Cluster Manager For A FMCG Company

As our company’s Business Cluster Manager, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the operations of a group of business regions within our organization. Your primary goal will be to drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence across the different regions. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to achieve business objectives, foster innovation, and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong retail background, exceptional leadership skills, and a strategic mindset with a proven track record in managing multiple businesses

Core responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute cluster-specific retail strategies aligned with the company's overall goals and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for growth, market trends, and competitive insights to drive sales and market share within the designated clusters.

Team Management:

• Collaborate with the Talent Acquisition team to Recruit, lead, and mentor a team of Regional Business Managers responsible for managing retail operations within the clusters.
• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance evaluations, and provide coaching and feedback to foster professional development.

Retail Operations Oversight:

• Ensure the efficient day-to-day operation of all retail locations within the clusters.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales, inventory management, and customer satisfaction.
• Implement operational best practices to optimize efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Customer-Centric Approach:

• Promote a customer-centric mindset within the clusters to ensure exceptional customer satisfaction.
• Address escalated customer issues and complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Spearhead initiatives to enhance the overall in-store shopping experience for customers.

Sales and Revenue Growth:

• Develop and execute cluster-specific sales strategies to meet or exceed revenue targets and market penetration goals.
• Analyze sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with the marketing team to implement cluster-specific marketing campaigns.

Market Analysis:

• Conduct market research and analysis to understand regional dynamics, customer preferences, and emerging trends in retail.
• Use data-driven insights to make informed decisions regarding product offerings and pricing strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and technology, to align cluster-level initiatives with company objectives.
• Share best practices and retail insights with other parts of the organization.

Risk Management: 

• Identify potential risks and challenges within the retail clusters and develop mitigation strategies. 
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements to minimize operational risks.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting: 

• Monitor and report on the progress of retail initiatives, including KPI tracking and performance metrics. 
• Provide regular updates to senior management on retail cluster performance and key achievements.

• Collaborate with the L&D team to ensure continuous training at all levels to improve performance as required.

Innovation and Continuous Improvement: 

• Drive innovation within retail operations by identifying and implementing new technologies and processes to enhance operations and customer experience. 
• Continuously seek opportunities for improvement and optimization in all aspects of retail cluster operations.

Profit and Loss Ownership (P&L):

• Own and manage the P&L for the retail clusters, including budget preparation, expense management, and revenue optimization.
• Analyze financial reports and make data-driven decisions to maximize profitability while controlling costs.

• B.SC in Business Administration, Management, Marketing, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Proven experience in senior management roles, with a track record of success in leading multiple business units or divisions. 
• Proven track record of at least 8 years in FMCG business management, with a verifiable history of meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Proficiency in CRM software, Microsoft Office Suite, and sales analytics tools.
• Adept at strategic planning, market analysis, and competitive positioning.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in building and developing successful sales teams.
• Knowledge of relevant industry trends and regulations.
• Exceptional organizational and planning abilities to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical skills for tracking and presenting information, contributing to data-driven decision-making.
• Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting and financial analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Ability to travel if required to meet clients and attend industry events.