Summary The Wine Consultant provides appropriate knowledge to all customers, in-store as well as external partners and hospitality agencies on all in-store wine. Functions / Responsibilities Customer Service, Excellence, Advice and Information Provide professional, friendly and helpful service to customers in the wine department. Assist customers with product information in the wine department. Display knowledge of where all wine products are merchandised. Display knowledge of the history of wine, wine‑food compatibility and pairing, a good palate, and the ability to distinguish and discern aroma, flavor, character, temperatures, correct serving of wine, and catering quantities. Have knowledge of the wine market buying and selling. Makro BEE Wines – ensure each wine has been tasted, be familiar with ratings, blend, production details and suggest wine‑food pairing as well as cellaring period for each wine. Be aware of promotions regarding products in the wine department. Explain storage instructions, temperatures, etc., to customers. Sales Achieve wine sales budget and sales growth over previous year on a monthly basis. Ensure margin growths are achieved monthly. Be aware of daily targets and inform staff accordingly. Drive weekend specials and targets for promoters. Liaise with top traders and wine club members frequently to boost sales by offering deals, etc. Grow the wine club group. Wine Ordering Ensure orders are sufficient. Monitor barcoding and pricing errors or problems on wine stocks and report to relevant stock control personnel. Merchandising and Stock Rotation Ensure correct merchandising principles are implemented. Ensure all shelves are packed neatly and in the correct places as per the stipulated layout and store standards. Stock rotation management. Inform manager if stock is low and ensure all shelves and fridges are fully stocked. Restock shelves if needed and ensure items are priced correctly and information is displayed. Personal Customer Database Management Create and maintain a categorized email database of personal customers to inform customers on wine specials and events. Database is forwarded to Head Office Marketing department on a quarterly basis. Shareholder Liaison Keep in contact with Vendor Representatives and follow up regularly. Follow up and discuss stock on order and any other stock related issues with relevant buyers. Provide feedback and discuss any operational issues with the relevant managers. Management of Top Traders Draw up and maintain a top trader list of 200 wine customers. Ensure customer satisfaction by conducting follow ups with customers regarding service, pricing and stock availability. Draw up documentation containing monthly spend of all customers and analyse statistics accordingly. Identify purchasing trends or patterns and provide such information to line management. Shrinkage Ensure shrinkage is maintained below the level of budget set for the store. Demonstrate consistent application of internal policies and procedures. Escalate identified problems regarding shrinkage to relevant manager or security. Report suspicious occurrences or people (customers and staff) to management. Be aware of high shrinkage and high value items. Stock Counts Plan stock takes alongside management according to the National Stock Count Roster. Ensure wine counts are broken into smaller BMCs to ensure a more accurate count. Conduct top‑20 and bottom‑20 after counts. Requirements Matric / equivalent. Minimum 4 – 5 years’ experience in the wine industry. Extensive knowledge of wines. Competencies & Skills Judgement. Customer/Member Centered. Planning & Improvement. Influence and Communicate. Adaptability. Culture, Diversity and Inclusion. Functional Communication Skills. Strong Administration Skills. Planning, Organizing and Control. Knowledge of Store process. Manage and motivate staff member. The position requires trust and honesty and that entails the handling of cash and/ or finances, which includes but is not limited to, the handling, administering, processing and distribution of the Company’s monetary resources such as its stock in trade or merchandise. Massmart is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all people including people with disabilities to apply for the role. Employment Equity Policy Requirements may be applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr