Area Manager, Retail Retail & Store Manager

Overview

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Support and monitor store incentive programmes
• Analyse sales and stock data to minimise wastage and discrepancies
• Review inventory controls and stock variance reports

• 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

• 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