Retail Operations Manager

Job Summary

Unique structure requires a bespoke skill set.

Owning and managing rural and township shopping centres throughout South Africa, our client has set up their asset management differently. Whilst each shopping centre enjoys the full attention of an on-site Centre Manager, all other functions are centralised within their Gauteng office, including marketing, leasing, accounts, administration and operations. Each of the 3 Operations Managers are responsible for a portfolio of properties in terms of budgeting, reporting, project management and day-to-day maintenance, with the Center Managers reporting to them. Presently, they have a vacancy in their operations team to look after 10 sites (initially) which form their "coastal portfolio” and which reports directly to the Head of Group Operations. New assets are continuously added to the management portfolio and Operations Managers are expected to onboard these new assets from time to time. New assets are added either through acquisitions and/or through their development pipeline. Whilst you can expect all the standard duties that fall to Facilities Managers, including running all OpEx and CapEx budgets as well as projects, soft service management ,etc. You will also work closely with the various departments at the head office to ensure that your sites are smooth running, fully tenanted, secure, and hygienic experiences for tenants and shoppers alike. Although not reporting on income, you will ultimately be responsible for the income’s sustainability via ongoing relationship management with subcontractors and staff at your assigned malls.

This is a highly mobile position where you will be provided with a company car and cell phone and spend considerable time on the road visiting each site. Based as they are in rural or township areas, and utilizing local expertise for all services, each mall will cater to a unique community and have different service providers rather than running large service agreements.

An energetic person with a relevant degree and a minimum of seven years' experience will be well-positioned to manage not only the technical aspects of these malls but also the human element. This will include up-skilling local partners, dispute resolution and ongoing engagement with local community leaders, groups and stakeholders. It would suit someone who can communicate at a wide range of levels, and always leaves the other party with a ‘good taste’ in their mouth. Administrative support is provided, but with such a large number of service providers to work with, your planning, administration and IT skills need to be world-class.

Please apply if you are a technical individual who has the EQ to handle complex problem-solving involving multiple stakeholders and personality types.