Retail Development Manager

About the role

Nile Fresh is seeking a Retail Development Manager to lead the rollout and growth of its People’s Market retail footprint across commuter nodes, townships and rural towns. Reporting to the Managing Director, you will work hands‑on to open and scale stores that meet the needs of lower‑to‑middle‑income South African consumers.

Key responsibilities

• Site identification and feasibility: find, assess and secure new retail sites, evaluating footfall, taxi‑rank flow, competitor presence and catchment income.
• Deal making: negotiate leases, landlord arrangements and obtain municipal or informal‑trading approvals while building relationships with local stakeholders.
• Store build and opening: manage end‑to‑end store development including layout, shop‑fitting, refrigeration, contractors, budgets, timelines and trading licences.
• Operating model and playbook: codify successful processes into a repeatable rollout playbook to accelerate and reduce the cost of new store openings.

Required profile

• Proven track record of developing and opening retail outlets in commuter nodes, townships or rural areas, with specific examples of stores launched.
• Deep understanding of lower‑to‑middle‑income South African consumers, including price sensitivity, pack‑size preferences and cash‑based shopping behaviour.
• Experience delivering store‑build projects on time and within budget, coordinating multiple contractors and workstreams.
• Strong commercial judgement: able to build and defend a site business case and interpret store P&L.
• Operational exposure to high‑volume food retail, wholesale, warehousing or agrifood environments; fresh‑produce experience is a plus.
• Valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel frequently to sites.

Required skills

• Negotiation
• Project management
• Financial analysis (site business case, P&L)
• Stakeholder relationship building

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration with career advancement opportunities in a fast‑growing company.
• Vibrant, high‑performing work environment collaborating with motivated team members.