Offer summary

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA preferred., 7-10 years of experience in operations, licensing, or business management in a senior leadership role., Strong experience in business planning, strategy development, and operational execution, preferably in retail or licensing., Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with a high level of analytical thinking..

Key responsabilities:

Oversee and manage the complete operational function of the licensing business.

Lead strategic initiatives in collaboration with the Finance Director and senior leadership team.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key licensing partners and manage retail planning.

Ensure compliance with laws and regulations while identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies.

Job description

Our client holds the retail license to an iconic and much loved global retail brand in South Africa. This role requires an individual who is highly strategic, operationally savvy, and capable of driving results across all facets of licensing, business operations, and finance.They seek an exceptional Operations Manager to oversee and manage the complete operational function. The incumbent will lead and execute on strategic initiatives with the FD and Senior leadership team. You will be required to lead business planning, operations management with a focus on efficiency, growth and collaboration across all areas of the business. Of vital importance is managing the licensing partner relationships and retail planning.

Key Performance Areas:

Strategic Leadership and Planning

Business Operations Management

Partner and Retailer Relationships

Collaboration with Finance

Team Leadership

Compliance and Risk Management

Strategic Leadership and Planning:

Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with company goals and objectives in the brand licensing sector.

Work closely with the Finance Director to ensure financial targets and budgets are met, and contribute to long-term business planning.

Lead the strategic planning process for the licensing division, defining key milestones, growth opportunities, and risk management strategies.

Ensure that the operational strategy supports overall business goals, with an emphasis on profitability, efficiency, and scalability.

Business Operations Management:

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the licensing business, ensuring smooth workflow and alignment across departments.

Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) with senior leadership to track operational performance and identify areas for improvement.

Optimize processes and systems within the licensing department to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Manage and streamline internal processes related to partner relations, product development, and retail planning.

Partner and Retail Relations:

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key licensing partners, negotiating agreements and ensuring all terms are met.

Collaborate with external and internal stakeholders to ensure products and services are delivered on time and meet partner expectations.

Provide leadership in retail planning, working with the team to manage retail product launches, monitor sales performance, and optimise retail strategies.

Develop initiatives to grow and expand the licensing portfolio with key retail partners and customers.

Collaboration with Finance:

Partner with the Finance Director in financial forecasting, budgeting, and tracking revenue streams within brand licensing.

Collaborate on financial reporting, ensuring accuracy in performance data and alignment with strategic objectives.

Support decision-making by providing detailed operational insights and financial analysis.

Oversee the timely execution of financial transactions related to licensing deals and product sales.

Team Leadership:

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and innovation.

Define roles and responsibilities within the team, ensuring appropriate resourcing and skill development.

Provide regular performance feedback, conduct reviews, and implement professional development programs to enhance team capabilities.

Compliance and Risk Management:

Ensure all licensing operations comply with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Identify risks within the licensing processes and develop mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity and compliance.

Work closely with legal and compliance teams to ensure all contracts and agreements are in line with corporate standards and legal requirements.

Solid understanding of finance and budgeting, with the ability to collaborate effectively with finance teams.

Requirements

Experience in negotiating with partners.
Exceptional ethics and values.
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, or a related field. MBA preferred.
A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in operations, licensing, or business management, with a proven track record in a senior leadership role.
Strong experience in business planning, strategy development, and operational execution, preferably in the retail or licensing industry.
Solid understanding of finance and budgeting, with the ability to collaborate effectively with finance teams.
Demonstrated success in managing partner relationships and retail planning initiatives.
Exceptional leadership, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire teams and partners.
High level of analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with an ability to make data-driven decisions.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving environment while balancing multiple priorities.

Benefits

WFH with a lovely team.
Bonus payments included which will be negotiated.
20 days leave plus 1 additional day leave.
Connectivity allowance given which will cover all business costs related to cell phones and WiFi.
No other benefits.