels of local autonomy with the Society.

• Ensuring confidentiality at all times

• Ensuring a friendly and supportive atmosphere at all times.

Other Information

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, the job holder may be required from time to time to perform other duties as deemed reasonable and necessary by the employer. The job holder may also be required from time to time to work or attend training/meetings at another location. As much notice as is reasonably practicable will be given of any such requirement/change.

Employees are responsible for notifying their manager in writing of any statutory rest period or break to which they are entitled to and were not able to avail of on a particular occasion and the reason for not availing of such rest period or break within one week.

Education, Experience, Knowledge and Skills Required

Qualifications

• Professional Management qualification is desirable

Experience

• Multi-site experience is essential

• 3+ years of high volume retail management experience over multiple locations

• 3+ years’ experience of managing a large workforce, and ability to manage a wide range of staff and volunteers, across multiple locations

• Experience of management in the community/voluntary sector is desirable

• Full P+L accountability

• A proven track record of sales growth and business development

Knowledge

• Knowledge of the Society and of its mission and values

• Knowledge of needs and issues of the poor and disadvantaged is desirable

Skills

• Persuasive communication skills – ability to prepare reports present ideas clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences including members and senior management

• An ability to quickly establish and maintain working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders and manage ongoing working relationships and work plans

• Project Management skills – ability to build relationships with stakeholders across all functions

• Results orientated approach

• Ability to guide and motivate individuals and teams to achieve key objectives

• Strong conflict management skills – ability to de-escalate and resolve issues as they arise

• Excellent problem solving skills in interpersonal situations both internal and external to the organisation

• Demonstrable resilience and persistence in the face of barriers

• Influencing and negotiating skills

• Mentoring, coaching and training skills

• Knowledge of EPOS, stock control systems and cash management systems.

• Basic computer literacy, including the use of Microsoft Office's Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Passion for the voluntary/not for profit/sustainability retail industry

• A Full Clean Driving Licence full-time access to a car

The person must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Be honest and trustworthy

• Be respectful

• Be flexible

• Demonstrate sound work ethics

• Confidentiality

• Other

Salary: €50,000 per annum