National Operations Manager - Retail Industry - Morningside

Our Clothing Retail Client is currently looking for a National Retail Operations Manager based in Morningside, Durban.

To manage and assume overall responsibility for the operational success of all retail stores by directing operational activities, driving sales performance, and ensuring that stores operate efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of merchandising, presentation and compliance with company policies and procedures.

The current store grid consists of six retail stores located across the Western Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal, and Gauteng, with the possibility of additional stores opening in the future.

The role requires active leadership of store management teams, ensuring operational consistency, effective stock control, and delivery of the brand experience across all stores.

Normal working hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00 when stock takes or special operational activities are not scheduled.

Due to the operational requirements of the retail environment, the role may require:

• Attendance at stock takes, which may occur outside normal working hours.
• Occasional Sunday work, depending on operational requirements.
• Assistance with brand events and promotional activities from time to time.
• Flexibility in working hours is therefore required.

Due to the multi-site nature of the role, the position requires regular travel between retail stores located across the Western Cape, Kwa Zulu-Natal and Gauteng.

You must therefore be able and willing to travel independently between stores by motor vehicle in order to conduct store visits, support operational requirements, attend stock takes and provide management oversight where required.

A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as operationally required are considered inherent requirements of the position.

Travel may from time to time require overnight stays in order to effectively support store operations.

• Contribute proactively to the development and implementation of the company’s retail strategy.
• Implement operational projects as required by management.
• Identify underperforming stores and develop action plans to improve operational and financial performance.
• Monitor competitor activity and local market conditions and make recommendations to improve performance.
• Identify product performance trends and provide feedback to assist in driving brand growth.

• Clearly communicate business objectives and operational expectations to store managers.
• Develop store management teams to ensure strong leadership at store level.
• Achieve exceptional customer service through training and development of store staff.
• Establish strong communication networks across stores to ensure alignment and shared knowledge.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of store staff and ensure effective induction of new employees.
• Manage the performance and development of store managers to maximise sales performance.
• Address employee relations matters within the stores including counselling, discipline and grievance processes.
• Identify talent and support succession planning within the store network.
• Promote a positive working environment to support employee retention and minimise staff turnover.

• Manage store performance to achieve budgeted sales targets.
• Monitor store financial performance and manage store expenses in line with company budgets.
• Manage payroll costs within allocated budget parameters.

• Liaise with Buying and Merchandising teams regarding stock supply across regions.
• Provide feedback on fast and slow-moving stock items.
• Ensure visual merchandising standards reflect the brand image and comply with company directives.
• Support…