Area Manager Franchise Stores

Clicks Group Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group in South Africa seeks an experienced Area Manager to oversee franchise stores in Gauteng. The role involves conducting store visits, analyzing financial performance, implementing marketing strategies, and ensuring HR compliance. Candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in operations management within retail or similar environments, a strong background in financial analysis, and a 3-year degree in Business Management. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic leader looking to drive growth and performance in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in multi-site operations management or leadership role in a retail, beauty, or food services industry focusing on franchising.
• 3-5 years' experience in financial analysis and managing budgets.
• 2 years' experience in leading store openings, coordinating suppliers, and managing merchandising teams.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular store visits to perform Quality Assurance and Business Reviews.
• Analyse store financials monthly compared to group benchmarks.
• Implement marketing and advertising campaigns in stores.
• Coordinate store openings ensuring readiness.
• Oversee in-store training programs for staff.
• Drive compliance with HR standards.
• Manage implementation of performance management processes.
• Provide timely information for decision making.

Skills

Business Acumen

Planning and organising

Overseeing daily store operations

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making

Project Management

Education

3-year bachelor's degree/diploma in Business Management

Job description

We are looking to recruit an area manager to look after our Franchise stores in Gauteng and surrounding areas. The role will be based in the Sorbet Offices in Woodmead and will report to the Operations Manager. The purpose of the role is to plan and drive implementation of the Sorbet operational plan for franchise stores by empowering and leading store teams to achieve and maintain business and regulatory standards, deliver exceptional customer service, in order to consistently grow profitability.

Responsibilities

• Conduct regular store visits to perform Quality Assurance and Business Reviews, provide feedback and implement corrective actions to improve performance.
• Analyse store financials monthly, compare performance to group benchmarks and budgets, and develop and execute recovery plans for stores with negative growth in consultation with the Operations Manager.
• Implement all marketing and advertising campaigns in stores in line with business requirements and guidelines, collaborating with the Marketing Department to drive sales and brand visibility.
• Coordinate and lead store openings by ensuring suppliers meet deadlines for IT systems, inventory, and communication infrastructure setup, while guiding merchandising teams to ensure the store is fully prepared for launch.
• Oversee in-store training programs by managing placement schedules and collaborating with corporate teams to ensure staff readiness.
• Drive compliance with HR standards by maintaining accurate employee documentation, contracts, and adherence to policies, procedures (including disciplinary and remuneration), and legal requirements.
• Manage implementation of performance management, employee recognition, and disciplinary processes to maintain operational excellence.
• Provide timely and accurate information to facilitate informed decision making, mitigate risks, and maintain effective control over corporate store operations.
• Manage financial, human, and other resources to deliver the operating plan and achieve business objectives.

Job Knowledge

• Financial analysis and budgeting.
• Planning and performance improvement strategies.
• Store operations, merchandising, and supply chain.
• Performance management.
• Project management.

Job Related Skills

• Business Acumen.
• Planning and organising.
• Overseeing daily store operations.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making.
• Project Management.

Experience and Education

• 3-5 years' experience in multi-site operations management or leadership role in a retail, beauty, or food services industry focusing on franchising.
• 3-5 years' experience in financial analysis and managing budgets.
• 2 years' experience in leading store openings, coordinating suppliers, and managing merchandising teams.
• 3-year bachelor's degree/diploma in Business Management, Retail Management, or a related field.