Area Operations Manager

ShopriteX; Durban; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an experienced Area Operations Manager. This role involves managing operational outputs and performance of various teams, ensuring compliance, and leading training initiatives. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of retail operations management experience and a Bachelor's degree in a related field. This is a critical role focused on optimizing efficiencies and driving success within the organization.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in retail operations management, preferably in an on-demand service delivery industry.
• Proficiency in MS Office with advanced Excel skills.
• Knowledge of logistics, project, and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Manage performance outputs and targets of Operations Team Leads.
• Ensure compliance standards and manage company assets accordingly.
• Lead training and development for direct/indirect reports.

Skills

Retail operations management

Project management

Risk management

Advanced Excel skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in BCommerce or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Role Purpose

The Area Operations Manager is responsible and accountable for managing the functional operational outputs, assets, costs, and performance of all direct & indirect reports in a specific geographic region or area to ensure the attainment of divisional performance targets whilst optimizing operational efficiencies and productivity and ensuring engagement and high performance of workforce.

Role Description

• Manage the key performance outputs and targets of all Operations Team Leads (OTL’s) and direct reports operating within different geographic areas. Apply corrective or remedial actions as and when required.
• Ensure weekly resource requirements are met and review quality of contractors provided by CMC and feedback on their suitability or not in terms of the stipulated criteria, reject unsuitable contractors. (Review in terms of being able to meet the requirements for the role, fit the culture of Pingo and customer service and safety orientation.)
• Maintain compliance standards with policies and practices & use of company assets & allowances by conducting monthly audits and checks. Identify possible abuse and take corrective actions. Identify trends to take corrective actions to reduce incident and accident rate.
• Complete reconciliations on asset, branding and uniform details as per contracted driver requirement.
• Ensure availability, visibility and presence in area and lead by example.
• Promote effective communication and ensure that OTL’s & contracted drivers are aware of how their role contributes to the success of the operation.
• Maintain local relations with all stakeholders and proactively highlight local trends or delivery challenges to the business to ensure focus for continued positive service delivery.
• Responsible for driver network health and overarching goal to become driver network of choice. Raise issues timeously & propose solutions which may resolve or accelerate the competitive advantage of the business.
• Ensure all areas of responsibility is resourced appropriately and vacancies are filled timeously to deliver against operational requirements for business continuity.
• Accountable and responsible for implementing training & development plans and to lead, motivate, coach and mentor direct/indirect reports and track monthly progress.
• Pro-actively report on risk related matters to all stakeholders, consult and involve risk teams where necessary to support the local operation. Drive & implement risk mitigation & conflict resolution practices when responding to issues and complaints.
• Assist the regional operations manager to drive continuous improvements.
• Provide area specific budgeting requirements to regional manager during budgeting planning cycle. Track and manage costs and variances.

Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in BCommerce or a related field - (essential).
• +5 year’s experience in retail operations management, preferably in an on-demand service delivery industry - (essential).
• Membership to industry related business forums e.g Sapics - (preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office (Advanced Excel skills) and other business-related software - (essential).
• Knowledge of the logistics industry, project and risk management - (essential).