Job Advert Summary
The Area Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational and commercial performance of a portfolio of optometry practices within a designated region. The role ensures that stores deliver outstanding patient care, achieve financial and operational targets, comply with healthcare regulations, and provide an excellent customer experience. A key component of this role is the effective use of internal reporting systems to monitor store visits and activities, and to analyse performance data and drive data‑led decision‑making.
Minimum Requirements
Qualifications & Experience: Com Degree or Diploma (retail / finance management or related).
Minimum 5 years operational management experience within a multi‑site environment.
Extensive people management and leadership experience of junior management employees.
Financial management experience (budgets, profit and loss statements, financial ratios, etc.).
Willingness to travel.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Management: Oversee day‑to‑day operations of multiple optometry practices. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards, and company policies. Implement and optimise operational processes to enhance efficiency and patient satisfaction.
- Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets for each practice. Monitor financial performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions. Drive revenue growth through strategic initiatives.
- Staff Management: Recruit, train, and supervise optometrists and support staff. Foster a positive work environment and provide leadership to the team. Conduct performance reviews and address staffing needs.
- Quality Assurance: Implement and uphold quality standards in optometric care. Ensure adherence to best practices and continuous improvement in service delivery. Address customer feedback and implement improvements as needed.
- Marketing and Business Development: Develop and execute marketing strategies to attract and retain patients. Identify business development opportunities and partnerships. Analyse market trends and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Inventory and Supply Chain Management: Manage inventory levels and supply chain logistics for optical products. Optimise ordering processes to maintain adequate stock levels. Monitor product quality and vendor relationships.
- Technology Integration: Stay abreast of technological advancements in optometry. Implement and integrate relevant technologies for enhanced patient care and operational efficiency.
Key Competencies
- Technical Skills: Proficient in retail, financial, risk, human resource and change management, and possessing business acumen.
- Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to articulate issues and work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams.
- Analytical Skills: Keen attention to detail and the ability to analyse complex software systems to identify potential areas of weakness.
- Problem Solving & Decision‑Making: Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills to identify key improvement areas and to assist with providing the best solutions.
- Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and priorities.
- Team Player: Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively within a team environment.
- Commercial & Entrepreneurial Awareness: Entrepreneurial and commercial thinking.
Essential Competencies
- Deciding and Initiating Action
- Leasing and Supervising
- Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
- Adhering to Principles and Values
- Presenting and Communicating Information
- Analysing
- Planning and Organising
- Coping with Pressures and Setbacks
- Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking
Team Interaction
Peers are situated in every region of the country. Management is situated at Head Office. The team has a high‑performing culture and holds each other accountable for the advancement of the group as a whole, as well as the business that our franchisees own.
Flexibility
Additional functions and/or duties may be required in addition to those listed above.
Mission or KPI Structure
To be discussed.