A high-growth, founder-led national retail group operating across telecommunications retail, direct sales, digital channels, and enterprise segments. With a national footprint of over 40 stores and ambitious expansion plans, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional connectivity and value to our customers.

The client is seeking a Group Chief Operating Officer to join their team in Johannesburg, GP. This role is designed for a seasoned operations executive who will act as the driving force behind our national operations and commercial performance. You will partner closely with the founder to translate vision into operational reality, holding full accountability for retail operations, sales execution, and bottom-line profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Financial Management
•Full operational and commercial P&L accountability across all business channels.
•Drive sustainable revenue growth while enforcing strict margin and cost discipline to protect gross margins.
•Accountable for EBITDA performance and overall store-level profitability.
•Manage payroll ratios, commission governance, and cost-to-income metrics.
•Evaluate and execute new store expansion with a focus on defined ROI and IRR thresholds.

Operational Leadership
•Oversee the national retail store network (40+ stores), ensuring consistent execution standards and a superior customer experience.
•Lead the performance of the Direct Sales Force (DSF), Prepaid, Postpaid, and FTTH channels.
•Optimize operational integration across Digital, Call Centre, and B2B channels.
• Implement structured operational dashboards and forecasting frameworks to drive data-based decision-making.
• Ensure rigorous inventory control, stock turn optimization, and shrinkage mitigation.

Governance & Compliance
• Oversee facilities management, compliance, audit readiness, and adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performance regional and channel leadership teams, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.

Requirements 

Qualifications & Experience
• Education: Preferably a B Comm degree in Business Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: 10–15 years of senior retail or commercial operations leadership experience.
• Industry: Experience in telecommunications, high-volume consumer electronics, or large-scale retail environments is essential.
• Multi-Site Expertise: Proven track record of overseeing 30+ locations (preferred).

Skills & Attributes
• Demonstrated P&L ownership with clear accountability for EBITDA growth.
• Strong financial acumen, including margin management, working capital control, and commercial forecasting.
• Proven experience in operational restructuring and driving regional performance improvement.
• Ability to operate effectively and decisively within a fast-paced, founder-led
growth organization.
• High level of commercial discipline and integrity.

Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.
Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.
Apply for this role today, contact Gaby Turner at gaby.turner@hireresolve.us  or on Linkedin 
You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: hireresolve.us or email us your CV: it careers@hireresolve.us