General Manager Retail South Africa Sunglass Hut Essilorluxottica

Ema Partners Italy | Calenti & Partners; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global retail firm in Cape Town is seeking a General Manager to lead the retail business for Southern Africa. The role involves revenue management, operational excellence, and strategic planning in a luxury retail context. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of retail experience, with strong leadership skills and a proven track record in business growth. A commitment to customer service and an inclusive working environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of retail business experience, with at least 8 in leadership roles.
• Strong commercial acumen and proactive leadership style.
• In-depth understanding of multiple business functions.

Responsibilities

• Own weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual business performance and KPI monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller to report business results.
• Develop and implement strategic plans for business growth.

Skills

Retail business experience

Leadership

Strategic planning

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business and/or economics

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

About EssilorLuxottica

EssilorLuxottica is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses. They offer a wide range of high‑quality vision care products such as Varilux, Crizal, Eyezen, Stellest, and Transitions, as well as iconic eyewear brands like Ray‑Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Vogue Eyewear, and Costa. The company provides consumers with a best‑in‑class shopping experience through its retail network, e‑commerce platforms, and flagship stores such as Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, Salmoiraghi & Viganò, and GrandVision.

Role Overview

The General Manager – Retail (Cape Town) will lead the retail business for the Southern Africa market with full accountability for revenue management (profit and loss) and overall business management. The role focuses on driving growth, operational excellence, and market leadership.

Responsibilities

• Own weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual business performance and KPI monitoring.
• Collaborate with the Financial Controller to report business results and manage goal achievement.
• Develop and implement strategic short‑term and long‑term plans, identify opportunities with action plans.
• Supervise and collaborate with multi‑functional teams to drive business goals across all channels.
• Implement global best practice in the market and create new practices transferable to other markets.
• View the business holistically to understand financial, legal, commercial, and operational levers and optimize profitability.
• Maintain deep knowledge of the business landscape, competitive environment, distribution channels, and category trends to maximize opportunities.
• Analyze markets and identify business opportunities aligned with overall strategy, ensuring execution of growth initiatives.
• Articulate a compelling vision, prioritize resources, and achieve long‑term vision and strategy.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and delivery of product quality.

People Management

Build and develop high‑performing teams in partnership with Local / Global HR to align with organizational growth. Establish mutually beneficial and trusting relationships with key stakeholders. Manage and develop others in an effective, motivating manner.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in business and/or economics (master’s preferred).
• Minimum 10 years of retail business experience, with at least 8 years in a leadership role (preferably in luxury/fashion retail).
• Strong commercial acumen and proactive, engaging, hands‑on leadership style.
• In‑depth understanding of multiple business functions.
• Project management competencies with strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• International retail experience (essential); international profile (preferred).
• Desire and ability to relocate internationally in the future (mobile in 2‑3 years).
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).

Diversity & Inclusion

EssilorLuxottica is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, celebrating diversity and providing equal opportunities to all, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic that makes us unique.