Application Portfolio Manager - Store Systems

Clicks Group; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Clicks Group is seeking a Store Systems Manager to lead the ownership and optimization of Store Systems. This role focuses on ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of core applications like POS and store services. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in retail store operations and IT governance. A relevant degree and project management certification are essential. This position is located in South Africa, Wes-Kaap.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Retail Store Systems and POS environments.
• Strong understanding of end-to-end retail and pharmacy store operations.
• IT governance, risk, security, audit, and compliance frameworks.
• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile, DevOps methodologies.
• ERP systems exposure in retail environments.
• Cloud-based retail platforms and modern architecture patterns.
• Data governance and analytics frameworks.
• Automation (RPA), AI, and digital transformation in retail.

Responsibilities

• Execute the Store Systems strategy and roadmap aligned to Group IT and Retail strategy.
• Ensure end-to-end stability, availability, performance, and resilience of Store Systems.
• Lead the design, enhancement, and optimisation of store applications and operational platforms.
• Accountable for full application lifecycle management.
• Ensure strong governance, audit readiness, security, and regulatory compliance across all systems.
• Manage delivery of system enhancements and releases.
• Lead incident, problem, and change management processes.
• Lead and develop technical and functional teams.
• Partner with Store Operations and Retail leadership.
• Ensure integration of Store Systems with enterprise platforms.
• Drive vendor performance, commercial optimisation, and cost efficiency.

Skills

Leadership of mission-critical, high-availability systems

Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions

Strong stakeholder engagement across business and IT

Delivery leadership across BAU and project environments

People leadership of technical teams

Vendor and service provider management

Financial and cost management of IT portfolios

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology or Computer Science

Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum)

Job description

To lead the end-to-end ownership, stability, and continuous optimisation of Store Systems, ensuring highly available, secure, and scalable technology platforms that enable retail store operations and customer experience.

The role is accountable for ensuring that core store applications (including POS, Front Shop and related systems) are reliable, well governed, cost-effective, and aligned to enterprise architecture standards and retail business strategy.

Job objectives

• Execute the Store Systems strategy and roadmap aligned to Group IT and Retail strategy
• Ensure end-to-end stability, availability, performance, and resilience of Store Systems (POS, store services, pharmacy front-end systems, and integrations)
• Lead the design, enhancement, and optimisation of store applications and operational platforms to enable scalability and operational efficiency
• Accountable for full application lifecycle management (design, build, deploy, operate, enhance, retire)
• Ensure strong governance, audit readiness, security, and regulatory compliance across all systems
• Manage delivery of system enhancements and releases, ensuring control over scope, timelines, cost, and quality
• Lead incident, problem, and change management processes to minimise disruption in live trading environments
• Lead and develop technical and functional teams (developers, analysts, and team leads)
• Partner with Store Operations, Pharmacy Operations, and Retail leadership to enable business performance and customer experience outcomes
• Ensure integration of Store Systems with enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, Supply Chain, Digital and Reporting systems)
• Drive vendor performance, commercial optimisation, and cost efficiency across the application portfolio
• Contribute to enterprise architecture standards and ensure design compliance across systems

Job related knowledge

• Deep knowledge of Retail Store Systems and POS environments
• Strong understanding of end-to-end retail and pharmacy store operations
• IT governance, risk, security, audit, and compliance frameworks
• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC), Agile, DevOps methodologies
• ERP systems exposure in retail environments
• Cloud-based retail platforms and modern architecture patterns
• Data governance and analytics frameworks
• Automation (RPA), AI, and digital transformation in retail

Job related skills

• Leadership of mission-critical, high-availability systems
• Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions
• Strong stakeholder engagement across business and IT
• Delivery leadership across BAU and project environments
• People leadership of technical teams
• Vendor and service provider management
• Financial and cost management of IT portfolios
• Leadership of mission-critical, high-availability systems
• Ability to translate business requirements into scalable technology solutions

  Qualifications

  • Relevant tertiary qualification in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field
  • Project management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, Agile/Scrum)

  Job related competencies

  • Leading and Supervising
  • Working with people
  • Adhering to Principle and Values
  • Applying Expertise and Technology
  • Presenting and Communicating Information
  • Analysis
  • Planning and Organising
  • Delivering Results & Meeting Customer Expectations