Area Manager (Viva Supermarket)

Job Description Roles & Responsibilities 1. Operational Excellence & SOP Compliance • Conduct frequent and structured store visits with a primary focus on operational execution and compliance • Ensure strict adherence to all Operations SOPs, policies, and processes across all stores • Guarantee full compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, Municipality, and internal audit requirements • Identify operational risks, non-compliances, and execution gaps, and implement immediate corrective actions • Ensure consistent standards across: · Store hygiene and cleanliness · Back-office discipline and documentation · Receiving, replenishment, FIFO, expiry control · Cash handling and loss prevention • Act as the first escalation point for operational incidents, audit findings, and compliance breaches. 2. Store Performance, Sales & Cost Control (SUPPORTED BY OPERATION) • Drive store performance through strong operational fundamentals • Set clear focus points with Store Managers to improve: Availability Productivity Customer experience • Drive profitability by achieving sales targets without compromising operational standards • Ensure promotions and pricing are executed accurately and operationally correctly 3. Inventory, Stock Control & Shrinkage • Review and analyse stock and sales reports, monitoring over-stocking and under-stocking • Ensure effective inventory and warehouse management, including: Order management; Stock consolidation and transfers Returns and shrinkage control • Ensure store pricing is implemented strictly as per approved norms and matrices 4. People Management – Operational Capability Focus • Coach and mentor Store Managers with emphasis on operational leadership and discipline • Ensure all Store Managers and key staff are fully trained on SOPs and operational processes • Support recruitment, induction, and training to ensure stores are operationally staffed and stable • Support grievance handling and disciplinary actions with HR, particularly where operational risk or non-compliance exists • Lead by example through hands-on operational involvement 5. Reporting, Alignment & Continuous Improvement • Attend to regional meetings (online or on-site), providing fact-based feedback from the field • Escalate recurring operational gaps with structured recommendations • Drive continuous improvement initiatives grounded in store-level operational realities Desired Candidate Profile Confident, decisive communicator with the ability to lead, influence, and motivate multi-site teams Proven experience leading operations across multiple stores, delivering consistent execution and compliance Strong analytical capability to interpret complex operational and commercial reports and translate them into clear corrective actions Advanced knowledge of retail operations, SOP-driven environments, and FMCG retail dynamics Strong coaching and mentoring skills, with emphasis on operational discipline and store leadership Advanced knowledge of merchandising, stock management, inventory control, and shrinkage prevention High level of operational ownership, with a hands-on, on-ground leadership style Ability to balance short-term execution with structured planning and continuous improvement initiatives Strong compliance mindset, with experience working in regulated retail environments (Health & Safety, Food Safety, audits, municipality requirements). Employment Type Full Time Company Industry Retail Department / Functional Area SalesBusiness Development Keywords Inventory ControlMulti-Site ManagerRegional ManagerArea Supervisor Get real-time job updates only on our App