Head of Retail Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation package

Executive health benefits

Relocation assistance may be provided

Executive company car and travel Allow

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head of Retail Operations for a leading national retailer based in Rustenburg, North West. The role leads a vast store network, driving customer experience, profitability and operational excellence across the footprint.

The successful candidate will manage senior regional and store managers, shape merchandising, inventory practices, and store layouts while ensuring compliance and ROI. Extensive travel within the region is required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required or equivalent
• Proven senior retail management experience (10–12+ years)
• Experience with large multi-site operations and P&L improvements
• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive retail operational strategies aligned with business objectives
• Oversee performance of all retail stores ensuring brand standards and customer satisfaction
• Coach and inspire regional and store managers to hit targets
• Implement best practices in merchandising, inventory, layout and service
• Drive initiatives to improve sales, reduce costs and profitability
• Collaborate with marketing, merchandising and supply chain for seamless ops

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Decision making

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Master's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field

Tools

POS systems

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading national retailer with a strong presence across South Africa, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Head of Retail Operations to lead their expansive retail network. This senior executive position, based in Rustenburg, North West , will be responsible for driving operational excellence, enhancing customer experience, and maximizing profitability across all retail stores. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, a passion for retail innovation, and a proven ability to manage large-scale, multi-site operations. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a major retail player.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive retail operational strategies to align with the company's overall business objectives.
• Oversee the performance of all retail stores, ensuring consistent brand standards, operational efficiency, and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Manage, coach, and inspire a team of regional and store managers to achieve performance targets.
• Implement best practices in merchandising, inventory management, store layout, and customer service.
• Drive initiatives to improve sales performance, reduce costs, and enhance profitability across the retail footprint.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and potential threats.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and labor regulations across all store locations.
• Develop and manage the retail operations budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and ROI.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, merchandising, and supply chain departments to ensure seamless operations.
• Champion innovation in retail operations, exploring new technologies and strategies to enhance the customer journey.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in senior retail management, with a strong focus on operations.
• Demonstrated success in managing a large, multi-site retail operation and driving significant P&L improvements.
• Deep understanding of retail dynamics, consumer behavior, and market trends.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience with retail technology, POS systems, and inventory management software.
• Proven ability to develop and lead high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to travel extensively within the region and occasionally nationally.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including a substantial base salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement planning.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for exceptional candidates.
• A pivotal leadership role within a respected organization in Rustenburg .
• Executive company car and travel allowances.