Temporary Department Manager

Department Manager

To drive sales in your department while delivering an exceptional store environment and customer experience. Collaborate with the management team to support the daily running of the store and develop a high performing and engaged team.

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)