Channel Operations Manager at Core Group

Job Description
Role Overview

• We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Channel Operations Manager to lead and coordinate our national retail channel activities.
• This role will oversee a team of 12 Retail Representatives across South Africa, ensuring effective execution of sales, merchandising, training, and partner engagement strategies.
• The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, operational excellence, and the ability to negotiate and secure retail opportunities to maximise brand presence where required.

Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership and Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 12 Retail Representatives nationwide.
• Manage a National Trainer to ensure consistent and impactful training delivery to retail partners.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, provide feedback, and implement improvement plans where necessary.
• Foster a high-performance culture that aligns with business goals.

Channel Operations & Performance Management

• Oversee and optimise execution of merchandising, promotion, training, sales and processing of reverse logistics across all reseller partners stores at both regional and national levels.
• Monitor and report on sales, merchandising compliance, and promotional activities.
• Prepare detailed performance reports and leverage off dashboards (PowerBi and
• Morpheus) to executive regular reviews with both team and brands.
• Ensure retail representatives adhere to operational guidelines, brand standards and call cycles.
• Manage the relationship with Morpheus, ensuring any programs created used are up to date, relevant and scalable.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with reseller partners at store, regional, and national levels.
• Collaborate with internal brand teams to align marketing, promotion, operational and sales initiatives.
• Assist team by negotiating opportunistic retail space for merchandise placement and
• promotional solutions at regional and national level.

Planning & Execution

• Develop and execute channel strategies to drive sales and brand visibility.
• Coordinate national retail campaigns in collaboration with marketing and product teams.
• Plan and manage travel schedules for regional store visits and key partner meetings.

Administrative & Operational Excellence

• Ensure accurate and timely submission of reports, expense claims, and operational documentation.
• Maintain budgets related to retail operations and training activities.
• Analyse operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.

Requirements
Qualifications:

• BCom or equivalent degree or diploma in Business, Marketing, or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within channel operations, retail management, or sales in the technology industry.
• Proven experience managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Track record in engaging with national retail/reseller networks and internal brand teams.
• Strong background in negotiating retail merchandising space.

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Strong analytical and reporting capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all organisational levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook).
• High attention to detail with strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Other Requirements:

• Based in Sandton (full-time, office-based role).
• Must have a valid driver’s licence and own reliable vehicle.
• Willingness to travel nationally as required.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Achievement of channel sales and merchandising objectives.
• Retail representative performance and retention.
• Quality of reseller and partner relationships
• Timeliness and accuracy of performance reporting.
• Successful negotiation and acquisition of retail merchandising space, including engaging with mall management where required.
• Training effectiveness and coverage through the National Trainer.
• Management of external service provider companies (Morpheus, storage companies, promotion companies)