Operating Officer - Retail

EnableSA; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

EnableSA in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, invites an accomplished Senior Leader to head the Retail Division, driving strategy, franchise performance, and cross‑functional governance. The role requires steering IT, finance, and support services to deliver sustainable growth across retail units and allied divisions.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in multi‑unit retail leadership, transformation programs, and stakeholder management, with a deep understanding of franchising and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MBA advantageous.
• 8–10+ years of senior leadership experience in retail/franchising settings.
• Proven track record leading cross‑functional teams (ops, IT, finance).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Retail Division’s strategy in line with Group growth objectives.
• Oversee performance of all retail units, ensuring synergies across franchising, finance, IT and support services.
• Drive innovation in retail/franchising to boost competitiveness, profitability and scalability.
• Represent the Retail Division at Executive level and contribute to strategic planning and governance.
• Support the Head of Operations to strengthen franchisee relationships and ensure adherence to brand standards.
• Provide strategic oversight on growth, project delivery, cost control and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure optimal regional structures to support franchise performance and alignment with Group objectives.
• Oversee the Audiology Division for commercial growth and franchisee support.
• Support market expansion in optometry and audiology through data-driven initiatives.
• Oversee IT operations including infrastructure, call centres, and software development to ensure connectivity and system reliability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Franchise management

Financial management

IT governance

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management

Tools

ERP systems

CRM software

Job description

Port Elizabeth, South Africa | Posted on 01/12/2026

• Develop andimplement the Retail Division’s strategy in alignment with the Group’slong-term growth and sustainability objectives.


• Oversee theperformance of all retail business units, ensuring synergy across franchisemanagement, finance, technology, and support services.


• Driveinnovation in the retail and franchising model to strengthen competitiveness,profitability, and scalability.


• Representthe Retail Division at Executive level, contributing to Group strategicplanning and governance.


• Support theHead of Operations to ensure effective franchisee relationships, strongbusiness support, and consistent adherence to brand and operational standards.


• Givestrategic oversight and support on business growth, ensuring efficient projectdelivery, cost control, and compliance with various regulations and standards.


• Ensureoptimal regional management structures to support franchise performance andalignment with Group objectives.


• Oversee theAudiology Division, ensuring commercial growth, product and service innovation,and franchisee support in the audiology sector.


• Supportmarket expansion and diversification within optometry and audiology verticalsthrough data-driven and customer-focused initiatives.


• Overseestrategic IT operations including infrastructure, call centres, and softwaredevelopment projects to ensure seamless connectivity and system reliabilityacross the retail network.


• Support theHead of IT to achieve digital transformation projects that enhance franchiseperformance, data visibility, and customer experience.


• Ensurestrong cybersecurity, system integration, and effective technology governance.


• Support theFactory Manager in the strategic vision, and to deliver cost-effective,high-quality store fittings and renovations aligned with brand standards.


• Support scheduling,procurement, and project execution to meet timelines and maintainprofitability.


• Partnerwith the Head of Finance (Retail) to manage divisional budgets, financialperformance, and capital expenditure.


• Monitorprofitability, cost-to-revenue ratios, and operational efficiency across allretail functions.


• Drivefinancial discipline, compliance, and strong governance across the division.

Requirements

• Bachelor’sDegree in Business Management, Retail Management, Operations, or related field.


• 8 - 10+years’ senior leadership experience within retail, franchising, or multi-unitoperational environments.


• Proventrack record in leading complex, multi-disciplinary teams across operations,IT, and finance.


• Strongunderstanding of franchise systems, retail operations, and project management.


• Experiencein healthcare, medical or FMCG sectors will be a distinct advantage.