Celebrating 35 years of leadership: Jay Behari Ram's impactful journey at Shoprite

In a world where career changes are commonplace, it is remarkable to encounter an individual like Jay Behari Ram, whose dedication to one company spans 35 transformative years.

Since he first embarked on his journey as a Trainee Manager at Shoprite Chatsworth in 1990, Ram has cultivated a career that is a testament to purpose-driven leadership in retail.

Today, he stands as the Divisional Manager of the Shoprite KwaZulu-Natal division, overseeing an impressive portfolio of more than 125 stores and nearly 13,000 employees.

His ascent in the company's hierarchy has been nothing short of extraordinary, revealing a steadfast commitment to the principles of community, growth, and empowerment.

Ram’s roots trace back to Sydenham and later Chatsworth, where a modest upbringing instilled in him a profound perspective on leadership and community involvement.

It is this perspective that continues to shape his interactions and decisions as a leader. "It has always been about putting people first for me," he said.

His career trajectory reflects a blend of ambition and curiosity: progressing from Trainee Manager to roles such as Assistant Manager and Branch Manager, where he earned acclaim for over 13 years, eventually moving up to Regional Manager, Deputy Divisional Manager, and finally Divisional Manager in 2017.

Notably, his journey also took him international, managing a Shoprite store in Mauritius, showcasing his talent and versatility in the retail landscape.

Ram’s passion for retail is palpable.

"The fast pace and focus on people keep me motivated," he added.

"With every challenge comes a new opportunity for learning and improvement." Charles Dickens famously stated, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” a fitting description for the retail sector, where evolving consumer demands necessitate constant adaptation.

Ram understands this well, noting, “Customers today seek more value, speed, and convenience. The competition goes beyond traditional supermarkets.”

Under his leadership, Shoprite has made significant strides by embracing new channels and reshaping store formats.

His keen focus on price leadership and sustainability has resulted in thousands of employment opportunities for the populace of KwaZulu-Natal, signifying a deep investment in local recruitment and skills development.

"It’s rewarding to watch people grow," he states.

"Seeing trainees develop into strong leaders is fulfilling.”

For Ram, the essence of his work is defined by a clear ethos: community well-being is intrinsically linked to business success.

“Running a strong, profitable business allows us to foster local employment and community upliftment. This, in return, builds trust and loyalty, which are paramount for our growth," he asserts.

As accolades such as the internal Divisional Manager of the Year award have graced his career, Ram’s focus remains on the journey ahead.

“My aspiration is to help my team grow in confidence and to foster a sense of pride in their work,” he shares passionately.

For the next generation of retail leaders, Ram offers sage advice: "Start at the bottom. Learn every part of the business. Always put people first—be it customers or team members. Embrace adaptability, and remember, perseverance is key." His journey serves as inspiration, not only to his colleagues but to anyone looking to carve out their own impactful path in the world of retail.

BUSINESS REPORT