Job Overview:
The Convenience Trade Specialist will play a vital role in executing sales strategies, delivering exceptional customer service, and overseeing operational processes within the convenience store sector. This position involves close collaboration with store managers, franchisees, sales teams, and external partners to maximise product availability, enhance store presentation, and drive sales growth. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough understanding of convenience store operations, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

Store Planogram Implementation

• Manage the implementation of store planograms, ensuring product placement aligns with sales strategies and maximises visibility.
• Regularly review and adjust product positioning to optimise store layouts and enhance customer engagement.

Product Placement & Stock Management

• Monitor and maintain optimal stock levels within assigned convenience stores.
• Collaborate with suppliers and store managers to prevent out-of-stock situations while avoiding overstock, balancing store capacity with demand.

Sales Targets

• Proactively promote and drive product sales to meet and exceed targets.
• Develop innovative in-store marketing initiatives to increase product movement and encourage impulse purchases.

Gross Profit (GP) Optimisation

• Focus on improving gross profit margins by identifying high-margin products and strategically promoting them.
• Ensure sales efforts translate into strong GP by optimising pricing strategies and product mix to enhance profitability.

Return on Investment (ROI)

• Evaluate the effectiveness of sales and merchandising activities by measuring ROI.
• Assess financial returns on promotional campaigns, staffing, and product placements to ensure investments yield substantial sales and profit growth.

Basket Analysis & Consumer Trend Insights

• Analyse sales data to perform basket analysis, identifying product pairings and customer buying patterns.
• Use insights to adjust product placements, recommend promotions, and implement recovery plans aimed at increasing basket size and overall sales.
• Utilise sales data to identify consumer trends, adapting strategies to capitalise on popular products, seasonal demand, and evolving buying behaviours.

Customer Relationship Management

• Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with store managers, franchisees, and key stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor on store performance and operations.
• Understand each store’s unique needs, including market dynamics, consumer behaviour, and operational challenges.
• Provide tailored, data-driven solutions to optimise product placement, enhance store layouts, and suggest operational improvements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all queries and requests from stores and customers, ensuring seamless communication.
• Deliver exceptional customer service by addressing immediate concerns and offering ongoing support.

Operational Excellence

• Ensure all stores consistently adhere to brand standards and merchandising guidelines across all product categories.
• Conduct regular store audits and inspections to verify compliance with stock levels, product availability, and presentation standards.
• Collaborate with stores to plan and execute promotional activities that increase footfall and sales.
• Maintain strict compliance with Health, Safety, and Product Quality (HSPQ) guidelines.

Training & Support

• Lead by example with hands-on merchandising, ensuring product displays and layouts meet company standards and marketing strategies.
• Provide comprehensive training to store staff on product knowledge, sales techniques, and effective merchandising.
• Ensure all staff are trained in HSPQ protocols to uphold the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and product quality.
• Offer ongoing support and problem-solving assistance, addressing operational challenges and identifying areas for improvement.
• Assist stores in refining daily operations, including stock management, customer service, and workflow optimisation.

Reporting & Analysis

• Maintain detailed and accurate records of store visits, including observations on product displays, stock levels, and merchandising effectiveness.
• Monitor and report on sales performance metrics, such as daily, weekly, and monthly targets.
• Closely track stock levels to prevent stockouts and overstock situations.
• Produce comprehensive management reports covering store operations, market conditions, competitor activity, and sales trends.
• Conduct regular assessments of market conditions, including pricing, consumer demand, and seasonal fluctuations, to inform strategic decisions.
• Analyse sales trends to identify patterns, peak selling periods, consumer preferences, and campaign effectiveness.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in sales or merchandising within the FMCG, retail, or convenience sector.
• Strong knowledge of convenience store operations and sales strategies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple stores or clients effectively.
• Analytical mindset with keen attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with merchandising software and point-of-sale systems.
• Valid driving licence and willingness to travel regularly.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel to various convenience store locations.
• Flexible working hours, including occasional weekends or holidays according to client requirements.

Contact information

Lindsey