Junior Operations Manager

Job description
The position available requires the candidate to have the following skills:

1. Sales & Operations Management Skills

Sales process optimization
Inventory and supply chain management (specific to perishable goods)
Order fulfillment and logistics coordination
Vendor and supplier management (dairy, flavorings, packaging, etc.)
Demand forecasting and stock planning

2. Customer Relationship & Service Skills
Customer service management
Complaint resolution and feedback analysis
Upselling and cross-selling strategies

3. Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills
Sales data analysis and reporting
Market trend analysis (seasonality impacts for gelato sales)
Pricing strategy and margin optimization
KPI tracking (sales performance, customer retention, inventory turnover)

4. Technical Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for inventory and sales tracking
Basic knowledge of food safety compliance software (if applicable)

5. Leadership & Team Management Skills
Managing sales teams and store staff
Training and onboarding new team members (e.g., product knowledge, customer interaction)
Motivating teams to meet sales targets
Delegation and performance monitoring

6. Financial & Budgeting Skills
Budget management for operational costs
Sales forecasting and revenue tracking
Cost control strategies (managing wastage of perishable goods)

7. Product Knowledge & Industry Insights
Deep understanding of gelato production and quality control
Knowledge of food safety regulations and cold chain logistics
Awareness of current trends in the frozen dessert industry

8. Adaptability & Organizational Skills
Ability to handle peak seasons and fluctuating demand
Multitasking in fast-paced retail or sales environments
Event planning and management (for pop-ups, tastings, or promotional events)

9. Educational & Professional Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, Operations Management, or a related field
Experience in food and beverage sales is highly preferred
Certifications in food safety or handling (a plus)

Other Requirements:
Must have a valid drivers license and own vehicle.
Need to be open and able to travel throughout Gauteng, KZN and Mpumalanga
Willing and able to work overtime and possible weekends.
Must have previous experience managing a team.
Job Type: Full-time