Head of Retail - Artfarm Somerset - Marketing and Communications

Head of Retail

Purpose To ensure the seamless running of all Artfarm food retail operations, currently at Durslade Farm and online. In addition, overseeing the launch and successful operation of The London Farm Shop, opening in 2023. Full P&L responsibility for each revenue and cost centre along with the management of the production of home-made product and distribution.

Travel will be necessary between both London & Somerset, depending on where you are based. This will be covered by the company.

Financial

• Full P&L accountability across all retail centres, working closely with the Artfarm Finance Team to set annual departmental budgets, forecasts, and business development plans.
• To closely monitor the financial forecasting and performance on all retail on a weekly basis.
• Ensure all revenue centre managers are aware and take ownership of departmental budgets and costs.
• Undertake daily reviews and analysis of stock movement across ecommerce and physical sales.  
• Ensure operational payroll is managed in line with budgeted percentages.
• Work closely with retail experts to ensure the correct pricing and stock management procedures are in place.
• Work closely with the Group Procurement Manger, ensuring costs are well managed, delivering budgeted profit margins

Operations, planning, and strategy

• Initially work operationally within the Durslade Farm Shop to understand the DNA and therefore set the business ready for success and future growth.
• Develop the design of the organisation chart to set up the shop for success, keeping in line with payroll budgets and adequate coverage.
• Ensure high standards of operation are achieved consistently across all outlets.

• Facilitate and champion positive working relations with Artfarm Hospitality and Hauser & Wirth, meeting regularly and adopting an open communication style throughout the team.
• Plan and mange seasonal peaks, troughs, and businesses specific trends to ensure the optimum yield is achieved.
• Formulate an annual sales plan and any subsequent forecasts when required in a timely and accurate manner.
• Communicate at all levels within the business the agreed plans, strategies and goals whilst taking responsibility for the execution and successful realisation of such.
• Work closely with the Marketing team using intelligent segmentation to increase prospective customer awareness.

• Monitor local competitors’ sales activity and promotions.
• Oversee implementation and management of systems across IT, Comms, and H&S.
• Work closely with assigned retail experts on developing the Farm Shop range, pricing, and visual merchandising strategy.
• Work closely with assigned retail experts on New Product Development, identifying own brand supplier partners and future trend opportunities.
• Develop the seasonal calendar for the Farm Shop.
• Develop an annual calendar of marketing events in conjunction with the Artfarm Marketing team
• Ensure all seasonal products are well planned and the correct stakeholders have been engaged in good time – marketing and creative etc.
• Ensure Retail teams are fully trained and follow agreed retail standard operating procedures.
• Further ensure all Health and Safety / Food Safety measures are being always adhered to.
• Communicate retail strategies to the wider operational team.
• Develop e-commerce strategy, working with local partners for fulfilment.
• Developing a functional back of house space with butchery and fresh fulfilment location  
• Work closely with retail teams to ensure e-commerce platforms are working correctly and updated.
• Manage the Walled Garden and ensure a seasonal supply of produce for DFS retail.
• Own and oversee the operational opening of The London Farm Shop, ensuring the agreed stock lists are in keeping with Artfarm retail values.
• Ensure an adequate supply chain is in place to aide the successful launch of The London Farm Shop.

People Management

• Ensure a high level of communication ensuring all information is passed on to the team.
• Drive accountability through organisational design, responsibility, and effective delegation
• To manage the team whilst promoting a professional image with a supportive attitude to ensure consistent and continual high service standards.
• To recruit and select excellent team members, ensuring your staff turnover remains in line with Artfarm Key Performance Indicators.
• Work with the People Team to identify talent for the future, particularly in readiness for the launch of The London Farm Shop.
• Develop your team and hold Open Blend appraisals at least once per quarter.
• Liaise with the Human Resources team regarding any employee relations issues.
• Always ensure compliance with Company policies and employment legislation.

This job description cannot be exhaustive due to the particular requirements of the hospitality industry. Therefore, you may be required to carry out other tasks as requested by the senior management team from time to time.