Stock Manager - Port Laoise

Argos is a unique retailer recognised for choice, value and convenience. It sells general merchandise and products for the home from c700 (and still growing) stores throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland.  In the last financial year, this retailer's sales topped £3.8 billion. This year their goal is to become the number one choice retailer for general merchandise, and be a company that's famous for its fun atmosphere and superior customer care.

Argos is part of the Home Retail Group, one of the UK's pre-eminent retail groups. They serve over 130 million customers a year through its stores and takes four million customer orders either online or over the phone. On average, 17 million UK households, or around two thirds of the population, have Argos catalogue's at home at any time. Its internet site is the second most visited internet retail site in the UK. 

Very much the public face of their business, there is an Argos store within 10 miles of 95% of the UK population. A fact they are extremely proud of, as it underlines their success of their customer-focused approach to retailing.

They've always been dedicated to providing their customers with the best range of goods at the most competitive prices. Not to mention the most convenient shopping experience. This has meant they have continually evolved to improve and widen the range of services they offer. From front of store concepts, like their quick-pay kiosks, to technological innovations, such as their 'click & collect' and 'text & take home' facilities that allow customers to easily reserve goods online or by mobile, they have never been ones to rest on their laurels.

But whatever they do, they realise that they can only be as good as their people. They're the real secret to Argos's success. The ones who deliver the outstanding customer service that makes Argos more than just another shop, and keep the customers coming back for more, time and time again.

THE ROLE

A successful stock manager is the key to overall store achievement; it is a critical role that has numerous responsibilities that are at the core of the store operation. The stock room unlike most retail stores is the hub of the business and flips a standard retailer operation on its head - in Argos it is the stock room operation that directly impacts the customer service experience. This is achieved through developing a multi-skilled team that's capable of achieving exceptional put away and delivery times. That means reviewing standards and taking initiative to address stock loss and adjustment levels. Secondly, at the collection point you'll drive high levels of profitable sales by exploiting opportunities as they arise. Plus of course you'll constantly monitor and challenge best practice methods to improve business efficiency.

When you are deputising for the Store Manager, you'll be overseeing both the stock and customer service teams. That's where your flexible management style will come into its own. Ideally you will be process driven, committed to engaging your people, passionate about service and have a great attitude to delivering the best all the time, every time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for managing the stock ordering, receiving, SAP and administrative functions in order to meet stock holding and availability targets
• Deputise for the store manager
• Ensure high levels of customer service
• Maintain the highest levels of profitable sales
• Manage the overall stock replenishment process
• Proactively manage out of stock processes and fully investigate all out of stocks to satisfactory conclusion
• Action all stock moves in an accurate and timely manner
• Release stock deliveries within agreed timescale to support the retail operation
• Management and development of the store team to deliver exceptional standards
• Team management, motivation and development
• Actively manage the Customer Experience by undertaking overall Duty management responsibility in the Store Managers absence
• Effectively utilise and implement Fast, Friendly and Efficient initiatives within areas of responsibility
• Review standards in the stockroom taking action as required to comply with all appropriate areas of stock loss initiatives and store operating standards
• Manage the team through effective use of the performance management cycle (set objectives, ongoing coaching, monitoring and reviewing performance, and support individuals in producing Personal Development Action Plans)

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• An influential leader who brings demonstrable success in both stock and people management
• You're adept at prioritising and organising workloads making effective plans when faced with tight deadlines
• You're the sort of person who can solve problems on the run with logical thinking
• Your hands on approach is an inspiration to those around you
• Commercial acumen and exceptional housekeeping standards are essential
• Enjoys meeting targets and takes pride in maintaining the corporate image of the company
• Self-developer who can recruit, develop and retain staff
• Possess a real passion for customer service