Our client is a leading supplier of a variety of spare parts, accessories and products to the trucking, mining, automotive, power generation and yellow equipment industries across the Region.
This is a newly created role based in Harare.
You are expected to set up the new team to support the business.
The company represents truck sales and a variety of spares and accessories which are more generally applicable across the wider trucking industry and field of general automotive sectors. These include non-trucking product ranges for filtration, lubrication, batteries, shocks, and tyres sourcing and supplying products related to targeted industries with a vast range of products from global brands.
As Country Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all operations within a specific country or region for an organization. You will play a critical role in driving business growth, establishing strategic objectives, and ensuring operational excellence in line with the company’s goals. The Country Manager acts as the primary point of contact between headquarters and the local team, stakeholders, and clients/customers within the assigned country.
The Country Manger reports to the Managing Director.
Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:
- Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve the company’s objectives within the assigned country.
- Conduct market analysis, identify growth opportunities, and formulate market entry strategies.
- Collaborate with headquarters to align country-level goals with overall company strategy.
Business Development:
- Drive business development activities to expand market share and increase revenue.
- Identify potential clients, partners, and key accounts, and establish strong relationships with them.
- Evaluate market trends, competitor activities, and customer needs to develop effective sales and marketing strategies.
Team Management:
- Build and lead a high-performing team, providing clear direction, coaching, and mentoring.
- Set performance goals, conduct performance reviews, and ensure continuous development of team members.
- Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork.
Operations and Compliance:
- Ensure smooth day-to-day operations, including logistics, supply chain, and distribution.
- Implement and enforce compliance with local laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze operational data, and implement improvements for efficiency and productivity.
Financial Management:
- Develop and manage the country budget, ensuring financial objectives are met.
- Monitor and analyze financial performance, identify variances, and take corrective actions when necessary.
- Optimize financial resources and drive cost-effective measures while maintaining quality standards.
Relationship Management:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for local stakeholders, including government authorities, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
- Maintain strong relationships with clients, customers, and partners, addressing their needs and ensuring high satisfaction levels.
- Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Reporting and Communication:
- Provide regular reports to headquarters on country performance, market trends, and business opportunities.
- Communicate effectively with the global management team, sharing insights, challenges, and recommendations.
- Keep the local team informed about company updates, policies, and strategic initiatives.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field. MBA preferred.
- Excellent communicator
- Excellent business acumen
- Good command of the English language, both written and spoken.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
- Excellent ethical and governance knowledge.
- Customer focused.
- High levels of energy and self-motivation.
- Capacity to work under pressure and meet deadlines and achieve targets.
- Strong Market research and analysis skills and ability to read important trends and drivers in market changes.
- Strong understanding of the local business environment, market dynamics, and cultural nuances.
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Proven experience as a Country Manager or in a senior leadership role, preferably in a multinational organization.
- Strategic thinker with a track record of successfully driving business growth.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder management.
- Strong financial acumen and experience in budgeting and financial analysis.
- Problem-solving mindset with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.
- IT knowledge: good understanding of SAP ERP systems; excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word; Excel; PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Experience required (minimum/maximum): 5–10 years in a senior management role involving new business development in relevant FMCG sectors.
The company offers a good salary and benefits
Email Colin