Department: Retail Operations
Reports To: Operations Manager & COO
Location: Store-based
Role Overview
The Trainee Manager is responsible for assisting in the daily management of one of daves food stores, ensuring efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and sales growth. This role acts as a preparatory step towards a managerial position, offering hands-on training in store management, staff supervision, inventory handling, and business performance enhancement.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Store Operations & Compliance
* Support the daily operations of the store.
* Maintain store standards in terms of cleanliness, merchandising, and health & safety.
* Implement company policies and standard procedures effectively.
* Ensure compliance with food safety, health, and environmental regulations.
* Assist with store opening and closing procedures.
* Assist with the end of day cash reconciliation procedures.
Customer Service & Sales
* Provide exceptional customer service and address inquiries or complaints efficiently.
* Drive sales and actively promote key products to meet revenue targets.
* Implement store promotions and marketing initiatives.
* Foster an inviting and engaging shopping atmosphere.
Staff Supervision & Training
* Help lead and inspire the team to deliver top performance.
* Assist in on-boarding and training new employees on store procedures and customer service expectations.
* Monitor team performance and offer constructive feedback.
* Ensure adherence to dress code, punctuality, and workplace conduct policies.
Inventory & Stock Management
* Track stock levels and ensure timely restocking.
* Assist in ordering, receiving, and storing inventory.
* Minimize wastage and shrinkage through effective stock management.
* Conduct routine stock audits and maintain accurate records.
Financial & Business Performance
* Support in tracking sales and identifying opportunities for increased profitability.
* Help manage store expenses, including staffing, wastage, and utilities.
* Assist in preparing daily financial reports and cash handling processes.
* Ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines.
Technology & Systems
* Operate and troubleshoot point-of-sale (POS) systems.
* Utilize digital tools for stock tracking, sales reporting, and internal communication.
* Assist in the implementation of e-commerce solutions, digital payments, and customer loyalty programs.
Security & Loss Prevention
* Ensure adherence to store security procedures.
* Help prevent theft, fraud, and other business risks.
* Support the Store Manager in investigating losses and implementing preventive measures.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
* Stock Levels
* Monthly sales
* Wastage & Shrinkage
* Budgeted working hours
Required Skills & Qualifications
Essential:
- Minimum of two years experience in retail (preferably in FMCG or convenience stores).
- Strong communication and customer service skills.
- Basic financial acumen and numeracy skills.
- Leadership potential and ability to manage teams effectively.
- Ability to perform well under pressure in a fast-paced setting.
- Willingness to work flexible shifts, including weekends and evenings.
Desirable:
- Minimum of two years experience with cash handling and Eshop as POS system.
- Familiarity with stock management software.
- Understanding of health & safety regulations in retail.
- Basic knowledge of retail marketing and sales techniques.
- Minimum of two years experience in display assortments
Career Growth Pathway
This role is designed as a stepping stone to:
- Store Manager ? 2. Area Store Manager
Trainees will undergo structured training, receive mentorship, and undergo performance evaluations to support career progression.
Work Environment & Conditions
Physical Requirements: Standing for long durations, lifting inventory, and working in a dynamic retail setting.
Work Hours: Including early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Workplace Culture: Fast-paced, customer-centric, and team-oriented.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary with KPI’s-based bonuses.
- Employee discounts.
- Company car (after probation period)
- Career development and training programs.
The Company
Since its inception in 2013, daves Food Stores has set its sights on a single objective: to offer an unparalleled shopping experience to the Maltese Islands.
Nestled squarely in the Mediterranean with a vast array of cultural diversity, an ever-increasing appetite for great products and friendly, efficient staff that offer you, not only 24-hour in-store solutions, but an online shop that brings groceries to your door, exactly when you expect it. Furthermore, our local and international partners allow us to bring you the finest quality products, everyday needs, and household consumer goods that you could expect from any large continent food store, with of course, that warm Maltese smile.
Our continued commitment to ‘care for you’ is a promise that extends beyond just words and is measured by the satisfaction of our clients, the engagement we share with suppliers and ultimately in the way you experience your shopping with us.
With class-leading infrastructure, technological advancement and a team driven by foresight, experience and clear objectives, our future path is undeniably bright.
Boasting 23 stores and expanding rapidly, we are uniquely proud of our achievements, awards, daily feedback, and infrastructure we have built to serve you and the driving factor behind our efforts will remain underpinned by traditional values such as quality products, great service, a guarantee of fresh goods and solutions that make your life a touch easier.