Store Manager

• Customer Service
• Operations
• Retail
• Sales

Closing date: Friday 23rd April 2021

Job Details

Store Manager

Closing Date for Applicants:
Friday 23rd April 2021

Whipley Manor Farm has been a family-owned business since 1920.  Our 300-acre farm has transformed over the last 100 years and our core business is now the rapidly growing animal feed store which is located within a hub of other businesses including a farm shop and deli, wine shop, florist, photographic gallery and a soon to be café all in renovated traditional farm buildings.

We are a well-established and trusted supplier (for over 40 years) of horse and livestock feed, cat and dog food, wild bird feed, supplements, bedding, stable and grooming equipment, horse rugs and accessories and also point of lay hens.

We produce our own meadow hay, wheat, barley, oats, and oilseed rape.  The hay and straw is sold through the animal feed store.

We are looking for a self-motivated person with experience and ambition to take over as our Feed Store Manager.  The successful candidate must have recent and relevant experience and knowledge of animal feed nutrition and products (particularly equine-related) and also be able to maintain records and manage budgets and stock. 

People are a hugely important aspect of our business and therefore we are seeking a manager who can build and maintain good relationships with customers, staff and suppliers with the ability to manage a busy operation effectively. 

This is a demanding but rewarding role where you will lead the team to maintain our excellent reputation, and the opportunity to explore new avenues for our business.

About the role – what we need you to do

• Provide a high quality, professional yet personal customer experience
• Provide animal nutrition advice to customers
• Lead and manage our store team and delivery drivers
• Manage customer enquiries and correspondence whether in store, over the telephone, by email or social media
• Manage customer and supplier accounts
• Work to a budget and oversee stock ordering to ensure the store offers our customer’s requirements
• Data input
• Staff training including health and safety
• Ensure the store and yard is always well presented, clean and merchandised appropriately
• Keep up to date with new developments in equestrian and other animal products.  Attend training courses when required
• Liaise with manufacturers and their representatives on new products as well as existing ranges
• Pop up shop at country shows/equestrian events
• Work with the farm management team to develop the business both instore and online
• Carry out employee one to ones and appraisals 

About the person – Skills and Experience we need from you

Essential

• A genuine passion and love of animals
• Minimum of 3 years retail and stock control experience in similar product environment
• Minimum of 2 years knowledge of animal nutrition
• Excellent customer service and people skills
• A positive and outgoing personality and attitude
• Sound knowledge of the equine industry
• Customer account management
• Budget management experience
• Stock management experience
• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• A hands-on lead from the front approach and a keen eye for detail
• The ability to motivate and enthuse people to deliver results
• IT literate - working with systems and process, Microsoft and EPOS
• An understanding of retail legislation and compliance
• Full drivers’ licence

Desirable

• Store Management experience
• Line management experience
• Experience of marketing and using social media for business growth
• Merchandising skills
• E-Commercial knowledge/experience
• Equine qualification
• Wormer qualification
• Forklift licence

Important Information

£30-£35k per annum, dependent on experience. Staff discounts and training
Hours 43 hours a week (average).  Mon-Friday, but some weekend and evening work.  28 days holiday per year inclusive of 8 bank holidays
Responsible to General Managers
Responsible for Retail and Delivery staff
Please apply In writing with your CV and a cover letter to k.sargent@circle-hr.co.uk
Closing date 30th April.  Interviews will take place on 10th May at Whipley Manor Farm