We are seeking someone who will be responsible for effectively managing our main Coop Store (named Coop Union Plaza) on Canterbury Campus, having oversight over all operational areas of the store. The store is open 7 days a week, usually from 7am until midnight, providing everyday essentials you would find in any Coop store, primarily to students and University staff, but also to the wider community. We run two Coop stores on Canterbury campus as 'franchise’ stores. This means we work in partnership with the Cooperative Group, using their brand, goods and systems, but all of our staff are employed by Kent Union Trading Ltd, and all profits go back into Kent Union. The service and offer to the customer, however, is the same as in any other Coop store, so our goods and services are recognisable, as Coop are the leading convenience retailer in the UK.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving consistency in all aspects of operations and will be tasked with working a combination of daytime, evening and weekend shifts. They will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the store and execution of Coop store processes and routines, ensuring we drive sales through great availability, customer service and store standards, as well as delivering excellent profitability through effective control of costs. They will be responsible for staff development and management and will manage a team primarily comprised of student staff, and some career staff. They will also be responsible for ensuring that our stores remain safe and secure for all customers and staff. The post holder’s principal place of work will be the Coop Union Plaza, however from time to time, they may be required to work in the Coop Park Wood, our other store on the campus.
Operational Duties To ensure the health and safety of all staff, customers, and other visitors to the store (such as suppliers and contractors), completing store risk assessments and checks in line with KUTL’s Health and Safety Policy
To manage, provide leadership and coaching to retails staff in safe working practices and to ensure machinery and equipment is fit for use, and that maintenance is carried out where required.
Ensuring legal documentation and tasks are completed to the required timescales, such as legal diaries, food hygiene logs, correct pricing and cleaning.
To coach staff in performing routines as per the designated process (Coop), ensuring the achievement of store accountable KPIs, including, but not limited to, Availability and IRTC (Intelligent Reduce to Clear)
Overseeing the delivery of excellent operational and brand standards, ensuring great service, and that the store is clean, merchandised to plan, with current and relevant marketing POS.
Support in protecting the store from stock losses by monitoring customer activity to reduce theft, investigating stock issues and reporting incidents.
Manage the daily handover process between managers, highlighting priorities and issues and focussing on key next steps.
Regularly review brand standards audits to ensure issues are resolved, and that the store is maintaining Coop standards at all times.
Carry out other duties and activities as reasonably required, in order to support colleagues in achieving KUTL and Kent Union’s plans.
People Responsibilities To provide leadership, direction, coaching and mentoring for direct reports and to set an example of being results focused and aiming to achieve excellence.
To monitor the performance of staff members and give them regular and constructive feedback
Ensuring great performance/conduct is rewarded, and to coach those who deliver poor performance/conduct. In the case of persistent or serious performance/conduct issues, implementing further performance management processes, such as disciplinary procedures.
To undertake performance reviews of direct reports in line with KUTL policy
To support in the process of recruiting new student staff
To identify training needs within the department, and ensure new training initiatives are implemented in a timely fashion to all staff
Financial Responsibilities Support the Store Manager to maximise profit in the Retail department, through increased sales, controlling costs and monitoring daily product availability and wastage.
To be responsible for the security of all resources including stock and cash, and to follow Kent Union’s financial procedures.
Responsible for achieving financial budgets, relating to sales, wastage, shrinkage, and margin.
To manage the store’s labour cost effectively, ensuring we have the right people in the right place at the right time.
To ensure stock counts are completed to required timescales, and that practices and routines pertaining to minimising theft are in place while trading the shop floor
Expected Behaviours To attend training sessions and meetings, and complete training as required by KUTL/Kent Union and Coop
To contribute to the positive image of Kent Union with students, the University of Kent, and the local community
To lead by example and demonstrate a full understanding of the organisation’s democratic structures.
To encourage and promote the highest standards of ethical and environmental behaviour, ensuring that the Retail department minimises its environmental impact wherever possible.
To act as an ambassador for Kent Union and show loyalty to the organisation, abiding by the Union’s constitution, policies, and procedures at all times.
To undertake other tasks and responsibilities compatible with the level and nature of this post, as required by the Store Manager, Retail Group Manager, and Director of Commercial Services
