Job summary

The Area Manager – Retail Operations is a field-based, hands-on role.

Role Summary

The Area Manager – Retail Operations is a field-based, hands-on role. This person is responsible for the performance and standards of all retail outlets in Uganda – supermarkets, affordable butcher shops, grill kiosks and new concept restaurants. They spend most of their time in the outlets, leading teams on the ground, fixing problems and executing new store and franchise rollouts according to a clear playbook.

Key Responsibilities

• Visit all outlets regularly (supermarkets, butcher shops, kiosks, restaurants) with a clear visit schedule and checklist.
• Ensure implementation of SOPs for opening/closing, cash handling, hygiene, food safety, merchandising, stock management and customer service.
• Drive daily and weekly performance: monitor sales, margins, waste, stock availability, labour costs and take fast action on underperforming stores.
• Plan and execute in- store introduction of new products and categories: agree launchlist and pricing, brief store teams, ensure correct merchandising and POS materials, monitor first weeks’ sales and customer feedback, and quickly adjust range, display or pricing whereneeded
• Lead new shop and kiosk openings: support recruitment, organize and deliver staff training, oversee store setup, implement opening checklists and stabilize performance inthe first 4–8 weeks.
• Fix existing underperforming outlets by improving layouts, range, pricing, promotions, staff deployment and basic discipline.
• Support franchise outlets: train franchise teams, audit standards and execution, agree action plans and follow up closely with franchisees.
• Work closely with the production, logistics and finance teams to ensure product availability, correct costing and accurate stock and cash controls.
• Prepare simple weekly reports on each outlet (sales, key KPIs, issues, action points) and agree priorities directly with management.
• Develop and coach store managers and supervisors to build a strong, reliable retail operations team.

Candidate Profile

• 5–8 years' experience in supermarket / grocery / chain retail or QSR / food service chains.
• Minimum 2–3 years in a multi-unit role (Area Manager, Cluster Manager, Multi-Store Manager, or similar).
• Proven experience opening new outlets and improving underperforming stores, not just maintaining one strong store.
• Strong on execution: loves being on the shop floor, comfortable spending 70–80%of timein the field rather than in an office.
• Solid commercial understanding: daily sales, average basket, margin, shrink/waste, labour %, basic store P&L.
• Experience working with franchise stores or franchisees is a strong advantage.
• Comfortable working in fast-growing, entrepreneurial environments where not everything is yet fully structured.
• Strong leadership and people skills: can coach, correct and motivate store teams at all levels.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of East African markets is an advantage.
• Willing to be based in Kampala with regular travel within Uganda; candidates from Kenya or the UAE willing to relocate are encouraged to apply.

Location

Based in Kampala, Uganda. Regular field travel to outlets within Uganda; occasional regional travel if required.

• Visit all outlets regularly (supermarkets, butcher shops, kiosks, restaurants) with a clear visit schedule and checklist.
• Ensure implementation of SOPs for opening/closing, cash handling, hygiene, food safety, merchandising, stock management and customer service.
• Drive daily and weekly performance: monitor sales, margins, waste, stock availability, labour costs and take fast action on underperforming stores.
• Plan and execute in- store introduction of new products and categories: agree launchlist and pricing, brief store teams, ensure correct merchandising and POS materials, monitor first weeks’ sales and customer feedback, and quickly adjust range, display or pricing whereneeded
• Lead new shop and kiosk openings: support recruitment, organize and deliver staff training, oversee store setup, implement opening checklists and stabilize performance inthe first 4–8 weeks.
• Fix existing underperforming outlets by improving layouts, range, pricing, promotions, staff deployment and basic discipline.
• Support franchise outlets: train franchise teams, audit standards and execution, agree action plans and follow up closely with franchisees.
• Work closely with the production, logistics and finance teams to ensure product availability, correct costing and accurate stock and cash controls.
• Prepare simple weekly reports on each outlet (sales, key KPIs, issues, action points) and agree priorities directly with management.
• Develop and coach store managers and supervisors to build a strong, reliable retail operations team.

• Strong leadership and people skills
• Solid commercial understanding
• Strong on execution
• Fluent in English

• 5–8 years' experience in supermarket / grocery / chain retail or QSR / food service chains.
• Minimum 2–3 years in a multi-unit role (Area Manager, Cluster Manager, Multi-Store Manager, or similar).
• Proven experience opening new outlets and improving underperforming stores, not just maintaining one strong store.
• Experience working with franchise stores or franchisees is a strong advantage.
• Comfortable working in fast-growing, entrepreneurial environments where not everything is yet fully structured.
• Knowledge of East African markets is an advantage.