Franchise CEO / Operations Director at Robert Walters

Role Summary

• We’re partnering with a leading property group to appoint a Franchise CEO / Operations Director to lead one of their premium international real estate franchise networks in South Africa.
• The role requires deep knowledge of the residential real estate market, strong operational leadership, and franchise management experience.
• You’ll drive growth, support licensees, and ensure brand consistency across a distributed, multi-location network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the business unit’s long-term strategic vision and growth plan.
• Drive expansion of the franchise/licensing network across South Africa.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and performance management to ensure profitability and sustainable returns.
• Manage operational efficiency and service excellence across all franchise partners.
• Ensure compliance with South African real estate legislation, regulatory standards, and licensing agreements.
• Mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks related to the franchise network and intellectual property.
• Provide leadership in training, marketing support, and operational guidance to maintain brand integrity and optimise franchisee performance.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with licensees, stakeholders, government bodies, and industry associations.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing executive team to cultivate a culture of innovation, integrity, and customer focus.

Qualifications & Experience Required

• Deep understanding of the South African Real Estate market and regulatory landscape.
• Significant leadership experience in franchise or licensing operations, ideally within real estate or a related sector.
• Proven success in managing multi-location or distributed business models.
• Strong strategic, financial, and operational management skills.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship-building abilities.