Overview

General Manager Jobs in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa at ExecutivePlacements.com

Title: General Manager

Company: ExecutivePlacements.com

Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Recruiter:

Hire Power

Job Ref:

PE000318/JD

Date posted:

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Location:

Durban, South Africa

SUMMARY:

QSR Franchise | Multi-Province Operations | Executive Leadership Role

Location: Durban (with national travel) | Full-Time | On-Site

Remuneration: Highly competitive CTC package | Annual Performance Bonus | Medical Aid | Provident Fund

The Opportunity

This is a rare and compelling opportunity for a seasoned, commercially astute General Manager to step into a newly created executive leadership role within a well-established, high-growth Quick Service Restaurant franchise operating across four provinces in South Africa. Reporting directly to the Principal Owner, you will have full operational accountability across the business — driving revenue growth, instilling corporate-grade systems and structures, and leading a capable senior team. This is a hands-on, high-impact executive role for a leader who thrives in fast-paced, consumer-driven environments and knows how to translate strategy into results on the ground.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies aligned to approved growth, revenue, and profitability targets
  • Monitor market and economic trends; implement corrective actions and report on operational performance versus budget and forecast
  • Lead store network growth, franchising, product development, concept expansion, and acquisition initiatives in line with the franchisor’s brand and development programmes
  • Maintain and elevate operational quality through robust company policies, procedures, and standards consistent with franchisor operating requirements
  • Actively monitor competitor activity and execute proactive marketing strategies to protect and grow market share
  • Ensure rigorous stewardship of company assets, capital expenditure compliance, and financial governance
  • Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with the franchisor, landlords, attorneys, auditors, and other key external stakeholders
  • Provide inspirational, unifying leadership to 5 direct HOD reports — building team cohesion, capability, and succession depth
  • Champion people development, organisational culture, and employee motivation across the full business

Minimum Qualifications

  • NQF Level 7 or equivalent — a Business, Commercial, or Financial qualification is required
  • Advanced proficiency in Excel and relevant business software tools

Experience

  • Minimum 10 years’ experience with strong emphasis on operations, marketing, and finance
  • At least 3 years in a recent General Management role with direct P&L, revenue, and people accountability in a medium-to-large organisation
  • A Quick Service Restaurant or FMCG Retail sector background is essential
  • Proven track record in multi-outlet, multi-site, or retail operations at scale
  • Experience in short- and long-term strategic planning and execution against approved targets
  • Experience working with or within a US-based international company or franchisor environment is advantageous
  • Ideally suited to a South African national

Leadership & Personal Attributes

  • Credible, inspiring leader who builds trust quickly across all levels of an organisation
  • Skilled at balancing diverse personalities, experience levels, and temperaments within a senior leadership team
  • Strong relationship builder and coach with a genuine commitment to developing people
  • Sound commercial judgement with decisive, but measured, decision-making ability
  • High degree of adaptability and change leadership capability — able to drive transformation without unnecessary disruption
  • Exceptional organisational, administrative, and communication skills
  • Visible leader — comfortable spending time in the field to understand operational realities firsthand
  • High energy, resilient, and able to perform consistently under pressure and through periods of sustained intensity

How to Apply

To be considered for this executive appointment, please submit a comprehensive CV by clicking on the green APPLY button >>>

Applications are being reviewed immediately.

Placed by Hire Power Recruitment | Specialist Executive & Professional Search

POSITION INFO:

General Manager (Quick Service Restaurant Franchise)

Upload your CV/resume or any other relevant file. Max. file size: 800 MB.