Retail Manager 3 - job 1 of 2

As the Retail Manager 3 at Sodexo, you will be responsible for overseeing daily food service operations at Wayne State University. This includes managing frontline teams, conducting retail audits, maintaining brand standards, and ensuring compliance with safety programs. You'll need to foster strong vendor relationships and ensure that food quality and customer satisfaction are top priorities.

To apply for the Retail Manager 3 role at Sodexo, candidates should hold at least an Associate's Degree or have equivalent experience. Additionally, a minimum of two years of management experience and one year in concessions or retail operations is required. Strong leadership and excellent communication skills are essential for success in this position.

Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package for the Retail Manager 3, which includes medical, dental, and vision care, wellness programs, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, paid time off, company holidays, and opportunities for career improvement and tuition reimbursement.

At Sodexo, diversity and inclusion are core principles that guide our operations. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and creating a workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Your unique viewpoints will be heard, and your contributions will be recognized as we work together to improve the quality of life for everyone.

Ideal candidates for the Retail Manager 3 at Sodexo should have prior experience in retail sales or store operations, particularly in a campus environment. Strong client relationship and customer service skills are also crucial for fostering a positive atmosphere for both employees and customers alike.

When addressing conflicts between team members, it's essential to remain calm and impartial. I would facilitate a meeting where both parties can express their perspectives, fostering open communication and understanding. By guiding them toward a collaborative resolution, I can ensure a cohesive team atmosphere.

To enhance customer satisfaction, I would initiate regular feedback surveys to understand customer needs better. Moreover, I'd empower my team with training focused on service excellence and actively encourage them to share ideas for improving the customer experience in our food operations.

In previous roles, I've developed strong relationships with vendors by maintaining consistent communication and ensuring compliance with contracts. I prioritize fostering collaboration through regular check-ins to assess performance, discuss concerns, and explore opportunities for enhancing our food offerings.

Staying organized involves utilizing management tools like scheduling software and to-do lists to oversee daily operations efficiently. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, delegating when necessary to ensure that all aspects of the retail operations run smoothly.

Essential training for a new team member includes a comprehensive overview of safety protocols, customer service expectations, and operational procedures. Pairing new hires with experienced team members for mentorship can significantly boost their confidence and proficiency.

Setting goals should be a collaborative process where I involve team members in defining targets together. I believe in SMART goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—to ensure clarity and motivation throughout our path to success.

In my last retail position, I identified that lengthy checkout lines were causing customer dissatisfaction. By streamlining our cash-handling operations and implementing additional registers during peak times, I effectively reduced wait times and enhanced the overall shopping experience.

Branding in retail management is crucial as it shapes customer perceptions and loyalty. As a Retail Manager 3, I focus on ensuring consistency in branding across all touchpoints, from signage to customer interactions, solidifying our identity and fostering trust with our clientele.

I view feedback as a vital tool for growth. I actively seek input from both customers and team members, addressing concerns directly and constructively. This approach not only helps in resolving issues but also demonstrates that their opinions are valued and appreciated.

If I noticed a drop in sales, I would start by conducting a thorough analysis of current trends, customer feedback, and operational performance. From there, implementing targeted promotions, engaging with customers for insights, and adjusting our offerings could help to boost visibility and drive sales back up.