General Manager - iStore Africa at Core Group

Position Requirements

Qualifications:

• Relevant Qualification, degree preferred. 
• Strong commercial skills and business acumen
• 4-7 years of management experience, including team leadership

Minimum Requirements:

• 4 to 7 years of practical managerial experience with a proven track record in a sales, marketing, and customer service-focused environment, particularly in the retail sector
• Demonstrated success in a target-driven setting
• Experience working across Africa is advantageous

Key Performance Areas

Sales & Business Development

• Set and drive sales targets
• Contribute to budget formulation and manage performance against financial goals
• Develop and agree on business plans for each store
• Work closely with the debtors team to manage accounts
• Provide strategic planning in the education sector
• Support and assist the existing reseller base in-country
• Expand the B2B customer base
• Collaborate with the marketing team to effectively communicate the Apple ecosystem to consumers, corporate customers, and educational institutions
• Manage and execute in-store events

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Build, organise, motivate, and lead a high-performance team
• Inspire and support iStore teams to maximise sales, providing leadership and ensuring team members are managed, coached, and developed
• Enhance managerial skills and emotional intelligence to foster leadership growth
• Develop succession planning for Store Managers
• Proactively recruit and retain high-potential candidates who align with the Apple brand promise, developing innovative recruitment solutions
• Foster a culture that demystifies the Apple brand, enhances customer service, and increases store traffic, conversion rates, and technical expertise
• Ensure compliance with all labour legislation and relevant acts
• Conduct performance appraisals and manage scorecards in line with company policy

Customer Experience

• Ensure the highest standards of customer engagement and service are consistently met
• Effectively handle customer conflicts
• Lead by example with a hands-on and interactive approach to customers, ensuring this ethos permeates the entire iStore team
• Focus on developing long-term customer relationships and ensure a regional approach to customer engagement

Training & Development

• Provide daily, on-the-floor coaching to sales staff to improve sales conversion rates—a critical role of the GM
• Build Store Managers' capacity to effectively coach their teams
• Ensure high levels of product, technical, and sales skills through intensive and ongoing training, meeting all Apple & Core Group training and certification standards

Processes & Procedures

• Monitor adherence to company policies and procedures, addressing any non-compliance issues
• Identify and develop necessary processes to ensure consistent delivery and efficiency in iStores
• Manage controllable expenses and safeguard stock, cash, debtors, and fixed assets
• Identify potential risks and recommend improvements to eliminate gaps
• Ensure all iStore technical infrastructure is operational, maintaining high attention to detail and adherence to company processes

Stock Management & Merchandising

• Collaborate with the planning team to ensure the correct mix and volume of stock in each store
• Assist with merchandising layout to create impactful displays and ensure stock rotation to minimise ageing
• Oversee control of stock and assets, focusing on minimising shrinkage and pilferage
• Secure business assets and ensure compliance with merchandising guidelines for Apple and third-party products