Store Leader – Old Khaki (Waterfall) | Role Overview
The Store Leader position at Cape Union Mart International, specifically within the Old Khaki brand, is a senior retail management role focused on driving sales performance, operational efficiency, and team leadership within a high-turnover retail environment. Although the listing references Waterfall, the location provided indicates Rustenburg, North West, suggesting either a relocation or internal placement within the company’s store network.
This role is designed for an experienced retail professional who understands both the commercial and people management aspects of running a large store, particularly within a fashion or lifestyle retail environment.
Role Purpose
The core purpose of the Store Leader role is to ensure that the store achieves its financial and operational objectives. This includes meeting or exceeding sales budgets, maintaining profitability, and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly according to brand standards.
In practical terms, the Store Leader is responsible for the overall performance of the store, including sales growth, stock management, customer experience, and staff leadership.
This is a high-responsibility position where success is measured through sales results, customer satisfaction, operational compliance, and team performance.
Key Responsibilities
1. Sales Performance and Revenue Growth
A primary responsibility is to ensure the store consistently meets and exceeds its sales targets.
This includes:
- Driving daily and monthly sales performance
- Identifying opportunities to increase revenue
- Ensuring staff are actively selling and engaging customers
- Monitoring performance against budgets
The Store Leader must actively guide the team to maximise every sales opportunity and ensure strong commercial performance.
2. Financial Management and Store Profitability
The role involves managing the financial health of the store, including controlling costs, monitoring expenses, and ensuring profitability.
This includes:
- Budget control and tracking
- Financial reporting oversight
- Managing operational costs effectively
- Ensuring compliance with financial procedures
Strong financial discipline is essential, especially in large retail environments with significant turnover.
3. Stock and Merchandising Control
Stock management is a critical function in retail leadership. The Store Leader must ensure that stock is well managed, properly displayed, and aligned with brand standards.
Responsibilities include:
- Monitoring stock levels and availability
- Minimising stock loss and shrinkage
- Ensuring proper stock replenishment
- Maintaining visual merchandising standards
- Ensuring correct product mix on the sales floor
This ensures that customers always have access to the right products in the right presentation format.
4. Customer Experience and Service Excellence
Delivering exceptional customer service is a key expectation. The Store Leader must ensure that every customer interaction reflects positively on the Old Khaki brand.
This includes:
- Ensuring staff deliver consistent service standards
- Resolving customer complaints effectively
- Creating a welcoming and engaging store environment
- Driving customer loyalty and satisfaction
Customer experience is directly linked to repeat sales and brand reputation.
5. Team Leadership and Human Resource Management
A major part of the role is leading and developing the store team. This includes recruitment, training, motivation, and performance management.
Responsibilities include:
- Recruiting and onboarding staff
- Scheduling and payroll administration
- Coaching and performance management
- Building a motivated and accountable team
- Creating a positive workplace culture
Strong leadership is essential to ensure staff are aligned with company values and performance expectations.
6. Compliance and Operational Standards
The Store Leader must ensure that all company policies and procedures are followed consistently.
This includes:
- Health and safety compliance
- Operational procedures and store policies
- Loss prevention and risk management
- Administrative accuracy
Compliance ensures the store operates within legal and corporate standards.
7. Stakeholder and Supplier Relations
The role also involves building and maintaining strong relationships with internal teams and external service providers.
This may include:
- Head office support teams
- Suppliers and logistics partners
- Service providers linked to store operations
Strong communication ensures smooth operational execution and issue resolution.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
- Minimum of 5 years’ store management experience
- At least 8 years’ retail experience overall
- Experience managing a store with turnover exceeding R20 million per annum
- Strong computer literacy (Microsoft Office proficiency)
- Clean criminal record
- Strong communication skills at all levels
These requirements highlight the seniority and responsibility level of the role.
Key Behavioural Competencies
Success in this role depends heavily on leadership capability and personal attributes. The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
Leadership and Ownership
The ability to take full responsibility for store performance and lead by example.
Results Orientation
A strong focus on achieving targets, improving performance, and driving measurable outcomes.
Customer Focus
A commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences consistently.
Adaptability
The ability to manage change, handle pressure, and adjust strategies when needed.
Relationship Building
Strong interpersonal skills for managing teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Integrity and Honesty
Especially important when dealing with cash handling, stock control, and financial reporting.
Working Environment
The Store Leader operates in a fast-paced retail environment where daily performance can be influenced by customer traffic, seasonal demand, and market trends.
The role requires working weekends, retail hours, and peak trading periods. It is highly hands-on, meaning the Store Leader is expected to be actively involved on the shop floor, not just in office-based management tasks.
The environment is dynamic and performance-driven, with a strong emphasis on teamwork, customer engagement, and operational excellence.
Career Growth Opportunities
Within Cape Union Mart International, Store Leaders can progress into higher retail leadership positions such as:
- Area Manager
- Regional Manager
- Retail Operations Manager
- Brand Manager
Because Old Khaki is a well-established retail brand, strong performers often move into multi-store leadership roles or corporate head office positions.
Final Summary
The Store Leader role at Cape Union Mart International is a senior retail leadership position requiring strong commercial awareness, people management skills, and operational discipline.
It is best suited to experienced retail professionals who can balance sales performance, team leadership, customer service, and financial control in a high-pressure environment.
This role offers both responsibility and opportunity, especially for individuals who are motivated by targets, leadership challenges, and building successful retail teams.
