Shop Manager

Job Description

Position Title: Shop Manager
Reports to: Area Operations Manager

Job Purpose / Objective

The Shop Manager is responsible for leading the overall operations of their outlet to ensure profitability, compliance, and excellence in customer experience. This role carries full accountability for financial performance, operational standards, and team management. The Shop Manager ensures that all orders, inventory, staff performance, and marketing activities are executed in line with Sottozero standards while fostering a positive, high-performing team culture.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Operational & Financial Management

• Ensure all orders are placed, sent, and received on time with both internal and external suppliers.
• Oversee stock management, including stock takes, accurate inventory records, and control of wastage.
• Manage cash handling procedures, ensuring accurate daily cash closing and reconciliation through accounting or tally systems.
• Monitor and manage cost of goods sold (COGS), cost of sales, and labour costs to achieve financial targets.
• Track sales performance, ensuring daily, weekly, and monthly targets are met or exceeded.
• Monitor fast-moving items and adjust ordering or promotions accordingly to maximise revenue

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, motivate, and support staff by fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and teamwork.
• Manage rosters and shift scheduling in line with labour budgets.
• Conduct training and development sessions, ensuring all staff follow Sottozero SOPs, HACCP protocols, and service standards.
• Lead by example, maintaining professionalism and strong customer experience at all times.
• Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring cleanliness, organisation, and operational readiness across the shop.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, food safety, pest control, fire safety, and health & safety regulations.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the store.
• Ensure all staff are in full uniform and consistently represent the Sottozero brand.
• Conduct and monitor regular spot-checks, audits, and compliance reviews.

Customer Experience & Marketing

• Ensure the highest level of customer service and respond effectively to customer feedback.
• Provide regular customer insights and feedback to the Area Operations Manager.
• Manage local store marketing (LSM) initiatives, including food tags, ice cream tags, in-store A4 signage, and seasonal promotions.
• Support the execution of brand campaigns and ensure alignment at shop level.

Other Responsibilities

• Attend management and operational meetings when required.
• Support company-wide initiatives to drive sales growth and brand awareness.
• Actively contribute to building a strong and high-performing team culture within the shop.
• Driving licence is required to facilitate mobility and operational responsibilities.

Skills & Requirements

• Previous management experience in hospitality or food & beverage is required.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
• Proven track record in cash handling, financial management, and achieving sales targets.
• Knowledge of food safety, HACCP systems, pest control, fire safety, and health & safety standards.
• Computer proficient, with the ability to use POS backend systems, spreadsheets, and basic accounting or tally software.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on, proactive approach.
• Excellent communication skills in English (Maltese and/or Italian is an advantage).
• Full driving licence is required.

Working Conditions

• Full-time role with flexible shifts including mornings, evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Based on the shop floor with both administrative and operational duties.
• Expected to be available to resolve urgent shop-related matters when required.
  
  

If you believe you are the right candidate for this role, please send in your application by clicking on the apply button.