Area Manager Market Related

A position has become available for an Area Manager to join our dynamic team, based in the Western Cape.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

To lead and manage Casas within an allocated portfolio to improve performance, growth and profitability. Manage multiple Franchise and Corporate owned Casas.

People Management:

• Provide input and implement Nando's People policies and procedures
• Coordinate activities and manage performance of Patraos in the portfolio to ensure operational excellence, to maximise returns on investments, and to increase productivity
• Participate in recruitment and talent management activities for the portfolio (including succession planning and capacity building) and ensure the implementation of required training throughout the portfolio (including the final selection for Hatchlings, Learnership and relevant external programmes)
• Determine headcount and salary allocation within Casas, authorising all new appointments and payment thereof
• Implement the climate survey action plan for portfolio
• Manage the IR climate of the business, in conjunction with IR service providers and People partners, to mitigate risk and improve employee relations
• Work with People partners in dealing with grievances and disciplinary issues and ensure their effective implementation and management, including attending CCMA / Bargaining Council hearings
• Monitor behaviour in the Casa to ensure that any form of abuse of Nandocas is reported, addressed and managed accordingly
• Onboard new managers for the Casas in the portfolio
• Create an engaged and motivated workforce throughout the portfolio by establishing an environment that fosters wellbeing, learning and development
• Partner with Patraos to set personal development goals and provide feedback on a regular basis to build their capability to delegate, upskill, coach and manage performance in the Casa
• Draw on internal and external sources to develop a sufficient pipeline of permanent and temporary managers for the portfolio
• Motivate and drive Nandocas to participate in the League of Champions and similar recognition and incentive opportunities
• Complete and action all people-related processes on People Central

Operational Management:

• Oversee Casa activity including Escudo (Internal Compliance Audit), Talk to Nandos, SOS, Qpro (External Compliance Audit) and sales growth indicators to ensure alignment with corporate goals and operational objectives
• Manage adherence to Brand standards and operating policies and procedures
• Implement and enforce Company regulations and ensure strict compliance with Occupational Health and Safety, Labour and other related legislation
• Conduct regular Casa visits to identify problems, concerns and opportunities for improvement and to guide Patraos in the implementation of solutions
• Respond to crisis situations and work with the Patrao to resolve and implement preventative measures
• Address and resolve customer complaints that have been escalated
• Address and rectify identified breaches and operational directives
• Work with the Patrao to establish impact and mitigation plans for potential disruptions to ensure that Casas continue to trade in these instances
• Maintain an optimum headcount for Casas within portfolio that balances EBITDA (Profit) targets with seasonal fluctuations and customer service requirements
• Coordinate activities for revamp and acquisition projects
• Ensure trading, liquor and Halaal licenses/certifications are in place
• Monitor gross profit in line with monthly theoretical
• Identify risks and factors affecting business continuity and implement plans to improve the business following quarterly meetings with FRS and Patrao
• Track the scorecard (HHIYH/ Brand Scorecard) for Casas and work with the Patrao to address concern areas
• Report on key metrics for the portfolio, including presenting a quarterly review
• Onboard new and acquisition Casas for the portfolio, ensuring comprehensive due diligence and the implementation of Corporate standards
• Work with the Loss Prevention Officer to identify and implement risk management and prevention controls in the portfolio and contribute to the investigation process
• Work with the Regional Facilities Manager to implement planned maintenance and minor capital projects for the portfolio and address issues, risks and opportunities that have been identified during property inspections and condition surveys
• Monitor emergency drills within the portfolio to ensure Patrao compliance to disaster and recovery management plans
• Implement and drive all projects as per project plans
• Share learnings and oversee the implementation of best practice across the Casas within Corporate and Franchise Businesses

Marketing and Business Development:

• Provide input into development and implementation of plans and strategies for growth within portfolio
• Monitor the implementation of national, regional and local marketing plans and initiatives
• Work with Marketing to identify and manage marketing activation and stimulate localised marketing initiatives
• Coordinate and execute quarterly CSI and community initiatives
• Scan the local area portfolio to identify emerging trends that will affect the Casas
• Work with the Patrao to identify opportunities to increase customer headcount and generate sales growth through in-casa marketing campaigns- including initiating contact to drive large scale orders

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Provide input into the annual budget and forecasting process
• Monitor adherence to financial policies, processes and budgets
• Monitor Casa performance and daily sales figures versus budget and targets
• Monitor Casa expenses, analysing variances and initiating corrective action
• Coordinate the financial review process (202)
• Report operational and financial risk to senior management for analysis and mitigation
• Submit requests to sell or dispose of assets
• Submit new asset requisition and tagging paperwork
• Decide on the repair and replacement of equipment and submit capex request in line with finance policy
• Verify and authorise repairs and maintenance invoices

Property Management:

• Manage relocation, enlargement and revamp projects
• Identify opportunities for new viable sites within the portfolio and inform the General Regional Manager
• Complete the required questionnaire for revamps and relocations, including size, competition in the portfolio, and the impact on existing casas in the portfolio

Education:

• Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification (Business Management, Financial Management, Hospitality Management)

Legal Requirements:

• Driver's License

Experience:

Minimum

• 5-8 years' experience in a middle management role in a restaurant or retail environment

Advantageous

• 2-3 years' experience in a senior management role in a similar environment
• Demonstrated experience in delegation, holding others accountable, business planning and communicating across a dispersed group of restaurant managers

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of restaurant operations including people, product and customer processes (Advanced)
• Knowledge of running of multiple restaurants / business units (Advanced)
• Knowledge of real estate for business and footprint expansion (Intermediate)
• Knowledge of labour practices and bargaining councils (Advanced)
• Knowledge of Nando's Technical Operations Standards and back office systems (Advanced)
• Knowledge of operations audits (Advanced)
• Communication skills – both written and verbal (Advanced)
• Coaching and mentoring skills (Advanced)

Market Related

• Food & Beverages