Posted 7 weeks ago

Area Manager (Gauteng Region)

Lindt & Sprüngli (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd South Africa, LSA - ZAF - Remote - Lindt Johannesburg
Remote Full Time

Job description

Are you a born ENTREPRENEUR who loves to INNOVATE or do you prefer driving COLLABORATION with a sense of RESPONSIBILITY and a touch of EXCELLENCE? If you answered yes, then we want to hear from you. Applying for a job at LINDT is an easy process. Simply click APPLY and follow the steps to upload your application. Position Purpose To, implement and manage all aspects of operations for the portfolio of Lindt Chocolate Stores. Build a dynamic culture of Lindt ambassadors who deliver a world class customer experience, whilst achieving operational efficiencies and profitability. Ensure operational excellence in people management, recruitment, retention & succession planning, training & development, hygiene & food safety, WH&S, and achievement of budgets and sales targets. Key

Responsibilities

Effective Leadership Build a dynamic culture of high performance and excellence through effectively managing, developing, inspiring and challenging teams to achieve goals To develop and enhance excellence in our customer service by leading a cohesive and dynamic team who are highly regarded by all Lindt customers Conduct weekly managers meetings to discuss training & labor requirements Manage each store in line with agreed target ratios on labor and stock shrinkage Assist with the annual sales plan for the retail business Analyze and recommend optimal service models for each store Operate within the forecasted operational budget and provide input into the development of the budget Ensure that the quality aspect of all products sold in the store reflect the Lindt standards Ensure all aspects of retail operations, including staff presentation and performance is in line with corporate objectives for the brand. This includes supporting budget planning and managing approved budgets together with Store Managers to deliver results on budget Coordinate staff in accordance with business requirements and manage the maintenance of staff rosters Project Manage the below processes for the expansion of the retail business Develop the team of staff for new stores via succession and recruitment Provide support for the successful opening of new stores Build a cohesive team of Lindt ambassadors who are highly regarded by all Lindt customers, internal and external, delivering exceptional customer service Inspire leaders by providing them with the tools to succeed Actively mentor and ensure positive engagement with all Lindt teams Ignite a passion for Lindt, the company, the brand and its products with all team members Actively engage direct reports with emotional intelligence Create an entrepreneurial mindset with the Store management teams, instilling a work ethic of ownership and accountability Actively enforcing policies and procedures Ensure all teams are observing the company Code of Conduct and actively embracing the Lindt Credo Operational Efficiency and Profitability Maintain a sale driven culture and support teams in delivering sales targets and business growth Provide tools and support to Store Managers in achieving operational efficiency through effective rostering and achievement of labor and shrinkage budgets Manage business expenses by operating within budgeted OPEX and reviewing costs to the business to identify areas for improvement Review, enhance and provide analytical reports on all topics relevant to business operations in order to improve efficiency and performance Review and maximize all local store marketing opportunities Achievement of all set KPIs and when necessary creation of action plans to address areas of improvement Managing Store presentation and merchandising standards, ensuring all directives are implemented as per guidelines Hygiene and Food Safety Ensure that all products sold in the Stores reflect the Lindt quality standards Ensure OHASA standards are strictly observed to Lindt South Africa standards Prepare for, and provide actions to internal audits to ensure compliance Training & development Actively assess training and development needs of direct reports Prepare and deliver on training plans for direct reports Oversee training and development of Store teams, encouraging talent pipeline Manage and oversee the Talent Management Program Develop a long-term training strategy and plan implementation for new and existing employees People and Performance Management Manage and advise on people management to build a culture of high performance Prepare monthly people reviews for succession planning Oversee and advise on recruitment and selection of regional team members Develop a sound working knowledge of the Labor Law governing employees’ employment ensuring compliance Administration Undertake regular on-site visits to all Stores Conduct internal audits and prepare reports and action plans to ensure compliance and improvements Create documents and templates to support administration functions and controls Work closely with the Head/Director of Retail to ensure the best possible role-out of the marketing plan in stores for both seasonal and core products Ensure Lindt Internal Control Systems are being followed by all Stores Professional handling of customer complaints within 24 hours Oversee Store Manager’s response to customer complaints Hold regular formal & informal Store team meetings Supervising and coordinating team movement across Stores in accordance with the business requirements Incentive Program Develop and implement incentive programs for all Store employees and measure effectiveness. Analyze daily sales figures for Stores and compare to forecasted figures. Provide sales information to staff and utilize in incentive programmes Participate in setting of targets & contribute to action plan to achieve these targets Analyze the complete stock control/inventory management system in order to minimize stock wastage and discrepancies. Provide monthly report on stock discrepancies Workplace Health & Safety Ensure compliance to OHASA in all Stores Ensure notice boards are up to date with evacuation procedures Ensure that all first aid kits are fully stocked and not expired Ensure that all staff are trained and operate within all OHASA policies, procedures and responsibilities Ensure OHASA standards are strictly observed Oversee return to work programs for workers compensation cases Maintain safe work areas through leadership and education in all Stores Knowledge, Skills &

Experience

Proven track record of managing multiple branches/locations successfull

Experience

in overseeing large teams and ensuring operational efficiency Demonstrated ability to meet and exceed sales and performance targets Hands-on experience with audits, compliance checks, and reporting Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities Analytical thinking with data-driven decision-making Time management and ability to prioritise competing demands Relevant degree Looking to grow your career in a dynamic, international setting? Join the Lindt & Sprüngli Group! Together, we thrive to achieve our bold ambitions, powered by our purpose and unique culture of community and mutual support – rooted in a proud tradition, yet always evolving to stay ahead and set new standards. Across our diverse local teams, we think globally and act locally – empowering people to grow, take ownership and shape a sustainable future together. We are a responsible “employer of choice” who provides an inspiring people experience. Together, we build trust, drive innovation, and grow – as individuals and as a business. Lindt & Sprüngli has been enchanting the world with chocolate for over 180 years. The long-established Swiss company with its roots in Zurich is a global leader in the premium chocolate category. Lindt & Sprüngli produces quality chocolates today at its 12 factories in Europe and the USA. Its products are sold by 41 subsidiaries and branch offices in around 620 of its own stores as well as via a network of around 100 distributors around the globe. With around 15,500 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales of CHF 5.92 billion in 2025. Our commitment to contributing to a sustainable tomorrow is a key element driving the company’s actions and ambitions. Since 2008, the Lindt & Sprüngli Farming Program has been our Responsible Sourcing Standard for cocoa.

Skills and functions

  • Marketing
  • Operations