Senior Retail Operations Manager - Beauty

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical and retirement benefits

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Retail Operations Manager to oversee multiple stores across Mpumalanga, with a central focus in Nelspruit. This hybrid leadership role blends hands-on store visits with strategic office work to drive profitability and customer experience.

You will lead inventory control, staff development, visual merchandising, and cross-functional collaboration to elevate the entire regional retail operation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or related field.
• 7+ years in retail management with operational leadership.
• Proven track record managing multiple locations and improving profitability.
• Strong knowledge of inventory, loss prevention, and merchandising.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to travel regularly within Mpumalanga province.
• Proficiency with retail management software and POS systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of multiple stores.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve performance and profitability.
• Manage inventory levels and stock replenishment.
• Ensure adherence to brand standards and visual merchandising.
• Recruit, train, and coach store managers and staff.
• Conduct performance reviews and develop teams.
• Monitor sales metrics and implement action plans.
• Manage operational budgets, payroll, and capex.
• Ensure health, safety, and security compliance.
• Drive exceptional customer experiences and client loyalty.
• Collaborate with buying, marketing and VM teams.
• Conduct regular store visits and provide on-site support.
• Handle escalated customer issues and resolutions.

Skills

Retail operations leadership

Staff development

Budget and cost control

Inventory management

Customer service orientation

POS systems

Retail analytics

Education

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

Tools

POS systems

Retail management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious beauty retailer known for its exceptional customer service and curated selection of premium brands, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Retail Operations Manager to oversee operations across multiple stores in the Mpumalanga province, with a central focus in Nelspruit . This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with a proven ability to drive operational excellence, maximize profitability, and foster a high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of retail management, inventory control, staff development, and customer experience enhancement. This hybrid role involves regular store visits and in-office administrative duties, offering a balance between hands-on management and strategic planning. We are looking for a motivated leader committed to elevating the retail experience for our discerning clientele.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple retail stores, ensuring smooth and efficient functioning.


• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve store performance, customer satisfaction, and profitability.


• Manage inventory levels, optimize stock replenishment, and minimize stock loss.


• Ensure adherence to all company policies, procedures, and standards, including visual merchandising and brand presentation.


• Recruit, train, motivate, and manage retail staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.


• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development to store managers and teams.


• Monitor sales performance, analyze key retail metrics, and implement action plans to achieve targets.


• Manage operational budgets, including expenses, payroll, and capital expenditure.


• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and security regulations in all store locations.


• Drive exceptional customer experiences, implementing strategies to enhance client loyalty and satisfaction.


• Collaborate with the buying, marketing, and visual merchandising teams to support sales initiatives and brand strategies.


• Conduct regular store visits to assess performance, identify opportunities, and provide on-site support.


• Handle escalated customer issues and ensure prompt and satisfactory resolution.


• Report on operational performance and key business indicators to senior management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Retail Management, or a related field.


• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in retail management, with a significant focus on operational leadership.


• Proven track record of successfully managing multiple retail locations and driving operational efficiency and profitability.


• Strong understanding of retail operations, inventory management, loss prevention, and visual merchandising.


• Excellent leadership, team management, and coaching skills.


• Demonstrated ability to analyze financial data and implement cost-effective operational strategies.


• Exceptional customer service orientation and commitment to delivering outstanding client experiences.


• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid role, balancing store visits with office-based strategic work.


• Proficiency in retail management software and POS systems.


• Knowledge of the beauty retail market in South Africa, particularly in Mpumalanga, is highly desirable.


• Flexibility to travel regularly to store locations within the province.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading beauty retail organization. Enjoy the dynamic nature of a hybrid role with the chance to influence retail strategy and operations across the region. This position is based in our Nelspruit hub, offering a rewarding career path in the vibrant beauty retail sector.