General Manager, South Africa

at  Cofix

Cofix is a lifestyle-focused coffee brand with a unique offering that is as bold as it is straightforward. We were founded with the mission to make every guest’s experience exemplary while offering high-quality coffee and food at fair prices. Since our inception, we’ve pioneered the fixed-price model, championing simplicity and value in every interaction.
Over the years, our footprint has grown significantly - now, we are proud to serve you from over 450 stores across six countries worldwide. Recognized by Forbes as one of the most profitable franchisesand hailed as one of the fastest-growing brands in Europe by FoodService Magazine, we’ve proven that commitment to quality and value resonates globally.
But we are not just about growth - we are about excellence. With the honor of being a top 20 coffee brand in Europe and consistently ranking in the top 10 in each of our operating markets, we’ve established ourselves as a beloved staple in the communities we serve. At Cofix, we are more than just a brand. We are a home away from home where quality, affordability, and experience meet. We welcome you to join us in this exciting journey as we continue to transform the coffee industry.
About Cofix South Africa
At Cofix South Africa, you have the incredible opportunity to join the founding team of our newest market as we set our sights on becoming one of the top chains in South Africa and beyond. This isn’t just a job, but a chance to propel a successful brand into a new era of exponential growth. With this growth comes endless opportunities for professional development and the chance to build your career alongside the success of our expanding business.
We are not your typical company. We’re known for our open and experimental culture that thrives on innovation. At Cofix, every idea matters, and we’re always eager to experiment, learn, and grow. We offer you the unique opportunity to not just work for a company, but to help shape it. You’ll be building a new venture, backed by the strength of a proven model and a global support system.
Tasks

The General Manager (South Africa) serves as Cofix Global’s in-country representative and is responsible for overall operations, business development, and P&L within their respective operating region. Within new operating regions, the GM is tasked with market deployment of the Cofix concept, to include all requisite research, planning, and execution activities. To effectively manage operations, the GM should possess sector-specific experience and knowledge and a deep understanding of the Cofix brand, business model, operational philosophy, and product/service offerings. As GM, you will:

• Launch an innovative and rapidly-growing European coffee concept in the South African market
• Conduct thorough analysis of local market dynamics and competitive conditions
• Build and develop an efficient and energetic regional team
• Develop detailed strategic plans and ensure on-time project deliverables
• Establish comprehensive objectives for performance and growth
• Lead team to inspire maximum performance and commitment
• Execute upon business development plans for the South African market
• Draft and submit both routine and ad-hoc reports to HQ
• Participate in lease negotiations (as applicable) to ensure that Cofix achieves its strategic and operational objectives
• Coordinate all activities related to the opening of new corporate-owned stores
• Provide exemplary leadership and support to franchisees within the operating region
• Identify and engage high-potential and high-performing entrepreneurs to expand the regional franchisee base
• Manage multiple ongoing projects in an efficient and prioritized manner
• Conduct risk management assessments with respect to operations and projects and undertake appropriate mitigation or escalation, as needed
• Conduct research (both remotely and on-site) into emerging and high-potential markets within South Africa and develop a working list of such locations by market priority
• Actively manage initial site selection & planning efforts for corporate stores, including identifying the availability of leasable premises
• Oversee all aspects of facility construction and/or tenant improvement projects
• Coordinate, in concert with the CEO, COO, Master Franchise partner, and/or other relevant HQ staff, the competitive bid review process to ensure Cofix achieves quality work/services with fair and appropriate pricing
• Documents, obtains approval for, and tracks all changes in project or operational parameters. Provides detailed reports and notifications as appropriate and communicates project status to CEO, COO, Master Franchise partner, and other stakeholders

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, preferably in a business-related subject such as Business Administration; MBA or other advanced degree preferred but not required
• Experience in Account Management, Sales, Management Consulting, Business Development or roles with similarly broad scope
• Strong business acumen; superb communication and negotiation skills
• Proven quantitative analytical capability and project management skills
• Deep customer focus, high level of detail orientation, and strong ability to effectively prioritize and multitask
• Familiarity with Excel and presentation skills
• Must have experience in the coffee, cafe, restaurant, or other F&B retail industry
• Fluency in English; Russian is a plus.
• Some international travel may be required

• Launch an innovative and rapidly-growing European coffee concept in the South African market
• Conduct thorough analysis of local market dynamics and competitive conditions
• Build and develop an efficient and energetic regional team
• Develop detailed strategic plans and ensure on-time project deliverables
• Establish comprehensive objectives for performance and growth
• Lead team to inspire maximum performance and commitment
• Execute upon business development plans for the South African market
• Draft and submit both routine and ad-hoc reports to HQ
• Participate in lease negotiations (as applicable) to ensure that Cofix achieves its strategic and operational objectives
• Coordinate all activities related to the opening of new corporate-owned stores
• Provide exemplary leadership and support to franchisees within the operating region
• Identify and engage high-potential and high-performing entrepreneurs to expand the regional franchisee base
• Manage multiple ongoing projects in an efficient and prioritized manner
• Conduct risk management assessments with respect to operations and projects and undertake appropriate mitigation or escalation, as needed
• Conduct research (both remotely and on-site) into emerging and high-potential markets within South Africa and develop a working list of such locations by market priority
• Actively manage initial site selection & planning efforts for corporate stores, including identifying the availability of leasable premises
• Oversee all aspects of facility construction and/or tenant improvement projects
• Coordinate, in concert with the CEO, COO, Master Franchise partner, and/or other relevant HQ staff, the competitive bid review process to ensure Cofix achieves quality work/services with fair and appropriate pricing
• Documents, obtains approval for, and tracks all changes in project or operational parameters. Provides detailed reports and notifications as appropriate and communicates project status to CEO, COO, Master Franchise partner, and other stakeholder