Detailed Career Description

Stellenbosch Square Fuel Station - General Manager Dorp Street

Puprpose of the Role:

The General Manager oversees all aspects of a Shell service station’s operations – including the fuel forecourt, convenience store, and in-store Vida e Caffè coffee shop – ensuring the site runs smoothly, safely, and profitably. This role provides overall leadership and coordination across all departments, working closely with the Convenience Manager (responsible for the shop and Vida) and the forecourt team to ensure operational excellence, compliance, and profitability. The General Manager is ultimately accountable for delivering operational excellence and upholding the Shell brand at the site.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Overall Site Operations: Provide overall leadership for the site, ensuring smooth coordination between the forecourt, convenience store, and Vida e Caffè operations. Support and guide the Convenience Manager and Forecourt Supervisors to achieve Shell’s operational, safety, and service standards. Ensure all checklists and compliance routines (opening/closing, HSSE, cleaning, etc.) are executed consistently.
• Staff Leadership & Scheduling: Lead and mentor the broader site team through direct reports including the Convenience Manager and Forecourt Supervisors. Ensure effective delegation, accountability, and collaboration across departments. Manage performance and discipline through the respective team leaders, ensuring consistent communication and daily coordination meetings.
• Inventory & Stock Management: Ensure proper stock management controls are followed through the Convenience Manager (Shop & Vida) and Forecourt Supervisors. Maintain oversight of wet-stock reconciliations and conduct periodic audits to verify compliance. Review stock and sales reports provided by sub-managers to ensure ordering and wastage are within acceptable limits.
• Sales & Target Achievement: Monitor site-wide performance across all departments. Collaborate with the Convenience Manager and Forecourt Supervisors to identify opportunities for growth, implement pricing or promotional strategies, and achieve overall profitability targets.
• Customer Service Excellence: Ensure exceptional customer service is delivered at all times in all areas of the site. Train staff in customer care and resolve customer issues promptly, ensuring consistent delivery of the Shell Customer Commitment standards.
• Compliance & Safety: Serve as the site’s primary compliance officer for HSSE. Ensure all departments (Forecourt, Shop, Vida) comply with Shell’s safety, security, and environmental standards. Conduct routine inspections, implement corrective actions, and maintain documentation for audits.
• Financial Management & Reporting: Oversee site-level financial performance, ensuring daily and monthly reconciliations are completed accurately. Consolidate reports from the Convenience Manager and Forecourt Supervisors to prepare complete operational and financial summaries for head office.
• Merchandising & Promotions: Manage merchandising and promotional activities within the convenience store and Vida café. Ensure that damaged or expired products are removed, and proper records of items nearing expiration are maintained. Coordinate with Shell HQ and reps for in-store marketing and promotional execution.
• Site Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance and presentation of the facility and equipment. Ensure that fuel pumps, point-of-sale systems, refrigeration, and coffee machines are in working order, coordinating repairs or maintenance services promptly. Maintain overall site cleanliness and appearance in line with Shell’s brand image (forecourt, restrooms, shop, and café areas). Ensure strong internal controls over cash management and POS systems through Supervisors.
• Stakeholder & External Engagement: Represent the site at Shell, franchise, and supplier meetings. Build strong working relationships with Shell Territory Managers, auditors, and service providers to ensure alignment and operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Experience: Proven experience (approximately 5+ years) in fuel retail, convenience store, or related retail management is essential . Experience managing a busy filling station or forecourt with a quick-service restaurant/café is highly advantageous.
• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and management skills – able to lead a diverse team, delegate tasks, and maintain staff discipline and morale . Proven ability to train, develop, and motivate team members to deliver exceptional performance.
• Communication & Customer Service: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills , with a customer-centric attitude. Must have a passion for customer service and the ability to maintain high customer satisfaction levels, consistent with Shell’s service standards .
• Financial & Analytical Acumen: Strong numerical ability and understanding of basic accounting/reporting. Capable of managing budgets, analyzing sales and inventory reports, and controlling operational costs. Experience with daily cash-up reconciliations and inventory management processes is important .
• Technical Skills: Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and experience using point-of-sale and inventory management systems to monitor sales and stock levels .

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements are invited to submit an updated CV together with a covering letter detailing your fit and experience in terms of the key responsibilities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.