Question 1 Response
As the CEO of Naked Wines, I would require the heads of all functional groups to report directly to me. The main functional groups that the company will have are: Human Resources; Operations; Finance; Marketing; Information Systems, and Legal and Compliance. The head of Human Resources and Risk Management will be responsible for coordinating employee related issues and ensuring that the company has the right workforce to support its operations. The primary responsibility of the head of finance will be to protect Naked Wine’s resources through development of a systematic process for financial control. The head of marketing will be responsible for studying key economic indicators in the wines industry, tracking changes in market demand and identifying customers. This position will also be responsible for studying the activities of other wines retailers and advising on appropriate actions (Ulrich, 2006).
The head of operations will be responsible for coordinating all activities of the company. This includes making contacts with wine suppliers and distributors and ensuring that company premises are in good condition. The holder of this position will also be responsible for monitoring worker productivity and revenue margins, implementing new strategies for organizational growth and setting guidelines for new business evaluations. The head of information systems will be responsible for developing appropriate technologies to enable the company achieve its objectives. This includes advising on latest trends in e-commerce and related technologies. The head of legal and compliance will be responsible for promoting a culture of compliance with all applicable laws, rules and statutory regulations. This position will also be responsible for implementing appropriate ethical frameworks consistent with the need to support Naked Wine’s strategic direction and growth (Ulrich, 2006).
Question 2 Response
Key jobs that would be expected at Naked Wine are:
Procurement manager: this position is responsible for discovering the most profitable wine suppliers and initiating fruitful business partnerships. The procurement manager will also be responsible for approving orders of all goods and services, and examining and revaluating existing contracts. The position holder should have sound knowledge of procurement and sourcing techniques, and proven experience working as a procurement officer.
Distribution manager: responsible for monitoring the quality, cost and efficiency of movement of merchandise between the company’s stores and customers. Position holder should have a university degree in business management and a good understanding of the wines industry.
Brand manager: responsible for initiating strategic growth and development of Naked Wines brands. Brand manager should have a degree in sales and marketing, and proven experience in handling wine brands.
Public relations officer: responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication plans for Naked Wines. Position holder should have a degree in communication studies and extensive knowledge of the operations of companies in the wines industry (Paauwe & Boon, 2009).
Human Resources officer: this position is responsible for coordinating human resource functions including recruitment, training and compensations. The position requires a degree in human resource management.
Administration officer: this position is responsible for executing front office duties and assisting with clerical duties. The position requires a degree in administration or social studies.
Wine taster: the holder of this position is responsible for ensuring Naked Wines’customers have a memorable and positive experience. Position holder must have a strong passion for wines and for learning the details of different wine brands. One must have a certificate in hospitality with a bias in wine management (Paauwe & Boon, 2009).
References
Paauwe, J., & Boon, C. (2009). Strategic HRM: A critical review. London: Routledge.
Ulrich, D. (2006). Human Resource Champions. The next agenda for adding value and delivering results. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press.
