Our client is a globally recognised premium FMCG brand with a strong retail footprint in South Africa and an established international presence. The brand is synonymous with quality, excellence, and exceptional customer experience, operating a network of company-owned retail stores across the country.

Role Purpose

The Area Manager is responsible for leading, coaching, and overseeing a portfolio of retail stores to ensure consistent operational excellence, strong people leadership, and achievement of sales and profitability targets.

This role plays a critical part in shaping store culture, driving performance, ensuring compliance, and acting as the key link between Head Office and Store Management teams.

Key Responsibilities Leadership & People Management

• Lead, inspire, and develop Store Managers and in-store leadership teams

• Build a high-performance, customer-focused retail culture

• Conduct regular Store Manager meetings focused on performance, labour, and training

• Drive succession planning, recruitment, retention, and talent development

• Embed brand values, policies, and Code of Conduct across all stores

Operational Excellence & Performance

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple retail locations

• Drive sales performance, productivity, and achievement of KPIs

• Manage labour ratios, stock shrinkage, and operational costs within targets

• Analyse store performance and implement corrective action plans where required

• Ensure merchandising, presentation, and service standards are consistently applied

Commercial & Financial Management

• Support sales planning and contribute to budgets and forecasts

• Monitor OPEX, labour spend, and profitability across the area

• Review sales trends and performance reports to identify risks and opportunities

• Support Store Managers with commercial insights and performance tools

Expansion & New Store Support

• Support new store openings and retail expansion initiatives

• Assist with recruitment, training, and operational readiness for new stores

• Ensure operational standards and brand values are embedded from opening

Training, Development & Talent Pipeline

• Identify training needs and support development plans for Store Managers

• Oversee implementation of training programmes and talent management initiatives

• Encourage internal progression and succession planning

Hygiene, Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all stores comply with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards

• Ensure strict adherence to OHASA and workplace health & safety requirements

• Conduct store audits and implement corrective actions as required

Administration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Conduct regular store visits and operational audits

• Manage escalated customer complaints in a professional and timely manner

• Work closely with Head Office teams to ensure effective execution of marketing initiatives

• Maintain internal controls, reporting, and operational documentation

Incentives & Stock Control

• Support and monitor store incentive programmes

• Analyse sales and stock data to minimise wastage and discrepancies

• Review inventory controls and stock variance reports

Minimum Requirements

• 3–5 years’ experience in a retail management or Area Manager role

• Proven experience managing multiple retail locations

• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills

• Solid financial and commercial acumen

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making ability

• Proficiency in MS Office and reporting tools

• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly

• Flexibility to work extended hours when required

Why This Role?

• Opportunity to lead within a premium, globally recognised retail brand

• High-impact role influencing culture, performance, and customer experience

• Exposure to retail expansion, strategy, and leadership development

• Strong focus on people, excellence, and brand pride