Business Performance Leader (Gauteng) at Leroy Merlin

Purpose of the role 

• The Business Performance Leader (BPL) plays a pivotal role in driving profitable performance and enabling a strong performance culture.
• This role combines financial leadership, operational control, and business performance analysis to ensure efficient daily operations and long-term growth.
• The BPL provides accurate reporting, forecasts, and insights, while guiding department managers and teams to achieve their KPIs.
• The position requires a strong finance and analytical background, preferably with retail experience, to influence strategic planning and decision-making.

Main responsibilities:

Financial Management & Control

• Review and interpret financial performance with a focus on the Profit & Loss (P&L) statement, ensuring accuracy, understanding key drivers, and identifying risks and opportunities to improve store and departmental results
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, providing rolling forecasts and scenario modelling.
• Monitor and control OPEX and CAPEX, approving purchase orders and ensuring adherence to budgets.
• Conduct detailed variance, trend, and gap analysis to highlight risks, opportunities, and performance issues.
• Establish and enforce internal controls to safeguard company assets, ensure accuracy, and prevent fraud.
• Advise on strategies for cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and investment decisions.

Performance Leadership & KPIs

• Translate business unit goals into store-level KPI targets.
• Track, analyse, and escalate performance gaps across sales, margin, costs, shrinkage, and operations.
• Deliver regular performance reports and present insights to Store EXCO and regional stakeholders.
• Conduct weekly and monthly store performance reviews.
• Be the lead on External and Internal Audits.

Coaching, Training & Capability

• Work closely with the Head of Departments to analyse financial performance, KPIs, and profitability drivers, collaborating on actions that drive departmental and store results.
• Train and coach department managers on financial acumen, KPIs, and profitability drivers.
• Organise and facilitate training sessions to build commercial capability.
• Promote a performance-driven culture with clear objectives and accountability.

Operational Execution & Process

• Evaluate and improve financial and business processes for efficiency and compliance.
• Identify and mitigate operational and financial risks.
• Support process improvement initiatives to address underperformance.

Stock, Shrinkage & Supply Chain

• Own the stock count process and execution.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and manage shrinkage with the Head of Departments.
• Oversee financial aspects of inventory management and supply chain efficiency.

On-Site Services Oversight

• Manage external service providers (security, cleaning, waste management) for cost-efficiency and compliance.

 Strategic & Store Support

• Partner with the Store Leader on business planning and strategy execution.
• Provide analytical insights for investment decisions and business growth.
• Align store-level initiatives with regional performance priorities.

Change Management

• Lead the implementation of new processes, systems, and tools.
• Manage change effectively, ensuring smooth transitions and team engagement.
• Provide training and communication support during change initiatives.

Requirements  

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field (essential).
• Professional certification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, SAICA) is advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in financial management, business performance, or accounting.
• Retail or FMCG sector experience preferred.
• Experience working with ERP/accounting systems and financial reporting tools.

Skills you bring

• Strong financial and analytical acumen.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Strong leadership and coaching ability.
• Ability to translate data into actionable business insights.
• High proficiency in Excel, financial modelling, and reporting systems.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.