Franchise CEO / Operations Director

C40 Cities; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

C40 Cities is seeking a Franchise CEO / Operations Director to oversee a premium international real estate franchise network in South Africa. This role requires extensive operational leadership and experience in franchise management to drive growth, ensure brand consistency, and mitigate risks. Ideal candidates must have a deep understanding of the South African residential real estate market and proven success in managing distributed teams.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the South African Real Estate market.
• Significant leadership experience in franchise or licensing operations.
• Proven success in managing multi-location business models.

Responsibilities

• Lead the business unit’s strategic vision and growth plan.
• Drive expansion across South Africa's franchise network.
• Ensure compliance with real estate legislation and regulatory standards.

Skills

Leadership

Franchise Management

Strategic Management

Operational Efficiency

Communication

Negotiation

Job description

We’re partnering with a leading property group to appoint a Franchise CEO / Operations Director to lead one of their premium international real estate franchise networks in South Africa. The role requires deep knowledge of the residential real estate market, strong operational leadership, and franchise management experience. You’ll drive growth, support licensees, and ensure brand consistency across a distributed, multi-location network.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and execute the business unit’s long-term strategic vision and growth plan.

Drive expansion of the franchise/licensing network across South Africa.

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance management to ensure profitability and sustainable returns.

Manage operational efficiency and service excellence across all franchise partners.

Ensure compliance with South African real estate legislation, regulatory standards, and licensing agreements.

Mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks related to the franchise network and intellectual property.

Provide leadership in training, marketing support, and operational guidance to maintain brand integrity and optimise franchisee performance.

Build and sustain strong relationships with licensees, stakeholders, government bodies, and industry associations.

Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing executive team to cultivate a culture of innovation, integrity, and customer focus.

Qualifications & Experience Required

Deep understanding of the South African Real Estate market and regulatory landscape.

Significant leadership experience in franchise or licensing operations, ideally within real estate or a related sector.

Proven success in managing multi-location or distributed business models.

Strong strategic, financial, and operational management skills.

Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.