At Gray Mackenzie Retail Lebanon (GMRL), we’ve been shaping the retail landscape since our inception in 1996. As a pioneer in the ownership and operation of supermarkets and hypermarkets, we’re driven by one core mission: to “Live Life Generously.” 

From the day we reintroduced Spinneys to Lebanon, we’ve continued to innovate and expand. Whether it’s being generous with quality through Spinneys, generous with quantity at Happy Discount Store, or generous with time at Grab’n Go, every division we operate focuses on enriching the lives of our customers. 

Our retail portfolio has grown, we expanded further in 2019 with Mackenzie Distribution, F&B, and Production, diversifying our reach and ensuring a seamless, top-quality shopping experience across Lebanon. In recent years, Monoprix and NokNok have joined the GMRL umbrella, bringing even more options to our customers. Our journey doesn’t stop there. With our eye on future growth, we are preparing to expand across the region.

Job Overview: 

The Unit Head - Private Label is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Private Label commercial team, strategies, and plans and ensure its proper implementation. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Strategic Development and Process Improvement 

• Assist in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, presenting recommendations, and implementing programs that improve operational effectiveness, including process improvements, technology enhancements, change management, and training. 

• Assist in setting and controlling SOPs for related business functions in coordination with the Organization Development department. 

• Review and adapt the department structure in coordination with the Organization Development department to meet the department's strategic goals. 

• Conduct market research to learn about department trends and competitors' behavior, developing plans and suggestions accordingly. 

• Elaborate and upgrade forms and reports to enhance the daily tasks of subordinates. 

• Attend international conventions periodically to identify trends and present suggestions. 

• Conduct regular F&B location visits. 

• Participate in the implementation of new software and ensure proper integration. 

Sales and Margin Optimization 

• Implement strategies that drive sales, margin, inventory optimization, and service to customers. 

• Monitor the sales of each product under the department and take corrective actions. 

• Negotiate, approve, and manage contracts with suppliers. 

• Abide by the profitability margins set by upper management. 

• Oversee products with negative margins and take corrective actions. 

• Create opportunities to increase other operating incomes. 

• Collaborate with the Marketing department to ensure that new products reach the right markets at the optimal time. 

• Ensure that set prices for the categories falling under the department are competitive in the market. 

Product and Brand Management 

• Identify and select differentiated and exclusive offerings, services, exclusive brands, and promotions. 

• Handle the brand management for developed and exclusive brands. 

• Develop plans for new products or services based on market research and customer feedback. 

• Ensure proper positioning is maintained relative to competitors. 

• Execute and manage product assortment/selection related to the store concept. 

• Develop work plans for Division/Category levels, covering future development plans at the company/Division levels. 

• Ensure correct execution of set promotional guidelines, product selection criteria, and promotional pricing strategies. 

• Initiate periodic category reviews (product, space, brand, supplier) as a tool to monitor performance and achieve targets. 

Stock and Inventory Management 

• Monitor and manage stock and service levels, product movement, aging, product ranging, and allocations. 

• Control daily and periodic replenishment orders for both local and foreign product supply. 

• Ensure that the ordering process and parameters are properly set to prevent overstock and wastage. 

• Assist the Retail Space Management department in setting the merchandising guidelines. 

• Conduct occasional store visits to monitor performance. 

Supplier and Payment Management 

• Track orders, suppliers’ payments, claims, and rebate deductions. 

• Meet with suppliers to discuss sales, new releases, opportunities, and threats. 

• Prepare a yearly Profit and Loss statement by category to maintain optimal performance. 

• Source the best private label manufacturers and co-packers. 

• Identify opportunities to develop different product lines. 

• Ensure that developed lines are margin drivers compared to similar lines in the category. 

• Oversee the assessment of products before development (price position vs profitability). 

• Work cross-functionally with the marketing team for label designs. 

• Manage the manufacturing process to ensure fast product launches. 

Export and International Operations 

• Manage the export process, ensuring compliance with international regulations and requirements. 

• Oversee export duties, including tariffs, taxes, and documentation necessary for international shipments. 

• Coordinate with logistics and customs to ensure timely and efficient export procedures. 

• Identify potential international markets for product expansion and develop strategies to enter those markets. 

• Monitor export performance and adapt strategies for international growth based on market trends and competitor activities. 

 Cross-Functional Collaboration 

• Coordinate attentively with the Food Safety and Quality Assurance department on all health and safety matters affecting developed brands. 

• Collaborate with other departments (Marketing, Retail, etc.) to drive the success of initiatives, ensuring alignment on goals and strategies. 

Team Management: 

• Maintain staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees 

• Maintain staff job results by coaching, counseling, and disciplining employees 

• Provide on-going leadership and support to team 

• Resolve any staff issues and escalate any unresolved issue to superior 

• Ensure on-the-job training using training checklists 

• Recommend disciplinary action as needed following established policy 

• Control knowledge of procedures and ensure their strict implementation 

• Give clear responsibilities to the team 

• Provide assistance and organize good communication with the team 

• Organize and maintain departmental communication system that encourages staff participation 

• Manage shift schedule to include trainings, vacations, leaves, and backups Ensure department staff is informed of policy changes 

• Conduct timely performance evaluations and staff development 

• Involve the team in service and activities 

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in related field  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or any related field