Dairy Shop Manager

Waingaro Dairy – Ngāruawāhia

We are looking for a full-time Shop Manager for our small but busy dairy shop in Ngāruawāhia.

We are looking for someone who understands the full responsibility that comes with running a small business, will treat this place as their own, with the same care and commitment that we do. Resilience, stamina, and a strong work ethic are essential.

Ngāruawāhia is a small, close-knit community, and Waingaro Dairy is a valued part of daily life for many locals. Building strong relationships with our customers and being a familiar, friendly face in the neighbourhood is a key part of this role.

You will work alongside the Business Owner. However, the owner frequently travels overseas — sometimes for a few months at a time during which you will be sole person in-charge. The role is based on 30 hours per week, but may increase up to 45 hours/week when the owner is away.

You will be involved in hiring additional staff as required, managing supplies, overseeing sales, and ensure the smooth daily operation of the shop. Your biggest focus will be maintaining and uplifting revenue of the dairy. You will have decision-making authority and you will report to the owner. 

What we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Business, or related field – to confidently manage financial, operational, and compliance aspects of the shop.
• One year of experience running your own business in a local community – so you can handle full responsibility and independent decision-making.
• Excellent organisational and management skills – to manage stock, suppliers, staff, and finances effectively.
• Resilience and problem-solving ability – to handle challenges and busy periods calmly.
• High integrity and reliability – this role could progress to having full control of the shop.
  

Key Duties:

• Decide what stock to add/remove and maintain appropriate inventory levels based on demand.
• Purchase stock effectively, negotiate and find the best suppliers, set competitive pricing, and uphold high service standards
• Develop marketing ideas keeping our local clientele in mind, including in-store promotions and community engagement. You will be expected to provide regular ideas on how to increase revenue, and implement them.
• Serve customers, provide product advice, and ensure a friendly and helpful shopping experience 
• Keep accurate records of sales, inventory, and daily financial activity.
• Prepare and manage budgets to ensure the shop remains financially sustainable.
• Recruit, train, and supervise staff as needed to support day-to-day operations
• Ensure all work practices comply with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Adapt product and service based on seasonal trends and specific local needs of the community.

What we offer:

• A salary of $27/hour. Overtime paid hourly
• Minimum guaranteed 30 hours/week
• A stable, long-term opportunity to run a well-established family business
• Flexibility to set your weekly hours in coordination with the Business Owner

Please email your CV and a brief cover letter telling us about your previous business ownership experience and why you would be a great fit for Waingaro Dairy.