Area Manager - VIC/TAS

Purpose of the Role
To lead and develop store operations across Victoria and Tasmania, ensuring that all stores achieve financial targets, provide outstanding customer service, maintain operational excellence, and deliver a consistent Lowes customer experience while supporting the growth and success of the business.
Position Summary
The Area Manager is responsible for the overall operational, financial, and people performance of all Lowes stores within Victoria and Tasmania. This role provides leadership, coaching, and support to Store Managers to ensure stores achieve sales targets, maximise profitability, deliver exceptional customer service, and operate in accordance with company standards and policies.
The Area Manager plays a key role in driving business growth, developing talent, maintaining operational excellence, and reinforcing the company’s culture and values across the region.
Key Responsibilities
Sales & Financial Performance

Drive sales growth and profitability across all stores within the assigned region.
Ensure stores achieve budgeted sales, wage, and profit targets.
Analyse sales and operational reports and implement strategies to improve performance.
Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve productivity, and reduce costs.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop corrective action plans where required.

Leadership & People Management

Lead, motivate, and develop Store Managers and their teams.
Conduct regular store visits, coaching sessions, and performance reviews.
Support recruitment, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
Ensure performance management processes are implemented consistently and fairly.
Foster a positive, engaged, and high-performing workplace culture.

Operational Excellence

Ensure stores operate in accordance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Maintain high standards of presentation, merchandising, stock management, and housekeeping.
Monitor labour productivity and wage expenditure.
Ensure stores are appropriately staffed to meet business requirements.

Customer Experience

Promote and maintain a customer-focused culture throughout the region.
Ensure consistent delivery of excellent customer service across all stores.
Review customer feedback and implement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction.
Support Store Managers in resolving complex customer issues.

Merchandising & Inventory Management

Ensure visual merchandising standards are consistently executed.
Monitor stock availability, stock accuracy, and inventory controls.
Work closely with Store Managers to minimise stock loss and shrinkage.
Support the implementation of promotional events, seasonal launches, and company initiatives.

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and legislative requirements.
Promote and maintain a safe working environment across all stores.
Ensure compliance with Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) standards.
Conduct regular store audits and compliance reviews.
Investigate and manage operational risks, incidents, and compliance breaches.

Communication & Stakeholder Management

Act as the primary link between Head Office and store operations.
Communicate company strategies, initiatives, and priorities to Store Managers.
Collaborate with Human Resources, Finance, Merchandise, and Operations teams.
Provide regular reporting and feedback on regional performance.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Regional sales growth
Profitability performance
Achievement of store budgets
Wage cost management
Customer satisfaction results
Employee engagement and retention
Compliance and safety audit outcomes
Stock loss and shrinkage results
Training and development completion rates

Skills & Experience
Essential

Minimum 5 years’ experience in retail management.
Proven experience managing multiple retail locations.
Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
Demonstrated ability to drive sales and operational performance.
Sound understanding of retail financial management and KPI reporting.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Current Driver’s Licence and willingness to travel extensively throughout Victoria and Tasmania.

Desirable

Experience within apparel, fashion, or specialty retail.
Experience leading geographically dispersed teams.
Knowledge of workforce planning, recruitment, and employee development.
Experience working within a large multi-site retail environment.

Core Competencies

Leadership and Team Development
Commercial Acumen
Customer Focus
Strategic Thinking
Performance Management
Financial Awareness
Communication and Influence
Accountability
Decision Making
Change Management

Working Conditions

Frequent travel throughout Victoria and Tasmania.
Regular store visits and regional meetings.
Occasional interstate travel as required.
Flexibility to work additional hours when business needs require.