Store Manager

Our client, a leading national retail group, is seeking experienced Store Managers to oversee the daily operations of their high-performing retail outlets across the Midlands and North Coast. Each successful candidate will take responsibility for one key branch, and multiple positions are available across the region

Key Midlands branches are located in retail malls in Pietermaritzburg, Howick, and Hilton, while key North Coast branches can be found in retail malls in Ballito and Umdloti

These roles are responsible for leading a team of approximately five high-performing Team Leads. To be considered, you must have at least five years of proven experience managing a similarly sized team within a retail, client-facing environment. Your background should include overseeing Team Leads who drive their teams to achieve sales targets across one or more of the following key product categories: food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, home care, or maintenance

These positions are ideal for experienced Store Managers looking to join a group committed to career development, offering excellent opportunities for growth within management. The environment is fast-paced, dynamic, and performance-driven, providing the perfect platform for ambitious retail professionals to thrive and advance their careers

Duties and Responsibilities

Stock and Inventory

• End-to-end inventory management, including planning, ordering, daily stock levels, bi-annual stock takes, goods in transit, and ensuring physical stock aligns with the inventory ledger in SAP
• Stock performance and loss control, overseeing shrinkage, out-of-stock management, dormant/negative stock investigations, GP variance resolution, and trend analysis to support operational planning
• Drive achievement of sales and profitability targets across health, beauty, and FMCG categories

Merchandising

• Implement visual merchandising and promotional strategies in line with brand guidelines ensuring promotions are effectively executed
• Maintain outstanding store condition and visual merchandising standards
• Plan and implement shop merchandising, layout, and the customer traffic flow to maximise sales, customer satisfaction, appearance, and brand image

Finance

• Manage store finances and profitability, including budgeting, fund allocation, financial record keeping, floats, banking, pricing, stock control and store expense management to meet business KPIs minimising overtime, casual spend, and price overrides
• Ensure transaction integrity throughout the branch by effective monitoring, implementation, and evaluation of adherence of company internal control procedures
• Manage financial controls, including cash levels and collections, daily run-end sign-offs, cashier productivity rates, and adherence to procedures

Customer Services

• Maintain exceptional customer service standards, resolving escalations promptly maintaining high satisfaction levels, and fostering strong customer relationships
• Ensure operational compliance, including staff adherence to policies, accurate processing of customer accounts, and effective management of loyalty and request systems

Human Resources

• Manage staff performance, development, and scheduling, fostering a high-performance culture, including monitoring, evaluating, and implementing development plans for all team members
• Oversee HR processes and administration, ensuring compliance with policies, workforce management systems, and accurate employee records
• Lead, coach, and develop staff, providing training (including feedback) and mentoring to foster career progression opportunities
• Take total ownership of the workforce management system within the business units, including master data management and transactional management
• Adhere to Health and Safety rules and regulations
• Adhere to company uniform and personal appearance policy

Minimum Requirements/Non-Negotiable

• Must be a South African Citizen
• Matric (essential)
• You will need to pass an MIE check, no criminal record and clear credit rating
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport
• Must have a minimum of 5 years' experience in managing a team of team leads
• Strong operational understanding of the workings of a large retail operation
• Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets and operational costs
• Excellent leadership skills, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Flexibility to work retail hours and travel as required

Advantageous Skills & Experience

• Tertiary qualifications are highly advantageous
• Experience with Excel, SAP, Unisolv,SuccessFactors or similar retail systems is preferred

Remuneration and Benefits

• CTC package- candidates with strong and relevant experience will be offered a competitive, negotiable package to incentivise a move
• Comprehensive benefits, including medical aid and provident fund contributions
• Staff discounts and performance-based incentives