Divisional Operations Executive - Coastal East at Clicks Group

Introduction

• Are you passionate about retail and service excellence? Are you confident to lead a senior management team across a division to deliver a competitive advantage for the brand?
• An exciting and challenging opportunity has become available for a Divisional Operations Executive to work within the Operations department of Clicks. The successful individual will report to the Head of Store & Pharmacy Operations in South Africa and will be responsible for stores within the Coastal East division.

Job description

Job Purpose

• To develop and lead the operational strategy for the division resulting in cost-effective operational and service excellence, leading to a competitive advantage for the brand.

Role Overview

• This role is accountable for leading the Coastal East, the largest and most strategic region in Clicks Operations. The Divisional Executive develops and executes the operational strategy to deliver cost-effective service excellence, drive store performance, and achieve growth targets. The role builds high-performing teams, ensures compliance and risk management, and collaborates across the business to deliver innovation, value, and an exceptional customer experience.
• Success in this role means leading the Coastal East to deliver strong financial results, operational efficiency and outstanding customer experience.

Key Accountabilities

• Formulate and deliver a divisional strategy that achieves brand objectives and competitive advantage.
• Build a high-performing team to deliver agreed financial and operational performance.
• Drive continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and manage risk.
• Champion customer service excellence and increase ClubCard participation.
• Influence range, pricing, and promotional strategies to strengthen brand equity and market share.
• Deliver store expansion targets for convenience and growth.
• Develop and implement a people strategy aligned to talent, retention, and transformation goals.
• Ensure adherence to HR policies and corporate governance standards.

Functional Expertise

• Proven ability to manage large, complex store networks and deliver operational excellence.
• Delivering service excellence and driving customer loyalty and other initiatives.
• Financial management and expertise in budgeting, P&L management, and cost control to achieve profitability targets.
• Ability to develop and implement divisional strategies aligned to brand objectives.
• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, HR policies, and operational risk mitigation.
• Executing store growth plans to enhance convenience and market presence.
• Building and developing high-performing teams, driving engagement, and managing talent pipelines.
• Leading change initiatives to improve efficiency and support transformation goals.
• Influencing and collaborating across functions to shape pricing, range, and promotional strategies.

Performance Measures

• Divisional sales growth and profitability.
• Operational cost efficiency and risk management.
• Customer experience scores and ClubCard participation.
• Store expansion targets achieved.
• Employee engagement and talent retention.
• Compliance and governance adherence.

Minimum requirements

Skills and Attributes

• Deep understanding of store operations and service delivery across large, complex networks.
• Strong capability in budgeting, P&L management, and cost optimization to drive profitability.
• Ability to formulate and execute strategies that deliver sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
• Ability to identify, mitigate, and manage operational and governance risks.
• Skilled in talent management, team development, and driving engagement.
• Proven ability to lead change initiatives and adapt to evolving market conditions.
• Business acumen with a focus on operational efficiency and customer value.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to engage, persuade, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong capability to negotiate effectively and leverage data-driven insights for decision-making.
• Ability to make sound decisions under pressure and lead teams with confidence and clarity.

Minimum Requirements

• Essential: B.Com Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in senior operations management within retail or FMCG.
• Extensive people management experience across diverse teams.
• Financial management experience (budgets, P&L, ratios).
• Exposure to managing large geographic areas.

Competencies:

• Deciding and Initiating Action
• Persuading and Influencing
• Analysing
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Planning and Organising
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Entrepreneurial and Commercial Thinking