Regional Operations Manager

Red Ember Recruitment is seeking a Regional Operations Manager on behalf of our client based in Kempton Park within the retail sector. This is a senior commercial leadership role responsible for driving performance, profitability, and operational excellence across multiple retail stores within a high-volume, fast-paced environment. The successful candidate will act as a strategic business partner to leadership, taking full ownership of regional performance, including P&L, team leadership, and stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities: Commercial & Financial Management Full ownership of regional P&L, including revenue, costs, and margins Analyse store performance and identify revenue growth opportunities Drive sales performance and maximise revenue per square meter Manage budgets including staffing, stock, and operational costs Prepare and present monthly performance reports Operational Leadership: Oversee daily operations across multiple retail stores Monitor KPIs and implement corrective action where needed Ensure optimal staffing and scheduling in a 24/7 environment Maintain compliance with health, safety, and operational standards Oversee stock control, inventory management, and shrinkage prevention Stakeholder Management: Act as the main operational contact with key stakeholders Ensure compliance with lease agreements and operational requirements Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners People Management: Lead and develop a team of Store Managers Drive a high-performance, accountable team culture Manage IR processes in line with labour legislation Support talent development and succession planning Customer Experience: Ensure consistent, high-quality customer experience across all stores Drive visual merchandising and brand standards Address and act on customer feedback Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with HR, Finance, Buying, and Marketing teams Support business initiatives, promotions, and operational improvements Requirements Relevant tertiary qualification in Retail Management, Business Administration, or similar Minimum 5 years’ experience in multi-site retail management Proven track record managing P&L and driving commercial performance Strong experience in stock management and inventory control Solid understanding of labour legislation (LRA, BCEA) and IR processes Experience in high-volume or complex retail environments Exposure to airport or concession-based retail environments is advantageous Strong systems knowledge (POS, reporting, inventory systems) Key Competencies: Strong commercial acumen Assertive leadership and decision-making ability High resilience in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment Excellent stakeholder management skills Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking Customer-focused mindset