Format and Portfolio Manager​

Review: Format and Portfolio Manager - An Opportunity to Shape the Future of Retail Operations

This opening for a Format and Portfolio Manager presents a significant career opportunity within the Co-op's Supply Chain leadership team. With a competitive salary range of £84,000 - £88,000, coupled with an excellent benefits package, this role is designed for experienced professionals seeking impactful leadership and strategic influence.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Strategic Impact: This role is central to the Co-op's mission of keeping stores performing at their best. You will be responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction for a team that manages approximately 500 capital investment projects annually. This is a chance to directly influence customer and member-owner experiences on a large scale.
• Diverse Project Landscape: The scope of projects includes store refits, relocations, and new store openings, offering a dynamic and engaging work environment. You'll also be involved in providing trading support, optimizing store formats, and enhancing SAP capabilities, all contributing to profitable sales growth.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: The position demands strong collaboration with various teams to improve on-shelf availability and reduce waste. This will hone your skills in building stakeholder relationships and driving collective success.
• Team Development: A core aspect of this role is empowering and developing a large team. If you are passionate about fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture and building capability, this is a prime opportunity.
• Purpose-Driven Organization: The Co-op's commitment to its members and communities, operating as a movement rather than just a business, offers a unique work environment. This purpose-driven approach can be highly motivating for individuals seeking to align their career with their values.
• Comprehensive Benefits: The generous benefits package, including an annual bonus scheme, company car allowance, private healthcare, attractive pension contributions, and ample holiday, underscores the company's investment in its employees' well-being and financial security.
• Hybrid Working Model: The hybrid approach, balancing home and office work in Manchester city centre, offers flexibility while maintaining vital in-person collaboration.

Key Considerations for Career Path Development:

• Leadership Experience: The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of leading and coaching teams, with the ability to see the "bigger picture" and set clear strategic direction. This role is a strong step for those looking to advance into senior leadership.
• Retail & FMCG Acumen: A solid understanding of the retail landscape, its challenges, and requirements, particularly within retail operations or FMCG, is crucial. Candidates should be adept at commercial thinking and balancing operational efficiency with commercial viability.
• Project Management Proficiency: Strong organization and project management skills are essential for overseeing a high volume of diverse projects. Flexibility and adaptability in planning will be key to navigating evolving business and market needs.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: The role emphasizes data-driven decisions and accurate demand forecasting. Candidates comfortable with analytical approaches and leveraging data to inform strategy will excel.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: A commitment to continuous improvement, embedding transformation, and sustainable change is vital. This role offers the chance to drive significant operational improvements.

In summary, the Format and Portfolio Manager position at Co-op is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a tangible impact on a beloved brand. It offers a blend of strategic leadership, hands-on project management, and the chance to contribute to a purpose-driven organization. If you are looking to shape the future of retail operations and develop your leadership capabilities within a supportive and values-led environment, this role warrants serious consideration.