Wholesale & Retail Trade
Company: Woolworths
Location: Western Cape
Closing Date: Not Specified
Job Purpose
The primary goal of this position is to contribute to increased market share, turnover, and profitability by attracting new customers and retaining existing ones through exceptional customer-facing and customer-supporting service. The Retail Supervisor / Department Manager plays a vital role in enhancing store performance, reducing operational risk, and driving consistent service excellence.
This individual is responsible for leading a team, overseeing daily operations, executing key projects, and ensuring that all customers receive top-tier treatment and a world-class shopping experience. As a visible leader in the store, you will be a brand ambassador who sets the tone for service, efficiency, and performance across your department.
Key Responsibilities and Results Areas
Customer Experience
Deliver outstanding customer service to internal and external clients. Ensure customers are welcomed, assisted, and satisfied with the products and services offered. Respond promptly to queries and resolve complaints effectively. Build long-term customer relationships that drive loyalty and repeat business. Lead by example in cultivating a culture of service excellence.
Team Management and Development
Recruit, select, and onboard new team members according to company procedures. Supervise, coach, and develop staff to ensure they meet role competencies and performance expectations. Conduct regular team check-ins, performance appraisals, and identify development opportunities. Promote teamwork and ensure a positive work environment.
Operational Execution
Contribute to and participate in day-to-day store operations. This includes ensuring stock availability, managing merchandise layout, monitoring inventory, and maintaining compliance with health, safety, and hygiene standards. Implement and execute operational procedures that drive efficiency and accuracy in all store activities.
Project Implementation
Coordinate and oversee the integration of new departmental or store-level projects. Ensure that initiatives are rolled out effectively, timelines are met, and project objectives are aligned with company strategies. Provide feedback and reporting to store and regional leadership as required.
Leadership and Compliance
Act as a role model and uphold company policies, ethics, and brand values. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all interactions. Promote a results-driven culture and lead your team to meet sales, margin, and operational targets. Monitor risk factors and take proactive steps to mitigate loss, error, or reputational damage.
Departmental Accountability
Own the performance of your designated area or department. Understand the business levers that drive profitability and customer satisfaction. Analyze data, track performance, and make informed decisions to improve outcomes. Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with audits, financial controls, and reporting standards.
Job-Specific Functions
Perform duties specific to your department’s focus (e.g., Foods, Fashion, General Merchandise) as outlined in the departmental job profile. This includes specialized merchandising, stock planning, customer education, and supplier interaction, where applicable.
Core Competencies and Attributes
Passion for the Customer
Demonstrate a genuine interest in customer needs and expectations. Strive to go beyond the basics to build trust and long-term relationships with shoppers.
Love of Retail and Selling
Bring a strong sense of pride, energy, and passion to the sales floor. Show enthusiasm for the brand, products, and promotional strategies.
Living the Brand
Lead by example with a strong work ethic, accountability, and personal professionalism. Embody the company’s brand promise through daily behaviors and decisions.
Flexible Communication
Display the ability to communicate clearly, tactfully, and persuasively with different audiences—including customers, team members, suppliers, and senior management.
Team Leadership
Provide strong direction, motivation, and support to team members. Demonstrate the ability to manage diverse personalities and resolve conflict constructively.
Results-Driven and Proactive
Take initiative, act with urgency, and keep focus on key performance outcomes. Be solution-oriented and resilient in the face of challenges.
Assertiveness and Decision-Making
Make timely and confident decisions, especially in fast-moving retail situations. Address issues decisively while remaining fair and objective.
Business and Retail Acumen
Understand retail principles such as profit margins, stock turn, merchandising techniques, and customer segmentation. Apply this knowledge to improve departmental performance.
Numeracy and Computer Literacy
Be comfortable with numbers, data, and technology platforms used for POS, reporting, and inventory control. Analyze trends to make informed operational decisions.
Attention to Detail and Innovation
Maintain high standards for execution, accuracy, and presentation. Stay informed of current market and retail trends. Offer new ideas and improvements to existing processes.
Minimum Requirements
Educational Background
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Minimum: Grade 11 / NQF Level 3
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Preferred: Grade 12 / Matric Certificate
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Advantageous: Diploma in Retail Management, Business Management, or a related field
Experience
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2 to 5 years of experience managing a department, preferably in a retail environment (foods or general merchandise)
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Experience in team leadership, staff scheduling, or in-store operations is highly beneficial
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Previous exposure to customer service, merchandising, and POS systems preferred
Availability
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Must be able to work flexible retail shifts, including weekends, holidays, and peak trading periods
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Willingness to work extra hours when operationally required
Opportunities and Career Growth
This role offers a pathway to more senior leadership positions within the retail environment, such as Store Manager or Area Supervisor. Through hands-on experience, targeted training, and performance coaching, you will develop transferable skills in people management, retail strategy, and business operations.
How To Apply:
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