Retail Operations Manager

Introduction

To provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across SPAR operations in Eswatini and Mozambique, ensuring sustainable business growth, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and strong stakeholder relationships. Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage retail operations across Eswatini and Mozambique, ensuring alignment with SPAR Lowveld's strategic objectives.
• Drive sales growth, profitability, market expansion, and overall business performance across the region.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with SPAR retailers, suppliers, service providers, and key stakeholders.
• Analyse and interpret store performance statistics and financial results, identifying risks, opportunities, and areas requiring intervention.
• Consult with retailers on underperforming areas and develop action plans to improve sales, profitability, productivity, customer service, and operational efficiency.
• Advise retailers on business feasibilities, retail growth opportunities, and cash flow management to support sustainable business performance.
• Conduct structured store visits, operational reviews, and audits, providing detailed feedback and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with SPAR operating standards, company policies, food safety requirements, hygiene standards, and applicable legislation within each country.
• Support stocktake processes and promote best practices in stock control, inventory management, and shrinkage reduction.
• Drive retail ordering performance through Distribution Centre and drop-shipment channels to ensure optimal stock availability.
• Lead and support retail projects, including new store openings, store refurbishments, re-launches, and other operational improvement initiatives.
• Act as the primary liaison between retailers and SPAR support functions, including Operations, Logistics, Marketing, IT, Finance, and Distribution Centre teams.
• Identify operational challenges, service delivery obstacles, and business risks, and implement practical solutions to mitigate their impact.
• Lead, develop, coach and support operational teams and retailers to drive capability, succession, and performance improvement.
• Manage cross-border operational requirements and ensure seamless business continuity across both countries.
• Prepare and present operational, financial, and performance reports, including retailer reviews and business improvement plans.
• Represent SPAR professionally across Eswatini, Mozambique, maintaining strong relationships with all relevant stakeholders and authorities.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management • Advanced Diploma in Operations Management • National Senior Certificate (Matric) Work Experience

• Industry: Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG)
• Minumim 3 - 5 years as a Retaial Operations Manager

Core Skills & Compentencies

• Commercial and Financial Acumen • Leadership and Regional Management • Strategic Planning and Decision-Making • Problem-Solving and Analytical Thinking • Stakeholder Management and Communication • Independent Working and Self-Motivation • Extensive Travel and Regional Operations • Portuguese Translation and Portuguese as a Foreign Language • English and Portuguese Language Proficiency Languages

• English: Fluent • Portuguese: Proficient; translation and language support • French: Advantageous language skill The Spar Group Limited is an equal opportunity employer. All positions are advertised in accordance with the company’s Employment Equity Policy.