Operations Manager - Ben & Jerry's (Sydney CBD)

Job Purpose

Do you enjoy working closely with franchisees to deliver strong results?

Are you passionate about changing the world we live in to make a more just and sustainable society?

Does the phrase “If it’s not fun, why do it?” resonate with you?

If so then please read more about this amazing opportunity to join the Ben & Jerry’s Retail team. We have a fantastic opening available for the right candidate which includes:

• Regular fully funded interstate and international travel
• Flexible working
• Competitive salary

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and People Management

• Build strong working relationships with franchisees, captive stores, suppliers, TMICC & 3rd party partners based on trust and mutual accountability.
• Act as an advocate for the franchisees, captive stores and the company, ensuring that all points of view are clearly communicated and understood.
• Ensure that robust training and succession planning is in place throughout.

Business Management

• Continuous business reviews to be completed to ensure the successful performance of all stores within your region.  Utilise all marketing tools to drive performance whilst ensuring the stores are compliant with their minimum LSM spend.
• Implement strategic plans, as well as working well together with cross functional teams to ensure successful ongoing business, promotional and project launches are successful.  Closely manage underperforming stores back to growth.
• Consult and work shoulder-to-shoulder with franchisee, captive stores and Retail Operations Lead to improve the execution and compliance of the shop to deliver short and long-term business results. 
• Ensure that all areas of stores are profitable, focusing on year-on-year growth and profit.

Operations & Training

• Demonstrates ownership and accountability by consistently observing store operations, providing feedback and taking action in critical situations.
• Ensure all stores are visited and evaluated using scoop shop evaluation forms once per month and consult franchisees in developing agreed upon action plans to address priority system opportunities.
• Develop, manage and ensure delivery of training and orientation for all employees/franchisees with a strong emphasis on providing Ben & Jerry’s authentic customer experience.
• Reinforce importance of having the right staff (through quality hiring and retention) to maximize sales potential and be a role model to franchisees.
• Ensure TMICC safe working and food safety behaviours are adhered to at all times.

Franchising

• Ensure all franchised stores comply with franchise rules and regulations.
• Ensure all franchised stores follow the marketing plan and comply with the 3-part mission statement.

Financial Management

• Analyse stores P&Ls, business reviews, sales mix, competitor analysis and RRPs to come up with action plans to maximize results.
• With your Retail Operations Lead, conduct quarterly business review meetings with franchisees and store managers to discuss financial performance, KPIs, compliance and follow up on action plans.

Communication Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication in English and interpersonal skills.
• Able to coordinate effectively with all levels of the organisation.

Collaboration Skills

• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams such as QA, R&D, marketing, supply chain, finance and others to launch and achieve targeted results for operations programs and initiatives.

Retail Marketing

• Ensure franchisees and store managers maximize sales potential in their locations using local store marketing (LSM) programs and implementing the regional retail marketing plan.
• Participate in monthly marketing meetings and budget review with Brand Marketing Manager.
• Assist in development, testing and implementation of innovative marketing and operational concepts, which may include menu items, new products, merchandising and other store operations.
• Manage catering, off-premise opportunities and special event programs including scoop truck operations and events requested by Ben & Jerry’s Brand Team.

Social Mission  

• Implement and execute Social Mission programs which are reviewed and agreed upon by Country Business Leader.
• Building strong and mutually beneficial relationships with the local community.

Our People Profile

To support out 3-part mission, Ben & Jerry’s also has an outspoken people-mission. We look for people with these characteristics to strengthen our team:

• Purpose-driven: passion and drive to make a real impact with through our Social Mission.
• Empathy: curious to collaborate with a variety of personalities and styles and to build excellent relationships with internal & external stakeholders – this includes cross-functional relationships and striving for collaborative success.
• Mastery: continuously learn, grow and develop to contribute to B&Js.
• Autonomy: dare to make choices and take ownership.
• Activism: interested in bringing about political or social connectivity.

What you will need to succeed?

Experiences & Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability preferred.

• 2+ years’ experience in retail store management in a fast-paced high volume environment is preferable
• 2+ years’ experience in franchising
• Strong budget management and retail analysis skills
• P&L responsibility including inventory management
• Strong people management and supervisory skills and experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, English strongly recommended
• Highly organized, energetic, team-oriented individual with a positive “can –do” attitude and a strong commitment to outstanding customer service
• Computer proficiency, esp. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

Work Environment:

Stores are open 7 days per week, morning and evening hours; individual must be willing to work nights, weekends, extended hours and holidays as per the requirements of the business

Position requires travel across ANZ as it expands across key citadels.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected to perform.

What you can expect?

• A unique mix of global scale & start-up spirit—€8.3bn powerhouse with an agile, entrepreneurial mindset. We’re building a new high growth Ice Cream company from the ground up. ​
• Career without limits—42 markets, international opportunities, and fast tracked growth. ​
• A performance-driven culture—Freedom to act, disrupt and grow – your success is measured by impact.​
• A company that celebrates joy, innovation, and purpose—We create extraordinary careers, just like our ice cream creates extraordinary moments.

Are you excited to craft the Ice Cream future?

To apply, you must do so online. Please do not forget to upload your CV and a motivation letter.  

Your application will be reviewed against our requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date to provide you with an update on the status of your application.

As publicly announced, Unilever will separate its Ice Cream business which is expected by the end of 2025. This role will transfer to the new Ice Cream company.

For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position.

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact anz.talent@unilever.com.

Unilever is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities.

This means we encourage people with all backgrounds to apply, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Māori and Pacific Peoples, and people with disabilities. Interested in learning more, check out our Reconciliation Action Plan and Workplace Adjustment Policy on the Unilever webpage.

At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! We encourage you to advise us at the time of your application if you require any reasonable adjustment so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.