Retail Area Manager

About the role

Absolute Pets, South Africa’s leading pet retailer with over 200 stores, is seeking a passionate and driven Retail Area Manager to join its Gauteng Operations team. The role will oversee multiple branches in Gauteng and surrounding areas, ensuring exceptional customer service and strong sales performance.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain the highest level of customer service across all stores and resolve customer complaints promptly.
• Achieve and exceed individual and overall sales targets, conducting fortnightly performance reviews with store managers.
• Coach, develop and motivate store teams, manage performance appraisals, and handle staff issues escalated by store managers.
• Ensure optimal staffing schedules, stock management, visual merchandising, and compliance with company policies.
• Oversee cash handling, admin processes, stocktakes, ordering, and inter‑branch transfers.
• Monitor competitor activity and recommend improvements to store experience, promotions, and opening hours.

Required profile

• Matric qualification and a valid South African driver’s licence; retail‑related qualification is a plus.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership/management experience overseeing multiple stores, preferably in a veterinary or pet‑care environment.
• Strong interpersonal, planning and prioritisation skills with the ability to lead, motivate and manage performance.
• Customer‑centric mindset, computer literacy and ability to interpret financial data for decision‑making.
• Passion for people, customer service and animals, with a presentable appearance.