Country Managing Director

Executive Placements · Kensington

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Define and execute the country's overall business strategy, aligned with Zone and Group priorities.
Identify growth opportunities across categories, channels (retail, e-commerce, professional, pharmacy), and consumer segments.
Lead long-term portfolio and brand strategy decisions in partnership with divisional General Managers.

P&L and Commercial Performance

Own full country P&L, that is, sales, profitability, market share, and investment allocation
Drive top-line growth and operational efficiency across all divisions.
Oversee pricing strategy, trade terms, and commercial negotiations with key retail partners.

People & Organisational Leadership

Lead and develop the country Executive Committee and broader leadership team.
Build a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive organisational culture.
Drive talent development, succession planning, and capability building across functions.

Operations & Governance

Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management (regulatory, financial, ethical).
Oversee supply chain, manufacturing (where applicable), and distribution excellence.
Ensure alignment with the Clients sustainability commitments..

External Representation & Stakeholder Management

Serve as the Clients primary spokesperson in South Africa with government, regulators, media, and industry associations
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key retail, distribution, and community partners
Represent the country's interests and market realities to Zone and Global leadership

Cross-Functional & Regional Collaboration

Partner closely with Zone leadership to ensure South Africa's strategy supports broader Sub-Saharan Africa objectives.
Champion South Africa as a hub for regional innovation, talent, and market learnings.

Experience

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in FMCG, beauty, or consumer goods, including senior P&L ownership.
Prior experience as a Country/General Manager, or senior divisional leader with demonstrated readiness for country leadership.
Proven track record of driving commercial growth and leading transformation in complex, multi-channel markets.
Experience navigating the South African and/or broader African business environment strongly preferred.

Leadership & Skills

Strong strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to translate vision into execution.
Exceptional people leadership

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