Regional Operations Manager (2IC)

SUMMARY:
Do you have an excellent track record working in the Fresh Food, Retail or Perishable goods industry as an Operations Manager?
 
Our client based in Montague Gardens requires your skilled operations expertise to join their team in their growing and deadline driven concern. 

A big draw card will be your understanding of the fishing industry or seafood product knowledge.

POSITION INFO:
REQUIREMENTS

• Act as second-in-command to the owner, ensuring alignment with business vision, brand standards, compliance, and growth strategy
• Experience in fresh food, retail, or perishable goods is highly preferred
• Comfortable using stock programs, POS reports, basic spreadsheets, communication platforms (WhatsApp, Slack, email), and internal
• Clear, professional, and tactful written and verbal communication skills
• Strong people manager, ability to care deeply for people, however firm, fair, and unafraid of difficult conversations
• Has run multiple store locations or regional retail/food units
• Ability to execute strategy, not just set it
• Utterly trustworthy, someone who treats the business like their own
• Protect the company from internal losses and inefficiencies
• Skilled in dealing with retailer store managers, head office staff, and internal teams
• Problem Solver
• Calm under pressure, quick to solve stock, staffing, or retailer issues without drama
• Sees roadblocks as opportunities to improve systems
• Bonus: understands fishing industry or seafood product knowledge

• Ensure each counter/store is fully operational, clean, compliant, and running efficiently
• Implement and maintain SOPs across all sites (receiving, cleaning, prepping, selling, closing)
• Monitor equipment, stock levels, hygiene, and temperature logs daily

• Oversee store managers and key floor staff, including rostering, performance, and compliance
• Facilitate training and upskilling of counter staff
• Address HR issues sensitively and professionally (disciplinary procedures, absenteeism, motivation)

• Monitor daily and weekly sales reports from the retailers and internal systems
• Compare performance across stores and identify underperformance causes
• Ensure correct product display, pricing, promotions, and customer service excellence

• Oversee stock receiving and shrinkage
• Implement inventory control systems to prevent theft and wastage
• Ensure traceability and product integrity from vessel/supplier to customer

• Be the primary contact point for Checkers, SuperSpar, and any future partners for operational queries
• Resolve disputes, stock discrepancies, equipment failures, or supply interruptions swiftly
• Work collaboratively but firmly to uphold your brand’s independence and operational integrity

• Ensure compliance with NRCS, SABS, DAFF, HACCP, and retailers’ food safety standards
• Conduct or oversee internal audits and prep teams for external audits
• Stay updated on food legislation and ensure teams are briefed and compliant

• Create monthly performance reports across all outlets (sales, stock losses, staff issues, opportunities)
• Present strategy ideas, feedback loops from staff and customers, and key data to the owner
• Keep the owner informed of all critical developments, issues, or opportunities

• Identify opportunities for new counters or improvements within existing setups
• Support the rollout of new locations — from recruitment to systems setup to launch management
• Help design customer engagement initiatives, promotions, and seasonal campaigns