Main Purpose

To lead and facilitate the development of competent, passionate and committed merchant retailers in the Food Business Unit by building leadership and functional competence through a learning capability that integrates business strategy, processes, systems and ways of working.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead and develop a Technical and Functional Learning Strategy in line with the Product Strategy and agreed Skills Plan.
  • Partner with functional Centres of Excellence to develop a training plan in line with business priorities.
  • Provide input into the development of the BU Product Strategy and 1 year operating plan ito direction of skills focus and learning opportunities
  • Develop and deliver training material/ courses as well as brief and work with outside teams/business’s to develop and deliver training material and courses.
  • Lead and upskill the business unit to adhere to Foods Business Cycle and critical path deliverables to drive a consistent way of working and effective execution.
  • Lead a standardised approach to learning that drives performance consistently.
  • Partner with HR and educational institutions to grow our pipeline.
  • Drive integration with Learning Academies in other business units and external universities etc to optimise the Learning Academy framework, maximise learning opportunities and leverage best practices across the business.
  • Facilitate and ensure growth in technical and functional knowledge and capacity by enabling the assessment and feedback of learner competence through the use of accepted assessment methodologies and criteria.
  • Manage Merchant Academy expenses in line with budget.

Key Competencies

  • Extensive Retail knowledge both local and international
  • Ability to formulate strategies and implement shorter-term tactical plans that are cost – effective, efficient and realistic
  • Detailed understanding of the customer
  • Detailed understanding of Foods Business Cycle and ways of working
  • Understanding of competences and skills required for each buying group function (buying, planning, product development, merchandising and technology)
  • Ability to network and engage with leadership partners and various integration partners across the business to facilitate the design and development of appropriate and relevant training interventions and material.
  • Knowledge of lead times to formulate and manage critical path(s)
  • Technically strong merchandising skills
  • Working knowledge of SETA requirements
  • Facilitation skills
  • Strong Commercial Acumen/Merchant Mindset
  • 10 years retail experience in product and process knowledge
  • 5 years in leadership position

Closing Date: 02 December 2020

Desired Skills:

  • as per job advert

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