Area Operations Lead

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus potential

Medical aid

Provident fund

Career advancement

Team culture

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Area Operations Lead to manage store operations across multiple Soweto locations. You will lead store management teams, drive customer service excellence and optimize profitability in a fast-paced retail environment.

The role requires strong leadership, robust retail operations knowledge and a willingness to travel within the Soweto area. This is a full-time, on-site position based in Gauteng, with growth opportunities in a expanding retail brand.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in retail operations management
• 3+ years in multi-store/area management
• Strong leadership and communication
• Willing to travel within Soweto area

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of assigned stores across Soweto to maintain service and efficiency
• Train, coach and motivate store management teams
• Drive sales and achieve revenue targets per store
• Ensure adherence to company policies and standards across all locations
• Monitor KPIs: sales, profitability, inventory, customer satisfaction
• Develop local marketing to boost foot traffic and sales
• Control inventory, stocktakes, shrinkage, and loss prevention
• Ensure health, safety and security compliance in stores
• Conduct store visits and performance reviews with managers
• Identify operational challenges and implement improvements
• Manage budgets and optimize store profitability
• Recruit and develop store-level talent

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Retail Management

Tools

POS systems

Retail software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding retail chain, is looking for a dynamic and experienced Area Operations Lead to manage store operations across multiple locations in and around Soweto, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves overseeing store performance, ensuring exceptional customer service, managing staff, and driving operational efficiency to meet business objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in retail management, excellent leadership skills, and a proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth of a well-regarded retail brand. The role demands full-time on-site presence to effectively manage and support the assigned stores.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of assigned retail stores within the Soweto area, ensuring high standards of customer service, visual merchandising, and operational efficiency.
• Manage, train, and motivate store management teams and staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting a culture of accountability.
• Drive sales performance and achieve revenue targets for each store within the area.
• Implement and ensure adherence to company policies, procedures, and operational standards across all managed locations.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), including sales, profitability, customer satisfaction, inventory levels, and staff performance.
• Develop and execute local marketing initiatives to drive foot traffic and sales.
• Manage inventory control, stocktaking, and loss prevention strategies to minimize shrinkage.
• Ensure stores are consistently compliant with health, safety, and security regulations.
• Conduct regular store visits and performance reviews, providing constructive feedback and support to store managers.
• Identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions to improve store performance.
• Manage operational budgets for assigned stores, controlling expenses and optimizing profitability.
• Recruit, onboard, and develop talent within the store management ranks.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in retail operations management, with at least 3 years in a multi-store management or area management role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing retail store performance and driving sales growth.
• Strong understanding of retail operations, merchandising, inventory management, and customer service principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and motivate teams effectively.
• Proficiency in retail management software and POS systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to travel frequently within the Soweto area and manage time effectively.
• Must be results-oriented and able to work under pressure.
• Passion for retail and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, a performance-based bonus, comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for career advancement within a growing organization. Employees benefit from a supportive team culture and the chance to make a real impact on store performance. This role is based in the Soweto, Gauteng area, requiring full-time, on-site commitment to manage the assigned retail portfolio.