Franchise Area Manager: Inland (Gauteng)

Abantu Staffing Solutions; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Abantu Staffing Solutions is seeking a proactive professional to support, develop and grow a franchised retail network across multiple sites. You will ensure stores operate per brand standards, SOPs and commercial principles, while driving performance and compliance.

The role emphasizes field visits, audits, training and ongoing coaching to build sustainable franchisee success and network expansion.

Qualifications

• Diploma or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Retail Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations Management or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail, franchise, sales, operations or business development.
• Experience working with franchisees or within a franchise environment advantageous.
• Experience in multi-site retail operations preferred.
• Store openings and operational implementation experience.
• Training, coaching and conducting operational audits experience.
• Proven sales and business development experience.
• Retail-focused sector experience (Automotive, battery, FMCG) advantageous.
• Proficient with MS Office, especially Excel and reporting.
• Knowledge of retail and franchise operating processes.

Responsibilities

• Support, develop and grow the franchise network.
• Ensure franchise stores operate per brand standards and SOPs.
• Provide ongoing operational support and guidance to franchisees.
• Conduct regular store visits and audits; identify improvement areas.
• Lead new franchise store openings from pre-opening to post-opening support.
• Identify and develop new franchise opportunities and locations.
• Maintain strong franchisee relationships and brand integrity.
• Oversee franchise network growth, sales and performance reporting.

Skills

Franchise management

Sales

Operations management

Training

MS Office

Excel

Relationship management

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Travel

Interpersonal skills

Education

Diploma or equivalent in Business Administration/Retail Management/Sales/Marketing/Operations Management

Tools

POS systems

Job description

REQUIREMENTS

• A diploma or equivalent qualification in Business Administration, Retail Management, Sales, Marketing, Operations Management or a related field is preferred

• Minimum 5 years of experience in retail, franchise, sales, operations or business development

• Experience working with franchisees or within a franchise environment is highly advantageous

• Experience in multi-site retail operations is preferred

• Experience in store openings and operational implementation

• Experience in training, coaching and conducting operational audits

• Proven experience in sales and business development

• Automotive, battery, FMCG or related retail experience will be advantageous

• Computer literacy - MS Office suite

• Strong MS Excel and reporting skills

• Knowledge of retail and franchise operating processes

• Knowledge of sales and customer service processes

• Understanding of store auditing and compliance

• Understanding of financial and commercial principles

• Ability to analyse store performance and identify trends

• Project management and new store implementation skills

• Strong presentation and training skills

• Knowledge of POS and retail systems will be advantageous.

• Relationship management: ability to establish and maintain strong, professional relationships with franchisees

• Leadership and influence: ability to influence franchisees and store teams without direct line-management authority

• Business acumen: strong understanding of buy-in performance, operational performance and commercial drivers

• Communication: excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Coaching and development: ability to train, coach and develop franchisees and store teams

• Problem-solving: ability to identify root causes and develop practical solutions

• Accountability: willingness to address non-compliance and hold franchisees accountable to agreed standards

• Organisation: ability to manage multiple stores, projects, audits and new business opportunities simultaneously

• Commercial awareness: ability to identify opportunities to grow franchisee buy-in, product penetration and business activity

• Adaptability: ability to work effectively in a changing and growing franchise environment

• Results-oriented

• Entrepreneurial mindset

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Self-motivated and disciplined

• Confident and professional

• Strong attention to detail

• Practical and solutions-driven

• High level of integrity

• Customer-focused

• Able to work independently

• Willingness to travel extensively

• Comfortable engaging with both business owners and frontline staff

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting, developing and growing the franchise network

• Ensuring that franchise stores operate in accordance with the brand, operational standards, standard operating procedures (SOPs), commercial principles and franchise requirements

• Providing ongoing operational support and guidance to existing franchisees, conducting regular store visits and audits, identifying areas for improvement, facilitating training and development, and supporting franchisees in achieving sustainable business performance

• Establishment of new franchise stores, from pre-opening planning and site readiness through to store setup, staff training, operational implementation and post-opening support

• Actively identify and develop potential new franchise opportunities by building a pipeline of suitable prospective franchisees and locations in line with the expansion strategy

• Ensure that the franchise network continues to grow while maintaining consistent operational standards, strong franchisee relationships, brand integrity and commercial performance

• Key performance areas

  • Franchisee relationship management and business support

  • Franchise operational excellence and compliance

  • Store audits and corrective action management

  • Franchisee and staff training and development

  • New store opening and implementation

  • Franchise sales and new business development

  • Franchise buy-in performance, product penetration and business growth

  • Brand, CI and customer experience standards

  • Reporting, administration and continuous improvement

  • Franchise network growth and strategic support