Senior Retail Lead

**We are seeking a Senior Retail Lead to join our dynamic M-KOPA South Africa team as we drive operational excellence and retail footprint optimization across our expanding regional network.**:
As the Senior Retail Lead, you will **oversee Retail Regional Leads** while ensuring **operational management excellence** across stock management, customer service, and compliance audits. This role requires **high-level familiarity** with M-KOPA's business processes and the ability to **provide oversight and guidance** to regional teams and field staff across your assigned regions.

You'll **manage comprehensive operational functions** including stock management practices, audit data analysis, training oversight, and performance management while **driving continuous improvement** across all retail touchpoints. Your work will **directly impact customer experience** while ensuring **brand standards**, **compliance excellence**, and **profit optimization** across the regional retail network.

This is a **senior leadership opportunity** with **30-40% field travel**, offering the chance to **shape retail operations** and **drive performance excellence** while building high-performing teams across South Africa's most dynamic retail locations.

**About Us**

At M-KOPA, we are committed to making everyday essentials **accessible through flexible financing**. As our **Senior Retail Lead**, you will play a **critical role in enabling that mission** by **overseeing operational excellence** and **driving performance** across our retail regional network.

You will **manage stock management practices**, **oversee collection and analysis of audit data**, and **conduct monthly wall-to-wall stock counts** while ensuring **compliance with processes, regulations, and management policies**. Your responsibilities span **customer service oversight**, **training management**, **performance management**, **reporting and analysis**, and **retail footprint optimization** through P&L management.

You'll **track key KPIs and metrics**, **carry out quarterly performance reviews**, and **provide regular coaching** to Retail Team Leaders while **supporting implementation of new processes and products**. Your ability to **analyze aged stock and shrinkage**, **identify operational risks**, and **drive improvements** will be essential to success.

This role is designed for a **retail operations leader** who is **analytically strong**, **detail-oriented**, and **passionate about operational excellence**. If you're ready to oversee regional retail operations while building high-performing teams that support financial inclusion across South Africa, this could be your opportunity to lead with impact.

**Expertise**

We are looking for an **accomplished retail operations professional** with a **Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Business Management, Operations, Retail Management or similar** and **minimum 2 years in a similar role managing regional teams**—ideally with **deep understanding of retail operations** and **financial services regulations** in African markets.

You will bring:

- ** Good knowledge and experience** of M-KOPA business, including **products and processes**, with proven track record in **similar regional management roles**.
- ** Strong leadership and management skills** with **natural ability to influence and drive compliance** across teams while maintaining professional relationships.
- ** Technical proficiency** with **data analysis tools**, **Microsoft Office Suite**, and **inventory management systems**.
- ** Analytical excellence** with **strong problem-solving capabilities**, **exceptional attention to detail**, and ability to **identify patterns and discrepancies**.
- ** Outstanding communication skills**—both **written and oral**—with ability to **present complex findings clearly** to diverse stakeholders.
- ** Exceptional organizational skills** with ability to **work to tight deadlines**, **manage overlapping timelines**, and **create task schedules/calendars**.
- ** Strong coaching and people-development skills** through quality feedback, performance management, and team development.
- ** Self-management capabilities** with ability to **take initiative** without being micro-managed and **deal with demanding customers and escalations**.

**What We Offer**
- A **mission-driven environment** where your operational excellence directly supports financial inclusion across South Africa.
- ** Senior leadership role** with **direct oversight** of regional retail operations and **30-40% field travel** for hands-on impact.
- ** Comprehensive operational ownership** spanning stock management, training, performance management, and P&L optimization.
- ** Regional influence** with opportunity to **shape retail footprint** and **drive performance excellence** across multiple locations.
- ** Competitive compensation** and a values-driven culture rooted in **innovation, inclusion, and empowerment**.
- ** Professional development opportunities**