CorporateOpen until filled

General Manager: Operations

South Africa, NationalRetail

About this role

We are seeking an exceptional General Manager: Operations to lead the launch and ongoing success of a new and exciting brand. This is a unique opportunity for a commercially astute retail leader to build a flagship technology retail environment from the ground up and then take full ownership of its operational and commercial performance.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in establishing the store, recruiting and developing the team, implementing operational frameworks, and creating a world-class customer experience that reflects global brand standards.

This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial retail professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys building new businesses, and is passionate about technology, customer experience, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

Store Launch & Setup

Prior to opening, you will lead all aspects of store readiness, including:

  • Building the complete store structure and recruiting all store employees
  • Developing role profiles, onboarding programmes, and training plans
  • Implementing commission and incentive structures that drive performance
  • Establishing operational processes, controls, and reporting mechanisms
  • Creating SOPs for sales orders, customer returns, refunds, inventory, and serial number management
  • Overseeing store merchandising, approved planograms, and product presentation
  • Ensuring all security, anti-theft, and device protection measures are in place
  • Coordinating store fit-out activities and launch readiness with internal and external stakeholders
  • Partnering with shared services teams including HR, Finance, IT, Supply Chain, Marketing, Facilities, Legal, and Retail Operations

Operational Leadership

Sales & Commercial Performance

  • Deliver monthly and annual sales and profitability targets
  • Drive performance across all product categories
  • Manage individual and team sales performance
  • Analyse trading performance and implement corrective actions
  • Embed a culture of upselling, cross-selling, and customer engagement
  • Deliver an exceptional customer experience aligned to standards
  • Maintain strong customer satisfaction and advocacy metrics
  • Manage customer complaints, escalations, and service recovery
  • Ensure repair and support service levels are achieved consistently
  • Foster a customer-first culture through coaching and leadership

Inventory & Stock Management

  • Maintain accurate inventory control and stock integrity
  • Manage replenishment and stock availability
  • Oversee stock counts, cycle counts, and reconciliations
  • Ensure efficient handling of faulty stock and returns processes
  • Minimise aged stock and inventory risk
  • Deliver shrinkage and loss prevention targets
  • Enforce security protocols and operational controls
  • Monitor stock discrepancies and investigate variances
  • Ensure compliance with all cash handling, invoicing, and reconciliation processes

Financial Management

  • Manage the store operating expense budget
  • Monitor expenditure and identify efficiency opportunities
  • Deliver accurate financial reporting and variance analysis
  • Maintain strong financial governance and control disciplines

Requirements

  • Minimum 5 years' retail management experience with full P&L accountability
  • Proven success within consumer electronics, technology, telecommunications, or premium retail environments
  • Strong commercial acumen with experience managing sales, margin, and inventory performance
  • Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing teams
  • Strong operational management capability with experience implementing SOPs and controls
  • Experience managing retail KPIs, reporting, and performance improvement initiatives
  • Knowledge of stock control, inventory management, and loss prevention practices
  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills
  • Strong systems proficiency including POS systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused retail environment
  • Previous experience opening a new retail store or franchise
  • Experience within a branded retail or experience-store environment
  • Exposure to commission and incentive programme design
  • Knowledge of NPS and customer experience measurement frameworks
  • Experience implementing planograms and merchandising standards
  • Relevant tertiary qualification in Business, Retail Management, Commerce, or a related field

This is more than a store management role. It is an opportunity to build a flagship retail operation from the ground up and shape the customer experience for one of the world's most recognised technology brands.

You'll join a business with a startup mindset—fast-moving, collaborative, and focused on results. We value ownership, accountability, innovation, and decisive action. If you enjoy building, leading, and making a visible impact, this role offers a rare opportunity to do exactly that.

Other roles you might like