Retail Area Manager – KZN

  • Permanent
  • Durban, 4000, South Africa View on Map
  • posted 2 weeks ago
  • Posted : June 26, 2026 -Accepting applications

Job Description

JOB TITLE : Area Manager  

Department : Ares Holdings, Brands  

Reporting to : Retail Manager 

Direct reports : Store Managers  

Key customers : Retail stores, Customers, Marketing Team, HQ  

Main purpose : To lead retail operations within specified geography according to the purpose, vision and values whilst driving retail priorities, maximizing turnover and ensuring a consistent, Brand-aligned customer experience across all stores. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 1: PURPOSE, VALUES, CULTURE 

  • Communicate business purpose and values. 
  • Communicate and Drive retail strategies and operational goals. 
  • Ensure that all stores’ people have a clear and consistent focus. 
  • Drive consistent, Brand- aligned customer satisfaction.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 2: RETAIL OPERATIONS 

  • Ensure that all operational activities support an efficient, easy customer experience. 
  • Ensure that facilities, equipment, tools, systems, security, and physical environment is conducive to optimum performance. 
  • Ensure that stores SOPs are well and consistently communicated. 
  • Facilitate appropriate technical/ functional training. 
  • Ensure that store managers have the required tools to manage well. 
  • Facilitate effective engagement between stores and HQ. 
  • Ensure that the disaster recovery plan is regularly refreshed and communicated as appropriate. 
  • Ensure that the necessary OHS regulations are adhered to. 
  • Submit weekly and monthly reports as required. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 3: PEOPLE 

  • Ensure that stores are well staffed and that contingencies are in place. 
  • Ensure role clarity and effective goal – setting. 
  • Drive in-store training programme to build front-line capability. 
  • Monitor the application of the HR Value Chain and Adherence to people – related SOP’s.  
  • Submit weekly and monthly reports as required. 
  • Oversee the poor performance of retail staff.  
  • Oversee the discipline of retail staff.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 4: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 

  • Manage financial performance parameters, goals, and targets.  
  • Drive country plan for area. 
  • Drive revenue, quantity, margin, and operating income targets. 
  • Submit weekly and monthly reports as required. 
  • Ensure that the relevant regulatory/ statutory requirements are adhered to e.g. VAT, Employee PAYE. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITY 5: SALES AND MARKETING 

  • Brand management  
  • Key customer relationship management  
  • Public relations 
  • Ambassadorship 
  • Implement promotional initiatives as required. 
  • Ensure that VM standards are adhered to. 
  • Ensure that all stores reflect the correct quality standards of cleanliness, tidiness, safety, visual impact, and good housekeeping. 
  • Drives sales through required KPI’s set per store. 

 KEY LEADERSHIP & INTERPERSONAL COMPETENCIES  

(Behaviours that enhance the desired culture, values and the pursuit of the core purpose of the business) 

  • VALUES: 
  • We believe in the power of brands and growing brands responsibly 
  • We believe in developing and building our teams for the benefit of all stakeholders 
  • We believe in continuous investment into our people and our business platforms 
  • We care deeply about our environment and our people 
  • LEADERSHIP & RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOURS 
  • Effective Communication: Clearly convey goals, expectations, and feedback to teams. 
  • Team Collaboration: Foster a cooperative environment across multiple teams and locations. 
  • Decision-Making: Make timely, data-driven decisions that benefit the entire area. 
  • Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve conflicts swiftly and professionally. 
  • Inspiring Leadership: Motivate teams to achieve objectives and maintain high performance. 
  • Empathy & Support: Show understanding and support for team members’ needs and challenges. 
  • Performance Coaching: Provide guidance and development opportunities to improve team skills. 
  • Stakeholder Management: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. 
  • Adaptability: Adjust leadership style based on team dynamics and business changes. 
  • Accountability: Lead by example and take responsibility for the area’s performance. 

 TECHNICAL AND FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES  

(Specific technical, functional and professional skills, knowledge, abilities, attributes and aptitudes that are required to be able to do this particular job well relative to the delivery of the Main Purpose and Key Accountabilities) 

 

  • Operational Excellence: In-depth knowledge of store operations, including inventory management, staffing, and store performance optimization. 
  • Sales & Profitability Analysis: Ability to analyse sales data, identify trends, and implement strategies to drive revenue and profit. 
  • Budget Management: Experience in managing and controlling budgets for the area, ensuring cost efficiency and profitability. 
  • Staff Training & Development: Skilled in identifying training needs and providing development opportunities to enhance team performance. 
  • Compliance & Standards: Knowledge of company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements (e.g., health & safety, labour laws). 
  • Problem Solving: Ability to quickly identify issues in operations, customer service, or team performance and implement effective solutions. 
  • Performance Management: Competence in setting performance targets, tracking progress, and managing underperforming teams or individuals. 
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Expertise in building and maintaining relationships with key customers to drive satisfaction and loyalty. 
  • Reporting & Analytics: Proficiency in using reporting tools and analysing KPIs to monitor performance and make informed decisions. 
  • Project Management: Ability to manage multiple initiatives and projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met and objectives are achieved. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

The minimum education and experience requirements that are required to be considered for this role. 

Education 

  • Grade 12 or equivalent  
  • Tertiary qualification in Business, Retail Management, Commerce or a related field (advantageous) 

 

 

Experience 

  • Minimum 2–3 years’ experience in a similar multi-store, supervisory or area-level retail role. 
  • Proven experience supporting or managing multiple retail stores. 
  • Experience driving store performance, operational standards and people management. 

 

 

Industry Knowledge 

  • Sound understanding of retail operations, including store standards, customer experience and sales drivers. 
  • Working knowledge of retail KPIs, stock control, labour planning and store compliance. 
  • Awareness of health & safety (OHS) and basic retail labour legislation. 
  • Understanding of brand standards and visual merchandising principles within a retail environment 
  • Valid Driver’s license (Code B). 
  • Must have own reliable vehicle due to operational travel requirements. 

Required skills

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