Core Group represents some of the world’s leading technology brands across Southern Africa and is best known as the distributor behind Apple and the home of iStore. Our business focuses on delivering world-class retail experiences, strong channel partnerships, and exceptional customer service in the consumer electronics space.

We are looking for a highly driven Programme Manager – Channel Operations to lead the operational performance of a national retail sales channel made up of retail partners and in-store Sales Promoters. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment and enjoys managing people, performance, and operational excellence at scale.

Role Overview

The Programme Manager – Channel Operations will be responsible for the end-to-end management of retail channel operations across multiple store locations nationally.

This includes leading a team of in-store Sales Promoters, ensuring strong commercial performance, maintaining operational standards, driving brand execution, and providing valuable market insights to support strategic decisions.

Key Responsibilities

Retail Channel & Operations Management

• Manage the day-to-day operations of approximately 60 in-store Sales Promoters across multiple retail locations.

• Ensure consistent execution of retail standards, policies, and operational processes across all stores.

• Drive sales performance and ensure achievement of channel targets.

• Conduct regular store visits nationwide to monitor operational compliance and retail excellence.

• Continuously review and improve operational processes in line with best practice.

• Manage multiple internal and external stakeholders across various operational initiatives.

People Management

• Manage attendance, productivity, and performance of Sales Promoters across the channel.

• Lead performance management processes including coaching, development plans, and corrective action where required.

• Support the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new Sales Promoters.

• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and results.

Visual Merchandising & Brand Execution

• Ensure consistent visual merchandising standards aligned to brand guidelines.

• Monitor promotional execution, display quality, and overall in-store brand presence.

• Collaborate with retail partners to optimise product placement and store visibility.

Stock & Pricing Management

• Oversee stock replenishment processes to reduce out-of-stock situations.

• Monitor inventory levels and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure product availability.

• Conduct regular price checks to ensure pricing accuracy and market competitiveness.

Competitor & Market Insights

• Gather and analyse competitor insights from store visits.

• Provide structured feedback on competitor promotions, pricing, and market trends.

• Support strategic decision-making with on-the-ground retail intelligence.

Reporting & Administration

• Compile weekly and monthly performance reports.

• Track sales trends, KPIs, and operational metrics.

• Maintain accurate records relating to attendance, performance, and compliance.

Requirements

• 4–5 years’ experience in a similar retail channel management or project/programme management role within the consumer electronics industry.

• Matric certificate (essential).

• Relevant tertiary qualification will be advantageous.

• Proven experience managing field sales teams or in-store promoters across multiple locations.

• Experience setting and managing sales targets.

• Strong operational management capability within a retail environment.

• Experience with visual merchandising and in-store brand execution.

• Understanding of stock management and retail pricing structures.

• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

• Willingness to travel extensively between stores nationally.

Key Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management

• Commercial acumen

• Operational excellence

• High attention to detail

• Analytical thinking

• Problem-solving ability

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced retail environment

Why Join Core Group?

At Core Group, you’ll be part of a business that sits at the centre of premium technology retail in Africa, working with world-class brands and partners. You’ll have the opportunity to influence retail execution at scale while working with high-performing teams in a dynamic and innovative environment.