Head of Retail Operations

Placements24; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head of Retail Operations to oversee stores in Port Elizabeth and the Eastern Cape. The role requires strategic leadership, strong operational discipline, and a track record of driving sales and efficiency in a multi-site retail footprint.

You will set standards, manage budgets, coach regional managers, and ensure exceptional customer service. Travel within the Port Elizabeth region and broader Eastern Cape is expected as part of leading the field teams and

Qualifications

• 8+ years in retail management with 4+ in a senior oversight role.
• Bachelor's in Business Admin or Marketing; MBA is advantageous.
• Proven track record in sales growth, budgeting, and KPI delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to hit sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction targets.
• Oversee daily store operations and ensure policy compliance across stores.
• Coach and develop regional store managers and their teams.
• Drive inventory control, visual merchandising, and service standards.
• Monitor KPIs and take corrective actions to optimize performance.
• Manage budgets and control costs to maximize profitability.
• Ensure health, safety, and security compliance in stores.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and HR to align strategy.
• Identify and implement best practices in retail operations.
• Stay updated on industry trends and competitor activities.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Change management

Data analysis

Team development

Education

Bachelor's in Business Administration or Marketing

MBA advantageous

Tools

Retail management software

Data analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retail chain, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head of Retail Operations to oversee and drive operational excellence across all its stores in and around Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape. This senior management position requires a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of retail operations, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to optimize performance and enhance customer experience. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting operational standards, managing budgets, leading regional store managers, and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality service across the entire retail footprint in the Eastern Cape region. This is a critical role for an ambitious retail leader looking to make a substantial impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to achieve sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction goals.
• Oversee the daily operations of all retail stores, ensuring adherence to company policies and standards.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of regional store managers and their respective teams.
• Drive operational efficiency, focusing on inventory management, visual merchandising, and customer service standards.
• Monitor store performance against KPIs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions.
• Manage operational budgets, ensuring cost control and maximizing profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and security regulations within retail environments.
• Collaborate with merchandising, marketing, and HR departments to ensure cohesive business strategies.
• Identify and implement best practices in retail operations and customer engagement.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and competitor activities to maintain a competitive edge.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field. An MBA is advantageous.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in retail management, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple locations.
• Demonstrated success in driving sales growth and operational efficiency in a retail environment.
• Strong understanding of retail KPIs, inventory management, loss prevention, and customer service principles.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and achieve financial targets.
• Experience in change management and implementing new operational initiatives.
• Proficiency in retail management software and data analysis tools.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to travel regularly within the Port Elizabeth region and the broader Eastern Cape.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a generous performance-based bonus program.
• Comprehensive medical aid, life insurance, and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression within a reputable retail organization are available.

This role is office-based in Port Elizabeth, with regular travel required.