Chief Operating Officer

Description:

As Scotland’s largest independent co-operative, Scotmid Co-operative is delighted to be working with New Town Partnership to recruit a Chief Operating Officer – Retail.

The history of Scotmid Co-operative spans nearly 165 years from 1859 when St Cuthbert’s Co-operative Society was formed in Edinburgh. Today the Society employs over 3,500 people and operates around 300 retail outlets across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England. Their businesses include Scotmid Food, Semichem, Lakes & Dales Co-operative, Funeral Directors, Post Offices and a property division.

Due to the retirement of the current Chief Executive and the internal appointment of the current Chief Operating Officer - Retail to Chief Executive from 2024, Scotmid Co-Operative is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead the Retail division. This pivotal role will join the Senior Management Team, report to the Chief Executive and assume overall responsibility for Scotmid Food and Semichem.

Based out of their Head Office in Edinburgh, the successful candidate will join an organisation that prioritises a culture of inclusion and community as well as corporate wellbeing.

This role is of strategic and commercial importance offering the right individual a significant career opportunity with a highly regarded consumer brand.

Role Responsibilities:

As Chief Operating Officer – Retail your principal responsibility is the leadership of the Retail Division and its people.

Below is a brief description of the key role responsibilities. A full and detailed role profile will be made available to suitable candidates:

• Lead the retail team across both brands, this includes category management, store implementation, retail operations, central operations and the Semichem buying, warehouse and distribution teams.
• Develop, plan and communicate the retail strategy across both Scotmid and Semichem. Building each brand to achieve profit, growth and sales targets.
• Manage and control expenditure for the Retail Division within agreed budgets.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will contribute to the overall strategic direction of the Society’s business.
• Keep a keen focus on competitor activity, evaluating changing market trends, external influences, and potential growth opportunities, implementing new initiatives to ensure this is achieved.