Retail Operations Manager

• Lead and manage retail operations across Eswatini and Mozambique, ensuring alignment with SPAR Lowveld's strategic objectives.
• Drive sales growth, profitability, market expansion, and overall business performance across the region.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with SPAR retailers, suppliers, service providers, and key stakeholders.
• Analyse and interpret store performance statistics and financial results, identifying risks, opportunities, and areas requiring intervention.
• Consult with retailers on underperforming areas and develop action plans to improve sales, profitability, productivity, customer service, and operational efficiency.
• Advise retailers on business feasibilities, retail growth opportunities, and cash flow management to support sustainable business performance.
• Conduct structured store visits, operational reviews, and audits, providing detailed feedback and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with SPAR operating standards, company policies, food safety requirements, hygiene standards, and applicable legislation within each country.
• Support stocktake processes and promote best practices in stock control, inventory management, and shrinkage reduction.
• Drive retail ordering performance through Distribution Centre and drop-shipment channels to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Lead and support retail projects, including new store openings, store refurbishments, re-launches, and other operational improvement initiatives.
• Act as the primary liaison between retailers and SPAR support functions, including Operations, Logistics, Marketing, IT, Finance, and Distribution Centre teams.
• Identify operational challenges, service delivery obstacles, and business risks, and implement practical solutions to mitigate their impact.
• Lead, develop, coach and support operational teams and retailers to drive capability, succession, and performance improvement.
• Manage cross-border operational requirements and ensure seamless business continuity across both countries.
• Prepare and present operational, financial, and performance reports, including retailer reviews and business improvement plans.
• Represent SPAR professionally across Eswatini, Mozambique, maintaining strong relationships with all relevant stakeholders and authorities.

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management
• Advanced Diploma in Operations Management
• National Senior Certificate (Matric)

Work Experience

• Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
• Minumim 3 - 5 years as a Retaial Operations Manager

Core Skills & Compentencies

• Commercial and Financial Acumen
• Leadership and Regional Management
• Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking
• Stakeholder Management and Communication
• Independent Working and Self-Motivation
• Extensive Travel and Regional Operations
• Portuguese Translation and Portuguese as a Foreign Language
• English and Portuguese Language Proficiency

Languages

• English: Fluent
• Portuguese: Proficient; translation and language support
• French: Advantageous language skill
  The Spar Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer. All positions are advertised in accordance with the company’s Employment Equity Policy.