National Operations Manager - Retail Industry - Morningside, Durban

Job Purpose

To manage and assume overall responsibility for the operational success of all retail stores by directing operational activities, driving sales performance, and ensuring that stores operate efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of merchandising, presentation and compliance with company policies and procedures.

The current store grid consists of six retail stores located across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Gauteng, with the possibility of additional stores opening in the future.

The role requires active leadership of store management teams, ensuring operational consistency, effective stock control, and delivery of the brand experience across all stores.

Hours of Work

Normal working hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 when stock takes or special operational activities are not scheduled.

Due to the operational requirements of the retail environment, the role may require:

Attendance at stock takes, which may occur outside normal working hours.

Occasional Sunday work, depending on operational requirements.

Assistance with brand events and promotional activities from time to time.

Flexibility in working hours is therefore required.

Travel and Mobility Requirement

Due to the multi-site nature of the role, the position requires regular travel between retail stores located across the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

You must therefore be able and willing to travel independently between stores by motor vehicle in order to conduct store visits, support operational requirements, attend stock takes and provide management oversight where required.

A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as operationally required are considered inherent requirements of the position.

Travel may from time to time require overnight stays in order to effectively support store operations.

Key Result Areas

Business Leadership

Contribute proactively to the development and implementation of the company’s retail strategy.

Implement operational projects as required by management.

Identify underperforming stores and develop action plans to improve operational and financial performance.

Monitor competitor activity and local market conditions and make recommendations to improve performance.

Identify product performance trends and provide feedback to assist in driving brand growth.

People Management

Clearly communicate business objectives and operational expectations to store managers.

Develop store management teams to ensure strong leadership at store level.

Achieve exceptional customer service through training and development of store staff.

Establish strong communication networks across stores to ensure alignment and shared knowledge.

Participate in the recruitment and selection of store staff and ensure effective induction of new employees.

Manage the performance and development of store managers to maximise sales performance.

Address employee relations matters within the stores including counselling, discipline and grievance processes.

Identify talent and support succession planning within the store network.

Promote a positive working environment to support employee retention and minimise staff turnover.

Profitability

Manage store performance to achieve budgeted sales targets.

Monitor store financial performance and manage store expenses in line with company budgets.

Manage payroll costs within allocated budget parameters.

Store Presentation

Liaise with Buying and Merchandising teams regarding stock supply across regions.

Provide feedback on fast and slow-moving stock items.

Ensure visual merchandising standards reflect the brand image and comply with company directives.

Support and ensure effective implementation of promotional campaigns.

Stock Control and Security

Ensure stores adhere to company policies and operational procedures.

Maintain stock control measures and compliance processes to minimise financial loss.

Ensure appropriate security, banking and operational procedures are followed within all stores.

Customer Service

Support the management of customer service standards within stores.

Develop staff competence to optimise customer satisfaction and drive sales performance.

Critical Performance Measures

Performance in the role will be measured against the following key operational indicators:

Achievement of budgeted company sales targets

Maintaining stock loss within acceptable company limits

Compliance with company operational, security and banking procedures

Maintenance of consistent brand standards across all stores

Key Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Previous multi-site retail management experience will be advantageous.

Must hold a valid driver’s license and be able to travel regularly as required.

Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful