Job Summary The COO reports to the MD and is responsible for effectively leading, implementing strategic planning, and developing operations efficiency and profit building throughout the entire system to support the company's vision, mission, and culture. The holder of this position will utilize their skills to monitor and analyze performance indicators, manage budgets, and implement cost-control measures to promote resource allocation for the purpose of meeting financial targets. The COO will provide strong leadership in all areas while working with executive management and shared services teams to provide the best customer experience and ensure the company is aligned with changing customer dynamics. Additionally, the COO will play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and inclusive company culture, promoting values of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. They will lead initiatives to enhance employee engagement, develop talent and create a work environment that supports diversity and inclusion. By championing the company's cultural values, the COO will ensure that the organizational culture aligns with and supports the overall strategic goals.
The COO will work with executive managers at Foster's Food Fair
Procurement/Logistics
Sales/Marketing/ Operations
As well as the shared services team at Foster Group Ltd.
People, Culture, and Development (PCD)
Information and Technology (IT)
Account and Data Analysis
Responsibilities
OPERATIONS
l. Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to drive operational efficiency and profitability system wide.
Establish and enforce operational policies, procedures, and standards to ensure consistency and compliance across all locations.
Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPls) to identify areas for improvement and take corrective
actions as required.
Collaborate with the procurement and supply chain teams to ensure efficient inventory management, minimize stockouts, and optimize product availability.
Stay updated on industry trends, market competition, and consumer preferences to identify growth opportunities and drive innovation.
FINANCE
l. Manage budgets, cost-control measures, and resource allocation to optimize profitability and ensure financial targets are met.
Consolidate and manage all annual capital and operational budgets.
Analyze reports to ensure that individual department targets are being met against budgets.
Analyze and manage expenditures needs for both individual location and system-wide projects.
PEOPLE, CULTURE, AND DEVELOPMENT
l. Collaborate with the executive management and shared services teams to set goals, objectives, and performance metrics for every location while monitoring progress.
Work with executive managers and shared services to ensure teams are adhering to all company policies and procedures.
Ensure fair and consistent treatment following the policies and procedures as outlined in CARE to promote and maintain high team morale.
Assist in developing and/or updating systems, policies, and procedural manuals to support changes within all departments.
Develop and implement comprehensive training programs to enhance employee skills and career development.
Promote a culture of continuous learning and professional growth by identifying and addressing training needs across all levels of the company.
Lead initiatives to improve employee engagement and satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment.
ORGANIZATION SUPPORT AND COMMUNICATION
l. Lead and develop a high-performing operations team while providing guidance, coaching, and performance feedback to drive employee engagement and growth.
Foster a culture of customer service excellence, ensuring that all locations consistently deliver exceptional shopping experiences.
Oversee and manage all areas of the company while ensuring smooth and efficient function across all locations.
Consistently demonstrate good judgment and the ability to maintain composure and professionalism in stressful situations.
Delegate tasks, set deadlines and use initiative, ingenuity, and good judgment to act on opportunities and solve challenges.
Recognize high performance and create an inspiring team environment with a culture of open communication.
Conduct team meetings with executive management and shared services teams to communicate objectives, company benchmarks, department/store performance, new initiatives and general operations.
Liaise with the People, Culture and Development leadership team for development and succession planning.
Analyze, document and improve as necessary SOP's and workflows throughout the company.
Levels of Authority
The COO can authorize expenses within the approved budget or supported by the approved policies and procedures of the company. Refer to the authorization matrix.
Major capital investment must be approved by the MD.
Reporting Requirements
Provide status/progress reports to the MD in accordance with department and company procedures.
Limitations
If targets cannot be met a new plan will be established in consultation with the MD.
Qualifications and Experience
To perform this job successfully, the COO must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements contained within this Job Description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
A minimum of 10 years of successful managerial experience at an executive level in retail operations or a related field at an institution of a similar size.
Demonstrated knowledge of products and current trends in the food and retail industry.
A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field is recommended. However, equivalent experience can supersede this requirement.
Requirements
Good written and verbal English communication skills.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business data to make informed decisions and provide direction.
Strong understanding of financial management principles, including experience with budgeting and cost control.
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to generate reports and business correspondence to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and other industry-related programs at an intermediate to advanced skill level.
Knowledge of Al applications and their potential to enhance business operations and decision-making.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, associates, vendors, and customers, as well as the Board of Directors.
Flexibility to work varied hours/days as required by company needs to ensure a positive customer experience.
Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive company culture, promoting values of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Experience in developing and implementing training programs to enhance employee skills and career development.
Ability to lead initiatives to improve employee engagement and satisfaction, fostering a positive work environment.
Support for cultural diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring a welcoming and respectful workplace for all employees.
Competencies
The following competencies are required
Professionalism - complies with Foster's Handbook, acts with integrity and shows respect,
Quality of Work- consistently produces work that is thorough, accurate, relevant, timely and in accordance with Foster's policies, procedures and best practices,
Communication- effectively, professionally and comprehensively communicates, both orally and in writing, with team members, vendors and customers in a timely and helpful manner,
Team Success- is a cooperative, helpful, and constructive member of the team who-willingly shares opinions, ideas and makes suggestions on how to improve processes and service,
Time Management- effectively plans, coordinates, and seeks the most efficient methods to schedule, prioritize and complete tasks/assignments within deadlines.
Customer Excellence- builds positive relationships with internal and e ternal customers by determining their specific needs and responding in a timely, professional and courteous manner at all times.
Continuous Improvement- constantly learning and developing individual skills and identifies and embraces changes to improve processes and practices within the company; and
Confidentiality -must not for any reason, disclose any confidential information relating to the affairs of Foster's and the associates of Foster's to any unauthorized persons in or outside of Foster's.
Culture- actively promotes and fosters a positive and inclusive company culture, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and respect among all team members.
This job description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an a/I-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or efforts associated with the job While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, as necessary This is a full-time position with a working week of 50 hours, any overtime, and holiday hours paid in lieu of time worked.
