Operations Manager

Who we are?

On any given day, 2.5 billion people globally use Unilever products to feel good, look good and get more out of life. Our products range from 400+ brands which include Dove, Lynx, Omo, Surf alongside innovative, and purpose-led brands like Ben & Jerry's, Streets, Continental and many more, giving us a unique place in the lives of people all over the world.

A job at Unilever is a career made by you, with development opportunities, benefits and a working culture that embraces diversity and hybrid working. We have a proud heritage in Australia since 1919 and a thriving, sustainable business today, so there's never been a better time to join us.

We are looking for an Operations Manager who will be responsible for the performance of the Ben & Jerry's retail stores across selected areas in Australia and New Zealand. Supporting and managing National Operations Manager to drive store standards, service and compliance, oversee the sales, marketing and overall performance of the region. This role will work closely with the franchisees, captive stores, suppliers, 3rd party partners, brand marketing, and the Unilever cross functional teams to ensure that each site is delivering Ben & Jerry's authentic customer experience whilst driving sales and profits. Ben & Jerry's social mission commitment must always be in the forefront of your decisions and you will drive this through your teams. Because...'if it is not fun, why do it?'

Role Responsibilities :

Leadership and People Management- Build strong working relationships with franchisees, captive stores, suppliers, UL & 3rd party partners based on trust and mutual accountability.- Act as an advocate for the franchisees, captive stores and the company, ensuring that all points of view are clearly communicated and understood.- Ensure that robust training and succession planning is in place throughout

Business Management- Continuous business reviews to be completed to ensure the successful performance of all stores within your region. Utilise all marketing tools to drive performance whilst ensuring the stores are compliant with their minimum LSM spend.- Implement strategic plans, as well as working well together with cross functional teams to ensure successful ongoing business, promotional and project launches are successful. Closely manage underperforming stores back to growth.- Consult and work shoulder-to-shoulder with franchisee, captive stores and National Operations Manager to improve the execution and compliance of the shop to deliver short and long-term business results.- Ensure that all areas of stores are profitable, focusing on year on year growth and profit.

Operations & Training- Demonstrates ownership and accountability by consistently observing store operations, providing feedback and taking action in critical situations.- Ensure all stores are visited and evaluated using scoop shop evaluation forms once per month and consult franchisees in developing agreed upon action plans to address priority system opportunities.- Develop, manage and ensure delivery of training and orientation for all employees / franchisees with a strong emphasis on providing Ben & Jerry's authentic customer experience.- Reinforce importance of having the right staff (through quality hiring and retention) to maximize sales potential and be a role model to franchisees.- Ensure Unilever safe working and food safety behaviours are adhered to at all times.

Store Development- Implement necessary strategies to support retail expansion plans and assist in managing the project and the timelines for opening new stores.- This will include support for store openings (permanent, temporary or mobile), locating stores, sourcing consultants & suppliers, working with supply chain and finance to establish effective models and then communicating these to the retail community.

Franchising- Ensure all franchised stores comply with franchise rules and regulations.- Ensure all franchised stores follow the marketing plan and comply with the 3-part mission statement- Ensure all support ongoing is in place to deliver the brand consistently across network.

Financial Management- Ensure all stores complete end of month inventory and financial month closing process.- Analyse stores P&Ls, business reviews, sales mix, competitor analysis and RRPs to come up with action plans to maximize results.- With your National Operations Manager, conduct quarterly business review meetings with franchisees and store managers to discuss financial performance, KPIs, compliance and follow up on action plans.

Communication Skills- Excellent verbal and written communication in English and interpersonal skills.- Able to coordinate effectively with all levels of the organisation.

Collaboration Skills- Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams such as QA, R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance and others to launch and achieve targeted results for operations programs and initiatives.

Retail Marketi