Department Manager

Reports to: Assistant Manager / Store Manager

This role will:

• Coach and manage your team to deliver an exceptional store environment and customer experience while driving commercial performance to maximise sales

Key Responsibilities:

Sales & Customer Experience

• Use all available data to gain full knowledge of your department’s performance to drive sales and meet targets
• Manage stock file accuracy in your allocated department by using all available information
• Drive improved availability in-store with a consistent focus on size and option control to meet customers’ expectations
• Regularly review and manage the commercial planning, planogram and period layouts across your department on a daily/weekly and periodic basis
• Support and consult with the Store Manager/Assistant Manager on the resource planning and scheduling process for your department so that the right people are in the right place at the right time within agreed budgets
• Carry out daily task allocation and daily rosters so that all Retail Assistants in your department are fully effective and engaged
• Support colleagues to create commercial and inspiring displays in your department which enhance the customer experience attracting footfall and sales
• Manage customer complaints and queries in the first instance with a view to resolving them in line with our customer promise, escalating where necessary to senior management

People

• Work with the store management team to create a great place to work by coaching your team with an emphasis on communication and engagement (Primark Way of Communicating)
• Motivate and engage your team with a focus on colleague experience, wellbeing and recognition
• Provide coaching to team members by daily observation, in the moment feedback, support and recognition to deliver excellent customer service and colleague experience
• Assist with recruitment and on-boarding to create a high performing and engaged team that consistently delivers against standards and policies
• Support with Employee Relations queries with a view to resolving issues at the lowest possible level
• Carry out performance management activities with your team, including absence management
• Communicate and promote Primark’s ethical, environmental and charitable initiative ‘Primark Cares’
• Support a culture of continuous learning and development with your team
• Leverage the performance and potential of your team by identifying and improving talent with regular feedback
• Manage Workday effectively by responding to requests within timescales and activating system delegation to other managers in your absence

Operations / Cost Control

• Review your team’s orders before they are placed for the department, optimise stock levels to maximise sales and minimise stock loss, through effective use of the Stock Replenishment System (PSR)
• Manage all pricing in line with the Primark Pricing Principles guide, e.g. monitor pricing for accuracy, check markdowns are applied and monitored, and appropriate POS displayed
• Responsible for the effective layout of your departmental stockroom and maintaining stockroom standards
• Assist the Store Manager with the protection of people, property and premises by securing cash, stock and property. Keyholder responsibility including availability for emergency call outs
• Collaborate with the store management team to support the Store Manager with the daily running of the store (and deputise when required)
• Demonstrate robust knowledge of ‘The Way We Work’ manual and its application in store
• Responsible for managing controllable costs (e.g. soiled & damaged) and continuously seek opportunities for cost savings
• Support the daily running of the store by adhering to all Primark’s policies and procedures
• Undertake Operations & EHS Store responsibilities on a rotational basis where you will support the Store Manager in maintaining a safe & efficient place of work. Responsible for completion of Operations and EHS activities throughout the store in line with the EHS, Operational policies and procedures to deliver a safe environment

Skills & Experience

• A role model who can lead, motivate and inspire the team, who builds confidence and enthusiasm, enabling the team to deliver excellent store standards and customer service
• Resilient with a proven ability to lead a team and confident in giving constructive feedback to others
• Commercially aware with an understanding of local market, key competitors and how the use of relevant systems and tools can improve option control and drive sales
• Good planning and organisational skills, prioritising and working within agreed timescales
• Ability to effectively manage difficult situations and have good problem-solving skills
• Demonstrable experience within Primark having reached Team Manager level or experience in a similar role within a high volume, fast paced environment (12-18 months Management/ Leadership Experience)