Commercial Operations Manager - Category Management (Dover, UK)

The successful candidate will be responsible for: 

  • The management, control and maintenance of:
    • full range, price and promotional management of assigned category areas of products and/or services across all outlets and establishments to provide a proposition to appeal to all customer segments
    • standard operating procedures and minimum customer service levels as assigned
  • The operational management for an assigned establishment/vessel
  • The revenue and contribution achievement and development within assigned establishment/vessel

 

Principle accountabilities & responsibilities:

Commercial & Category Management:
  • Defines and manages the range plans across specified categories across the business unit in order to meet customer expectations, departmental strategy and business unit needs
  • Manages and negotiates optimum trading terms including bonuses, payment terms and promotional support with Norfolkline approved supply partners under the guidance of the General Manager
  • Manages the sourcing, procurement, selection and advises on quality evaluation of ranged products
  • Manages and maintains supplier price files, range documents and Norfolkline official order forms
  • Production of business plans, time plans and action tables for development of all business/category opportunities and seasonal buys
  • Plans, develops and coordinates appropriate promotional campaigns and marketing assistance in conjunction with the Communications and Promotions Manager, enlisting supplier support where possible to create an attractive customer offer to maximize conversion to consumer and drive revenue streams
  • Analyses weekly/period sales and profitability performance reporting on these to ensure that budgetary targets are achieved and exceeded where possible
  • Ensures, at all times, the timely communication to the data administrator for the continued performance of the EPOS system above 99%
  • Responsible, in association with the Financial Analyst, for the raising of invoices (and subsequent payment of) in connection to any promotional funding, special retro and overriders and any other commercial income opportunities in a timely and monitored manner

 

Standards and Customer Service:
  • Develops, documents and maintains assigned areas for standard operating procedures and minimum customer service levels
  • Responsible for the training to employees of such standards

 

Operational Accountability for assigned establishment/vessel:
  • The appropriate manning and assigned areas according to the RFS manning plans
  • The operational management, discipline and recruitment requirements
  • In collaboration with Fleet Management the administration of all HR requirements
  • The revenue generation, overhead control and contribution and reporting of performance metrics
  • The legal management including Health & Safety, Food Hygiene and Customs requirements
  • That all operational standards are maintained and exceed the minimum levels set

 

Other:
  • To represent the General Manager and the RFS Department and Business Unit when requested

 

The challenge of the role lies in the:

  • Timely production of both internal and external business plans and requirements
  • Cross functional and matrix management – horizontal commercial responsibility across business unit and vertical operational accountability within establishment/vessel
  • Understanding of market place and trend changes
  • Awareness of competitor activity and continued innovation enhancement to Norfolkline’s proposition and offer
  • Complexity of managing both commercial responsibilities and vertical accountabilities

 

Skills and qualifications
  • Degree graduate or experienced Manager – both commercially and operationally
  • Customer service exposure and experience across a cross functional environment
  • Line management experience and be able to show team leadership skills
  • Knowledge in a buying/trading environment with supplier exposure
  • High level of financial/numerical skills with a competent understanding of budgetary controls
  • High level of knowledge in Microsoft office and proficiency in spreadsheet use
  • Must display high energy and ability to work under pressure with tight deadlines

 

If you would like to apply for this position please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter stating why you would be suitable for this position to Valerie Frost, HR Manager, Norfolkline, Norfolk House, Eastern Docks, Dover, CT17 1JA or email vfrost@norfolkline.com