Area Operations Manager at a Multi-branch Business via Smart Partners – Lagos

A multi-outlet business is recruiting an Area Operations Manager in Lagos to lead branch managers, oversee daily outlet performance, uphold quality standards and improve customer service and profitability.

Department: Operations

Job Summary

The Area Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and overall performance of multiple outlets within the business. The role ensures that all branches operate efficiently, meet established performance targets, maintain product and service quality, and comply with company policies and operational standards.

The successful candidate will provide leadership to branch managers, monitor business performance, control operational costs, and implement strategies that improve productivity, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Multi-Branch Operations Management

• Oversee the daily operations of all assigned outlets and ensure compliance with company policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct regular branch visits, operational inspections, and performance reviews.
• Ensure consistency in product quality, service delivery, hygiene, and general operational standards.
• Identify operational challenges across branches and implement timely solutions.
• Ensure smooth coordination between outlets, production, warehouse, and logistics teams.

Staff and Team Management

• Supervise and provide leadership to branch managers and other operational personnel.
• Monitor staff attendance, punctuality, productivity, and general conduct.
• Ensure adequate staffing across outlets and identify training needs.
• Address performance issues, workplace conflicts, and disciplinary concerns.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold branch managers accountable for results.

Financial and Cost Management

• Monitor branch revenue, expenses, and overall operational performance.
• Implement measures to control food costs, wastage, stock losses, and other operating expenses.
• Monitor branch budgets and ensure responsible resource utilisation.
• Identify revenue leakages, financial irregularities, and unnecessary expenses.
• Recommend strategies to improve outlet profitability.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

• Monitor stock availability and ensure timely replenishment across outlets.
• Work closely with procurement, production, warehouse, and logistics teams to prevent stock shortages.
• Ensure proper stock handling, storage, documentation, and accountability.
• Monitor product wastage, expiry, damages, and inventory discrepancies.
• Ensure efficient movement of finished products and supplies between locations.

Customer Experience and Quality Assurance

• Ensure consistent customer service standards across all outlets.
• Monitor customer feedback and ensure complaints are promptly addressed.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation requirements.
• Conduct routine quality checks to maintain product consistency.
• Implement corrective measures where service or product quality falls below expectations.

Reporting and Performance Monitoring

• Review daily, weekly, and monthly branch performance reports.
• Monitor key operational indicators, including sales, costs, stock losses, customer complaints, and staff productivity.
• Prepare periodic operational reports for management.
• Identify underperforming outlets and develop improvement plans.
• Recommend operational policies and process improvements to management.
• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured using the following indicators

• Revenue and sales growth across assigned outlets.
• Branch profitability and operational cost efficiency.
• Reduction in stock losses, product wastage, and inventory discrepancies.
• Compliance with operational procedures and food safety standards.
• Customer satisfaction and reduction in customer complaints.
• Staff attendance, productivity, retention, and performance.
• Timely submission and accuracy of operational reports.
• Achievement of branch performance targets.
• Consistency of product quality and service delivery across outlets.
• Expected Outcomes

The Area Operations Manager is expected to ensure that

• All outlets operate efficiently and consistently.
• Branch managers are accountable for their teams and business performance.
• Operational costs are controlled and profitability is improved.
• Stock shortages, wastage, and operational losses are minimised.
• Customers receive consistent product quality and service.
• Management has accurate and timely information for decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or HND in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• 5–7years’ relevant operations management experience, preferably within QSR, hospitality, FMCG, or food production.
• Proven experience supervising multiple outlets or business locations.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams, budgets, inventory, and operational performance.
• Strong understanding of food safety, quality control, and customer service standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting tools.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and coordination abilities.
• Financial awareness and cost-control capabilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and decision-making.
• Ability to manage multiple locations and competing priorities.
• High level of accountability, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and deliver results.