GROUP GENERAL MANAGER

Introduction

The Group General Manager is the senior executive responsible for the overall performance, leadership, and day-to-day management of the group. Reporting directly to the CEO, the role translates the group’s strategy into operational and commercial results across its multi-branch quick-service restaurant business, including existing outlets and planned expansion across KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead the overall management and performance of the group, ensuring that business activities support the strategy and objectives agreed with the CEO.

• Translate strategic objectives into operating plans, budgets, performance targets, and measurable priorities for the group and its branches.

• Oversee multi-site restaurant operations, including service standards, food quality, customer experience, productivity, staffing, stock management, and operational consistency.

• Monitor branch-level and group performance using key performance indicators, management reports, sales trends, cost controls, and profitability measures; implement corrective action where required.

• Work closely with finance to oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow awareness, cost management, financial reporting, and profitability improvement.

• Ensure effective operating procedures and controls are implemented consistently across company-owned and franchised outlets, as applicable.

• Lead, coach, and hold senior managers and functional leads accountable for performance, service delivery, and achievement of agreed targets.

• Oversee recruitment planning, workforce capability, succession planning, performance management, and the development of a strong management culture.

• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, food safety and hygiene requirements, occupational health and safety obligations, employment requirements, company policies, and brand standards.

• Oversee group expansion in partnership with the Development Lead Manager, including franchise growth, site selection, lease agreements, new store openings, and the refurbishment of existing outlets.

• Review business cases for new stores and refurbishments, considering capital requirements, location viability, projected performance, operational readiness, and return on investment.

• Maintain oversight of commercial leases and key property commitments, working with the relevant internal or external specialists on negotiations, renewals, and risk management.

• Drive customer service, brand consistency, marketing execution, local-store performance, and initiatives to improve customer retention and market share.

• Identify operational inefficiencies, business risks, and growth opportunities; develop and implement practical improvement plans.

• Build effective working relationships with franchisees, suppliers, landlords, service providers, and other key stakeholders.

• Prepare and present regular reports to the CEO on group performance, financial and operational risks, expansion progress, people matter, and strategic opportunities.

• Support the CEO with strategic planning, business development, organizational improvements, and other group-level priorities.

• Ensure appropriate follow-up and accountability for agreed actions across all business functions and operating regions.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• At least 15 years’ relevant experience in the quick-service restaurant, food service, hospitality, multi-site retail, or a closely related operating environment.

• Substantial experience leading a multi-branch or franchise business, with responsibility for performance across multiple locations.

• Proven leadership experience across operations, financial performance, people management, and business growth.

• Experience with store openings, site development, property leases, and multi-site expansion is strongly preferred.

• A degree, diploma, or relevant qualification in business management, commerce, operations, hospitality, or a related field would be advantageous; substantial relevant experience is essential.

• Additional training in finance, operations, leadership, franchising, or project management would be beneficial.

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel frequently across the group’s operating regions

• Strong commercial, strategic, and operational leadership, with the ability to manage a geographically dispersed, multi-branch business.

• Sound understanding of restaurant operations, franchise structures, store-level economics, and customer service standards.

• Strong financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, profitability analysis, and interpretation of management accounts.

• Proven people-management skills and the ability to lead managers across different functions and locations.

• Strong decision-making, problem-solving, negotiation, and change-management capabilities.

• Experience managing projects involving new store openings, refurbishments, leases, or business expansion.

• Excellent communication, reporting, presentation, and stakeholder-management skills.

• High levels of accountability, integrity, resilience, and sound commercial judgment.

• Able to balance strategic oversight with practical, hands-on problem solving and regular engagement with branches.

• Proficient in business systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office or equivalent applications.

Package & Remuneration

• Salary: R70 000 – R90 000 including performance based bonus, subject to the candidates experience and final scope of responsibility

Interested?

Please send CVs to Talent2@imforce.co.za