Head Of Retail - Sports Betting

Initiate International; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports betting operator in South Africa is seeking an experienced Head of Retail to oversee nationwide operations. The role requires a hands-on leader capable of driving market expansion and optimizing performance across outlets. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in retail operations and a strong understanding of the regulatory environment. The position offers a competitive executive package, including bonus and performance incentives.

Benefits

Competitive executive package

Performance incentives

Qualifications

• 8-10 years experience in multi-site retail operations, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven success in sports betting, lottery, gaming, or high-volume retail.
• Strong commercial acumen with direct experience managing P&L.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the retail growth roadmap.
• Oversee day-to-day operations across all outlets.
• Take ownership of retail P&L.

Skills

Multi-site retail operations experience

Leadership in operations

Commercial acumen

Regulatory knowledge in South Africa

Performance management

Job description

Our client, a major player in the sports betting industry, is looking for an accomplished Head of Retail to take charge of their nationwide retail operations.

This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who thrives in high-growth, fast-paced environments and understands how to balance strategic vision with operational excellence.

The Role

As Head of Retail , you will be responsible for the entire lifecycle of retail operations from strategy and rollout to day-to-day execution. Youll drive market expansion , optimise performance across existing outlets, and ensure that every customer who walks into a branch experiences the highest level of service, compliance, and engagement.

This role demands a hands‑on leader with a strong commercial mind, proven operational track record, and the ability to lead large teams across multiple locations . Youll work closely with the executive team to shape the retail strategy and make a tangible impact on business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Retail Strategy & Growth :
• Define and deliver the retail growth roadmap, including new site identification, lease negotiations, and rollout planning.
• Ensure retail expansion aligns with business objectives, regulatory requirements, and market demand.
• Operational Leadership :
• Oversee day‑to‑day operations across all outlets, setting and enforcing operational standards.
• Implement robust processes for cash management, security, staffing, and reporting.
• Use data and analytics to monitor performance, identify gaps, and introduce solutions that improve efficiency and profitability.
• Commercial Performance :
• Take ownership of retail P&L, ensuring strong revenue performance and effective cost management.
• Develop sales strategies, promotions, and customer engagement initiatives that increase footfall and spend per customer.
• People & Culture :
• Lead, coach, and inspire regional managers, store managers, and frontline staff to deliver high standards.
• Build a strong performance‑driven culture across the retail division with clear KPIs and accountability.
• Compliance & Risk Management :
• Ensure all outlets operate within South African betting regulations and company policies.
• Drive responsible gaming initiatives and ensure training programmes are in place for compliance awareness.
• Customer Experience :
• Champion a consistent and engaging customer journey across the retail estate.
• Introduce innovations that improve customer convenience, from in‑shop betting technology to loyalty initiatives.

What Were Looking For

• At least 810 years experience in multi‑site retail operations, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role .
• Proven success in sports betting, lottery, gaming, or high‑volume retail .
• Demonstrated ability to grow and scale retail networks while managing operational complexity.
• Strong commercial acumen with direct experience managing P&L.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to drive performance across dispersed teams.
• Deep understanding of the regulatory landscape in South Africa .
• Resilient, adaptable, and able to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry.

Why This Role?

• Shape the national retail footprint of a leading operator in South Africas booming sports betting industry.
• Be part of an executive‑level leadership team , influencing strategy and direction.
• Lead a division that is both highly profitable and central to long‑term business growth .
• Competitive executive package, including bonus and performance incentives .

This is a career‑defining role for a seasoned retail leader who wants to make an immediate and lasting impact in the gaming and sports betting industry.