Regional Operations Manager

Night 'n Day Foodstores; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Night 'n Day Foodstores in Dunedin seeks a commercially minded Regional Operations Manager to lead multi-site retail operations and support franchisees across the South Island.

Based in Dunedin with regular travel, you will partner with franchisees and the National Operations Manager to improve performance, implement projects and uphold brand standards.

You will coach teams, analyse KPIs, drive continuous improvement and ensure operational compliance.

Qualifications

• Experience in FMCG/retail operations or franchising.
• Strong business acumen with KPI data interpretation.
• Proven ability to improve operational performance across multiple locations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills.
• Strong leadership with ability to influence business owners.
• Willingness to travel regularly across the South Island.

Responsibilities

• Support franchisees with business development and policy adoption.
• Coach on profitability, financial management and operational efficiency.
• Analyse KPIs and identify opportunities for sales growth and margin improvement.
• Assist rollout of new systems, products, and group initiatives.
• Lead communication between franchisees, suppliers and senior leadership.

Job description

Night 'n Day is seeking a highly motivated and commercially focused Regional Operations Manager to join our team.

This role combines the responsibilities of a Regional Field Manager with broader operational leadership responsibilities, acting as a key support person to the National Operations Manager. The successful candidate will work closely with franchisees to improve business performance while also assisting with group wide operational initiatives, compliance, project implementation, and continuous improvement across the Night 'n Day network.

The role is based in Dunedin and requires regular travel throughout the South Island. As an ambassador for the Night 'n Day brand, you will build strong relationships with franchisees and develop a deep understanding of the operational requirements of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Franchisee Support & Business Development

• Communicate information between the franchisor and franchisees in a professional and constructive manner to gain support for franchise policies and initiatives.
• Coach franchisees on business performance, profitability, financial management, and operational efficiency.
• Help franchisees analyse key performance indicators and identify opportunities for sales growth and margin improvement.
• Provide practical support and guidance to improve day-to-day store operations.
• Encourage franchisees to remain focused on measurable goals and action plans that improve business performance.
• Support franchisees in developing their skills as business owners and leaders.
• Organise and facilitate franchise meetings, training sessions, and operational reviews.
• Monitor and reinforce compliance with Night 'n Day operating standards across the network.

National Operations Support

• Act as a key support person to the National Operations Manager, assisting with operational planning, project delivery, and execution of strategic initiatives.
• Assist in the rollout of new systems, technology, products, and operational processes across the franchise network.
• Identify operational challenges and work with franchisees and support teams to develop practical solutions.
• Support the implementation and monitoring of group-wide performance standards and compliance programmes.
• Assist with store openings, ownership transitions, refurbishments, and major operational projects.
• Help coordinate communication between franchisees, suppliers, support office teams, and senior leadership.
• Analyse operational and financial data to identify trends, opportunities, and risks across the network.
• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and recommendations for management and franchisee groups.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing sales, profitability, customer experience, and operational consistency.
• Provide leadership and guidance to franchisees during operational challenges and critical business situations.

Leadership & Relationship Management

• Build strong, trusted relationships with franchisees and key stakeholders throughout the organisation.
• Support the development of a positive and collaborative franchise culture.
• Lead by example and uphold Night 'n Day's values and brand standards.
• Act as a trusted representative of the National Operations Manager when required.

About You

You are a commercially minded retail professional who enjoys working with people, solving problems, and driving business improvement. You are equally comfortable coaching franchisees in-store, analysing business performance, and assisting with strategic operational projects.

You will have:

• Previous experience in FMCG, retail operations, multi-site management, franchising, or account management.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to interpret financial reports and KPI data.
• Demonstrated experience improving operational performance across multiple locations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-management skills.
• Strong leadership capability and the confidence to influence and coach business owners.
• Experience implementing operational projects and driving change.
• High levels of initiative and the ability to work autonomously.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, and business reporting.
• A willingness to travel regularly throughout the South Island and occasionally elsewhere in New Zealand.