General Manager - iStore Africa

Core Group Africa (CGA) is a leading technology distribution and retail company, proudly serving as the official distributor of Apple products across Southern Africa, including iStore Stores in various countries, like Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Nigeria. Through our extensive iStore retail network, we offer a wide range of Apple products, accessories, and exceptional customer support. Additionally, we partner with global brands to bring a variety of consumer electronics and technology products to the region.

At CGA (iStore - Africa), we are committed to delivering innovative technology solutions and exceptional customer experiences. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced General Manager to lead our operations, drive strategic growth, and maintain our commitment to excellence in service.

You will be responsible for store operations, in-country business development, and client management.

Join us and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology retail and distribution in Southern Africa.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• Relevant Qualification, degree preferred.
• Strong commercial skills and business acumen.
• 4-7 years of management experience, including team leadership.

Minimum Requirements

• 4 to 7 years of practical managerial experience with a proven track record in a sales, marketing, and customer service-focused environment, particularly in the retail sector.
• Demonstrated success in a target-driven setting.
• Experience working across Africa is advantageous.

Key Performance Areas

Sales & Business Development

• Set and drive sales targets.
• Contribute to budget formulation and manage performance against financial goals.
• Develop and agree on business plans for each store.
• Work closely with the debtors team to manage accounts.
• Provide strategic planning in the education sector.
• Support and assist the existing reseller base in-country.
• Expand the B2B customer base.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to effectively communicate the Apple ecosystem to consumers, corporate customers, and educational institutions.
• Manage and execute in-store events.

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Build, organise, motivate, and lead a high-performance team.
• Inspire and support iStore teams to maximise sales, providing leadership and ensuring team members are managed, coached, and developed.
• Enhance managerial skills and emotional intelligence to foster leadership growth.
• Develop succession planning for Store Managers.
• Proactively recruit and retain high-potential candidates who align with the Apple brand promise, developing innovative recruitment solutions.
• Foster a culture that demystifies the Apple brand, enhances customer service, and increases store traffic, conversion rates, and technical expertise.
• Ensure compliance with all labour legislation and relevant acts.
• Conduct performance appraisals and manage scorecards in line with company policy.

Customer Experience

• Ensure the highest standards of customer engagement and service are consistently met.
• Effectively handle customer conflicts.
• Lead by example with a hands-on and interactive approach to customers, ensuring this ethos permeates the entire iStore team.
• Focus on developing long-term customer relationships and ensure a regional approach to customer engagement.

Training & Development

• Provide daily, on-the-floor coaching to sales staff to improve sales conversion rates—a critical role of the GM.
• Build Store Managers' capacity to effectively coach their teams.
• Ensure high levels of product, technical, and sales skills through intensive and ongoing training, meeting all Apple & Core Group training and certification standards.

Processes & Procedures

• Monitor adherence to company policies and procedures, addressing any non-compliance issues.
• Identify and develop necessary processes to ensure consistent delivery and efficiency in iStores.
• Manage controllable expenses and safeguard stock, cash, debtors, and fixed assets.
• Identify potential risks and recommend improvements to eliminate gaps.
• Ensure all iStore technical infrastructure is operational, maintaining high attention to detail and adherence to company processes.

Stock Management & Merchandising

• Collaborate with the planning team to ensure the correct mix and volume of stock in each store.
• Assist with merchandising layout to create impactful displays and ensure stock rotation to minimise ageing.
• Oversee control of stock and assets, focusing on minimising shrinkage and pilferage.
• Secure business assets and ensure compliance with merchandising guidelines for Apple and third-party products.