Trainee Manager (External Applications Only) – Ulundi Retail Jobs | Management Training Programme

Company: Leading South African Building Materials Retailer
Location: Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Job Title: Trainee Manager (External Applications Only)
Division: OPS 4 DIV 7 – ULUNDI
Job Type: Full-time | Permanent
Work Schedule: Shifts, Weekends, and Public Holidays
Date Posted: 09 May 2025
Application Closing Date: Open Until Filled

🏢 About the Company

This national building materials and hardware retail chain is one of South Africa’s most trusted employers, known for fostering leadership growth and promoting career advancement across all store levels. The organization is on a mission to expand its footprint while upholding world-class customer service and compliance standards. To support this vision, the company is hiring a Trainee Manager in Ulundi, aimed at developing future store leaders who will drive profitability, efficiency, and team excellence.

📋 Role Overview

As a Trainee Manager, you will work alongside the Store Manager to master the full scope of store operations—from customer service and merchandising to stock control and financial oversight. This role is perfect for aspiring retail leaders who are eager to grow their managerial capabilities while ensuring excellent store performance. You will be trained to take responsibility for strategic planning, team leadership, sales growth, customer satisfaction, and full compliance with health and safety regulations.

📌 Key Responsibilities

📈 Strategic & Sales Management

• Assist the Store Manager in implementing store-specific business strategies aligned with the division’s goals.

• Support market share growth and achievement of sales budgets by product category.

• Promote and drive customer loyalty programs like VIC and store charge cards.

• Support competitor analysis and devise counter-strategies to protect local market share.

🛒 Customer Service Excellence

• Help manage customer service systems to ensure satisfaction levels exceed 95%.

• Monitor customer deliveries and survey results, applying insights to improve performance.

• Expand and maintain the store’s VIC (Very Important Customer) client base.

🧾 Stock & Cash Control

• Assist in minimizing stock shrinkage and managing store-wide stock takes.

• Oversee inventory movement, returns, IBTs, receiving, and damages.

• Support daily banking, petty cash management, cheque handling, and credit card reconciliation.

• Help maintain all fixed assets including IT equipment, signage, and security systems.

👷 Health & Safety Compliance

• Implement and enforce OHSA standards and appoint safety representatives as needed.

• Ensure that all incidents are reported, recorded, and acted upon promptly.

👥 Human Resource Management

• Assist in recruiting, inducting, training, and developing store employees.

• Drive employee relations initiatives like CARE meetings and internal communications.

• Promote succession planning and ensure manpower aligns with operational benchmarks.

🧹 Store Operations & Merchandising

• Uphold housekeeping standards and ensure yard and parking areas are presentable.

• Maintain planograms, merchandising protocols, and signage correctness.

• Support the Store Manager in achieving internal audit benchmarks through compliance.

🎓 Qualifications and Experience

• Grade 12 with at least 2 years of retail management experience

• Valid Driver’s License and own transport

• Valid South African ID or legal work permit

• Strong skills in accounting, human resources, and administration

• Basic computer literacy and familiarity with POS systems

• Ability to perform under pressure and work flexible retail hours

• Good knowledge of OHSA regulations or related compliance in neighboring countries

🌟 Competencies

🧭 Leadership & Delegation

• Inspires and empowers others with clear delegation and direction.

• Holds self and others accountable for outcomes.

🎯 Result-Oriented & Market Awareness

• Focused on goal achievement, even in high-pressure environments.

• Keeps up with competitor activities and market trends.

🗂️ Planning & Accuracy

• Plans effectively and executes tasks with attention to detail.

• Handles complex information with minimal errors.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Client Focus & Integrity

• Puts customer needs first while maintaining honesty and professionalism.

📚 Personal Development

• Actively seeks learning opportunities and feedback to grow within the company.

💼 What the Company Offers

• In-depth on-the-job training to prepare you for future Store Manager roles

• Permanent employment with opportunities for promotion

• A collaborative, high-performance culture

• Exposure to all critical areas of retail business operations

• Professional growth within a structured support environment

📬 How to Apply

Ready to build your leadership career with one of South Africa’s top retail employers?

👉 Visit https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za to submit your application for the Trainee Manager – OPS 4 DIV 7 – Ulundi today.

📅 Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, so apply early for priority screening.

🔍 Explore More Retail Leadership Jobs

Want to explore similar roles in retail management or supervisory positions in KwaZulu-Natal? Browse current openings at https://jobsandcareeropportunities.co.za and find the right opportunity for your skills.

📢 Apply now