Head of Retail Operations North Candidate pack February 2017 1
Contents A Message from Marc Spence, Managing Director of Retail 3 About Scope 4 About the Scope Retail Division 5 Role Profile 6 Application Process 10 2
Dear Candidate Thank you for your interest in the role of Head of Retail Operations North for our Retail Division. Scope is developing a new strategy for the next five years to help us achieve our vision of changing society so that disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. This role will play a critical role in leading our North retail division, to deliver a step change in the financial contribution, and to modernise our high street presence to ensure retail remains a core channel to deliver our influencing strategy. Scope exists to make this country a place where disabled people have the same opportunities as everyone else. We provide support, information and advice to a quarter of a million disabled people and their families every year. We raise awareness of the issues that matter to keep driving change. The profits we make from our Retail Division generate essential income to fund our work. We are a top ten charity retailer with turnover of circa 22 million from 228 shops, having made a significant investment in, and commitment to our Retail Division over many years. This investment has delivered a steady return totalling 13.5 million in surplus in the last five years at an average of 2.7 million per annum. Benchmarking our retail performance has demonstrated the potential for considerable improvement in profit performance. We aim to deliver a transformation in financial performance, to more fully realise the financial potential in our retail business and to continue to invest in a successful model to generate funding for our work. This role is an excellent opportunity to be part of our strategy to re-shape our retail operations, delivering the Scope vision in the local communities we serve. Through our growing investment online and in social media there are further opportunities for the Retail Division team to exploit new channels for charity retail. We are looking for an exceptional and rounded person who exemplifies and champions our values. You will need to demonstrate a track record in leading change, innovation and significant profit growth in retail at a senior level and the potential to achieve more. Your success will require clarity of vision and determination, the ability to lead the staff and volunteers in the North Division in a significant change. Thank you again for your interest. If you feel you have the skills and experience that we are looking for then we would be delighted to hear from you. Marc Spence Managing Director of Retail 3
About Scope Our six beliefs Our beliefs are our fundamentals. They are six statements describing the foundations for all that we do. The beliefs help us make decisions about our work and daily interactions with people inside and outside of Scope. Think of them as a kind of compass: when you can t decide on the right course of action, the beliefs can point you in the right direction. See the person In our interactions with disabled people we consider all of the qualities and characteristics that go to make people distinctive and unique, not only their impairment or condition. Set no limit on potential Every disabled person has the right to live their life and work towards their goals without being limited by other people s expectations or prejudices. We never set limits on any disabled person s individual potential. Freedom to choose Every disabled person should have the right to exercise choice and control over all decisions that shape their future including the products, services and support programmes they use. Independence and inclusion All service developments designed to support disabled people should enable them to become increasingly independent and to live their lives within the community of their choice. Everyday life equality We believe that all disabled people should have the same opportunity to education, work, building a home and social life, and access to any location or venue that other people in our society enjoy. No more. No less. Together we can create a better society The investment required to support our beliefs will be more than repaid through the as yet untapped potential of disabled people and through our collective pride in creating a better society for all. 4
About the Scope Retail Division Scope has made a significant financial commitment to its Retail Division: High street assets of 13.2 million across England and Wales, with running costs of circa 18 million per year. Lease commitments of 11.8 million on 237 leases to March 2024. Turning over 22 million per year mainly from donated clothing, and delivering 13.5 million in surplus in the last five years at an average 2.7 million per annum. A retail team of around 600 paid staff and 5,000 valued volunteers. Our strategic blueprint sees the Retail Division continuing to play a critical fundraising, brand and communication role for Scope into the future. Charity retail faces significant risks to its current financial model from broader shopping trends, the living wage and rising property costs. This means we will need to transform and innovate our retail offer for retail to remain an attractive investment. Our performance, benchmarked through the Charity Retail Association, demonstrates there is the potential for considerable improvement. We believe a transformation in financial performance is possible from our existing investment through: Rigorous portfolio management Channel, offer and format innovation Focused performance management Continuing investment in people, process and technology. Our structure Retail is made up of two divisions - the North and the South. These are headed up by Head of Operations, North and South, both reporting to the Retail Operations Director. The two divisions are divided into areas and these areas are managed by an Area Manager who looks after approx. 15 shops. All shops are supported by the Central Operations team based at Market Road, London and the Property team. 5
Role Profile Job title: Reports to: Grade: Head of Retail Operations (North) Retail Operations Director B Department and Team: Retail Operations Location: The role is field based, but requires extensive travel throughout England and Wales with some overnight stays. Direct reports: Retail Area Managers (circa 7) Budget/ Resource responsibility: North division budget Overall purpose of Role: The Head of Retail Operations (north) is expected to lead and improve the current business performance of the region whilst maximising the overall contribution of this resource to Scope. A key component of this is the establishment of a high-performing Retail operation team. As a function leader, this role is to identify the appropriate methods to deliver a lean, efficient retail team, focussed on achieving its strategic aims, objectives and delivering results in line with Retail s five year plan. Main responsibilities and accountabilities: Financial, organisation and planning: To ensure the implementation of the delivery of operational business plans to support the objectives of the Retail team as approved by the Retail Managing Director, assessing and mitigating potential risks including property management, increase profitability/sales and reduce costs and operations. To ensure that Scope s retail shops grows market share in the charity retail sector and maintains a competitive edge on the high street. To manage the regional Retail property portfolio, scrutinising costs and liability in order to minimise cost income ratios, close stores disciplines and impact, establish dilapidation reserves, measures and spend. 6
To be responsible for the development, review, monitoring, reporting and achievement of all budgets, income, expenditure, profit and other related objectives for the division To ensure that regular competitor analysis and monitoring of market trends takes place throughout the division. To ensure appropriate plans and resources are in place for the delivery of the business plan across the Retail team, honing the Retail teams focus to drive sales, reduce costs, increase profitability, improve gift aid percentage, increase threshold donations in order to deliver the strategic objectives. Performance To lead by example and ensure a culture of performance and accountability across the Retail team and to demonstrably delivery improvements in performance and employee engagement. In conjunction with the Operations Director, create and develop national retail strategy and business plans to achieve income and other related objectives. To support Scope s campaign objectives and enhance the awareness of the charity by ensuring brand profile is optimised throughout the division by capitalising on our high street presence To act as a key point of contact for collaborative activity to create strong and productive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring the achievement of both key strategic aims and objectives and business plan deliverables. To devise, in conjunction with colleague(s), national best practice across all areas of retail operations, formulating policy to deliver these practises Management and leadership To be responsible for the line management of the functions allocated to the role, including responsibility for team and individual development and performance. To manage, motivate and lead the regional retail team (staff and volunteers), ensuring that it works collaboratively across the organisation to achieve organisational goals, including those relating to income generation from donated and new goods, threshold targets, gift aid targets, cost management, increase profitability, awareness and support engagement. To ensure the effective leadership and management of those within your portfolio, creating an environment where each individual understand their role and purpose and makes an effective contribution to the success of the organisation. To lead and manage a geographically located region of approximately 125 shops in order to maximise net income for Scope.. To provide for the needs of the regions volunteer workforce, ensuring that they are effectively managed and communicated to. To ensure all shops adhere to all legislation and Health and Safety requirements, as well as all Scope s policies and procedures. To ensure operating standards and excellent customer service standards are met and maintained at all times across the region. 7
Other To act as an ambassador for retail across the organisation and externally and act as an opinion-former within the wider sector, representing the integrity and ambitions of the retail and Scope. Maintain and enhance the reputation of Scope as a national voice, supporting the objectives of the organisation and clearly making our case to stakeholders, influencers and our own staff for our strategy and transformation. To lead and develop an organisational culture consistently with other members of the Retail team in keeping with the expectations of the Board that supports the delivery of our strategy and makes Scope a stand-out and distinctive organisation with a positive reputation for getting things done. The role is field based, but requires extensive travel throughout England and Wales with some overnight stays. Knowledge and experience Person Specification Essential Experience of strategic planning in a large organization. Experience of resource management incorporating financials and utilities. Project management. Experience of writing financial budgets at a national level. Experienced in managing relationships at a senior level and managing a diverse (in terms of skill base and experience) team of people. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to contribute and successfully deliver against a business strategy Must possess a track record of successful line management, including increasing and sustaining sales growth and profitability even in challenging market conditions. Ability to build productive relationships at a senior level with key internal and external stakeholders. High level of leadership skills with proven competence in developing others. Working knowledge of retail legislation, particularly Health and Safety requirements. Appreciation and understanding of retail structures and support functions e.g. Finance, property, product and learning and development. Demonstrates a responsible approach to decision making and assessment and management of risk for the overall benefit of Scope. A track record of creativity and innovation. Experience of working with different disciplines across diverse areas of an organisation. Experience of managing change management programmes. 8
Desirable Demonstrable understanding of the social model of disability Extensive knowledge and understanding of commercial and charity retailing practices. Skills and competencies Essential Excellent communication skills verbal, written to include report writing and group presentations Proven influencing and negotiating skills at a senior level. Commercially sound with a good understanding of profit and loss accounting and the influence of operating factors e.g. volume v price Excellent organisation skills, able to prioritise A collaborative team player concerned with the team success as well as individual performance Advanced analytical skills. Ability to work at a strategic level. Capable of managing change in a dynamic and diverse environment and working effectively under pressure with conflicting priorities Ability to plan and manage resources effectively. A flexible approach to management. Solution orientated, decisive by nature Evidence of excellent IT skills particularly Microsoft Office The following Scope behaviours are essential for all employees: Supporting Scope: Talk to team and others about how we can contribute to Scope s strategic direction Taking responsibility: Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility, show concern for the customer and do what you say you will do. Solving problems: Support team to develop new ideas and change things for the better Valuing customers: Engage with customers on their terms, using different approaches to suit the situation. Working as part of a team: Manage differences constructively; deal effectively with conflict and value diversity. 9
Application process To apply for this position, please provide the following: An up-to date CV A supporting statement - no more than two sides of A4. Please ensure your statement sets out how your experience and qualifications address the requirements of the role and explains your reasons for applying for the role. Completed equalities monitoring information form; Please note, the information provided does not form part of our assessment of candidates. Please send your CV and cover letter to Sue.davies@scope.org.uk Closing date for applications 22nd February 2017 You can find out more about us and the work we do at www.scope.org.uk 10