Store Operations Controller at Ackermans

• We are seeking a commercially driven Store Operations Controller to turn store, sales, payroll and financial data into actionable insights that improve performance and operational efficiency.
• The role partners closely with Operations to drive budgeting and forecasting, cost control, labour productivity and performance management, while supporting process improvement, automation and key store initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Store Performance, Controls and Insights
• Store-Level Sales Budgeting and Forecasting
• Store Payroll, Headcount and Labour Productivity
• Operational Support and Projects
• Business Partnering
• Planning & Reporting
• Continuous Improvement & Efficiency
• Projects & Ad Hoc Support

JOB RELATED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Analyse and track store performance, sales performance, operational expenditure, controllable costs and key operating metrics across stores and business units to identify trends, risks and opportunities
• Translate financial, sales and operational data into meaningful insights to support store-level decision-making.
• Support store-level sales budgeting, forecasting and performance review processes.
• Analyse sales trends, seasonality, store maturity, trading patterns, store initiatives, revamps and operational changes to support realistic forecasts and budgets.
• Investigate variances and underlying drivers of store performance, including sales, margin, costs, productivity and operating disciplines.
• Provide clear, actionable recommendations to improve operational effectiveness and cost discipline.
• Strong analytical capability with a structured problem-solving approach.
• Naturally inquisitive, with the ability to challenge and investigate beyond the numbers.
• Strong commercial acumen with an understanding of retail/store operations.
• Ability to translate data into clear insights and practical recommendations.
• Process-oriented, with an interest in systems optimisation and automation.
• Effective communicator with strong stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Self-driven, proactive, and comfortable working independently.
• Capable of maintaining performance and delivering results in high-pressure environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels and work effectively within a team.
• Presentation skills.
• Advanced Excel skills.

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS REQUIRED

• 5-7 years’ experience working in commercial, operational finance, store operations, retail planning or similar support role.
• Experience in operational finance, management accounting, store performance analysis, sales budgeting and forecasting, or a similar analytical role.
• Retail store operations exposure, with an understanding of how store sales, controllable costs, people deployment and operating routines influence results.
• Experience in store-level sales budgeting, forecasting, target setting and performance tracking within a retail environment.
• Specific experience in shift-based store payroll, including headcount, hours worked, overtime and labour productivity, is required.
• Experience partnering with store and field operations teams to improve operational execution and decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Essential:

• Grade 12 Certificate/Matric
• B.Com , Finance, Accounting, Business, Operations, Retail Planning or equivalent qualification

Preferred:

• CGMA
• CA(SA)
• Professional Accountant (SA)
• Payroll, workforce management, retail operations, labour planning exposure / certification will be advantageous