Business Applications Specialist - Omni-Channel

A Business Applications Specialist is responsible for managing and optimizing the Omni Channel POS system to facilitate sales transactions, manage inventory, and enhance the overall retail experience for customers. This role involves configuring, customizing, and maintaining the Applications, training staff on its use, and ensuring seamless integration with other systems and tools. (Retail/Wholesale Industry Specific)

Responsibilities

POS CONFIGURATION AND SET UP

• Ares Overall Owner of the Shopify and B2B Platforms
• Set up and configure POS systems according to the specific needs and requirements of retail locations.
• Customize POS settings, including payment methods, taxes, discounts, and store policies.
• Ensure User Roles are maintained for both HQ staff and Stores.
• Understand all the point of sale hardware and how they are configured, barcode scanners, receipt printers etc
• Integrate Shopify stores with third-party apps and services to extend functionality and enhance capabilities.
• Evaluate and install Shopify apps to meet specific business needs, such as email marketing, customer support, or analytics.
• Configure and manage app settings, permissions (access control and application access) , and integrations.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

• Train staff on how to use POS for ringing up sales, applying discounts, and processing returns or exchanges, inventory management including receipting, transferring and counting. (Stocktake)
• Troubleshoot any issues related to sales transactions and POS hardware/software.
• Assist Finance in setting up reporting to aid payment reconciliations
• Assist Customer Service by overseeing the Multi Location Fulfilments ensuring the team has the required training to manage these on a day to day basis
• Develop training material and train users on Third Party Apps introduced into the Business
• Training and Support for our IT support team
• Change Management

REPORTING AND ANALYTICS

• Assist the Retail team with the Initial generation and distribution of reports to assist them in the day to day trade. Continual refinement and enhancement.
• Assist Planning and Finance team with the generation and distribution of reports to assist them in identification of trends and insights.
• Assist users with the creation of Flow Reports and Exception Management.
• Create user guides and training materials for all stakeholders on reporting.

INTEGRATION and OMNICHANNEL RETAIL

• Collaborate with external (or internal) development teams to implement custom connectors (Shopify API) 1or middleware for seamless integration
• Collaborate with vendors and internal stakeholders to implement customizations and enhancements as needed.
• Define data mapping and transformation rules for integrating Shopify data across diverse systems.
• Ensure data integrity and accuracy during the integration process.
• Manage and administer business applications related to omnichannel operations, such as CRM systems, order management systems, inventory management systems, and point-of-sale (POS) systems.
• Ensure the availability, reliability, and performance of applications to support seamless operations across all channels.
• Configure and customize business applications to meet specific business requirements and support omnichannel functionalities.
• Coordinate with IT teams or third-party developers to customize integrations and ensure compatibility
• Integrate Shopify stores with third party apps and services to extend. Manage all brands installed Apps and understand usage
• Understand the Automations and workflows that make use of the MAKE software, ensure these are functioning 24/7 and are effective in delivering the desired results

COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE

• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, security standards, and industry best practices in the management of business applications and customer data.
• Implement governance processes for access control, data management, and change management.

INNOVATION, RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT

• Explore B2B options that can work seamlessly with existing platforms.
• Insights into new application Developments and Updates
• Testing and Evaluating usability of third party applications
• Be regularly engaged with the Shopify Community understanding developments, potential workaround solutions for lack of native functionality within Shopify
• Keep on top of new developments and enhancements as well as ensuring a deep understanding of the functions of our third party apps including Make, Returns Go, AIOD, Zendesk/CS Ticketing, Matrixify, Stocky

Requirements

• Strategic Thinker: Developing and implementing effective strategies to achieve business goals and objectives.
• Relationship Builder: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Results-Driven: Focusing on achieving tangible results and meeting business development targets.
• Adaptability: Being open to change and able to adapt to evolving market conditions and opportunities.
• Team Player: Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to drive business growth.
• Customer-Centric: Prioritizing customer needs and ensuring that business development efforts align with customer expectations.
• Data-Driven: Utilizing data and analytics to make informed decisions and improve business development strategies.
• Networking: Actively engaging in networking and industry events to expand business opportunities and connections.
• Communication Skills: Having strong communication skills to articulate the value proposition of the business and negotiate effectively.
• Problem-Solver: Identifying and addressing challenges and obstacles in business development.
• Time Management: Efficiently managing time and resources to maximize productivity.
• Risk Management: Assessing and managing risks associated with business development efforts.
• Innovation: Encouraging innovative thinking and exploring new opportunities for growth.
• Market Analysis: The ability to conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and threats in the industry.
• Shopify: Strong Proficiency in Shopify is critical
• Scripting: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and JSON
• Shopify Integrations/Automations: A familiarity with Make and Exporteo
• Systems: Familiarity with the various other software systems and platforms used across Ares
• Data Analysis: Proven experience in data analysis, reporting, and business intelligence.
• Attention to Detail Attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy.
• Analytical: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Integrations: Knowledge of integration technologies, APIs, and middleware solutions.

What you get:

• You get to work for a rapidly expanding distributor with aspirational brands
• Gym & Shower facilities
• Personal Trainer
• Yoga
• Pension Fund
• Medical aid with Gap cover
• Staff Allocation (R10 000 Retail Value per annum).
• Staff discount (50% off for you and your family across all the brands within the group)
• Healthy Lunch subsidy
• Company performance incentive scheme
• Long-service incentives
• Holistic Employee Wellness programme
• The group prides itself in its effort to drive continuous employee engagement activities to enable a connected culture.