To oversee the operations, develop the business and increase profitability within a specific country, ensuring increased market share and client satisfaction through operational excellence. Further, to take accountability for the growth of clients and thus Smollan through the provision of value adding retail solutions.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables:
Operational Strategy and Tactical Plans within the Country

• Participate in strategy sessions and provide valuable input relative to Country operations

• Translate the business strategy into practical business objectives and ensure communication across all levels of the business

• Oversee the day-to-operations within the country to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of operational objectives

• Design and implement appropriate risk management processes

• Anticipate future trends or threats that may impact on the overall strategic direction of the organization and develop an action plan to ensure appropriate follow-through

• Lead the business review process with clients

Management of Operational Objectives

• Collaborate with the Operations Team to ensure efficient and smooth running of day-to-day operations

• Develop and oversee short-term tactical plans to meet objectives and enhance performance

• Review performance against agreed targets and objectives and measure the execution of plans

• Analyse data-driven insights to determine trends and challenges

• Continually gather and analyze performance reports to ensure objectives are achieved

Achievement of Profitability, Targets and Sustainability

• Devise a new business development strategy and implementation plan for the country

• Identify and define key target market segments/service offering and opportunities for growth

• Critically evaluate own business and propose new business opportunities

• Ensure profitability, continued growth and sustainability of the respective country

• Create and implement a structured plan to achieve set targets and revenue growth

• Drive sales and ensure that targets are met through the development of new business and existing clients

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Implement, manage and monitor budgets to ensure all financial objectives are met, providing regular financial reports to relevant stakeholders

• Manage the budgeting process and use influence to gain approval with regards to budget requirements

• Negotiate budgets with relevant stakeholders and gain approval and sign-off

• Oversee the compilation of annual and project-based client budgets as per needs

• Ensure that forecasting is accurate with the appropriate level of accountability

• Establish service models, set cost levels and any additional financial controls relative to bottom line requirements

• Take responsibility for profit and loss, including monitoring of expenses and resource allocation

• Ensure appropriate liabilities management processes are implemented and maintained throughout the country

Stakeholder Management and Client Engagement

• Actively build and maintain effective relationships with clients, customers and internal stakeholders

• Manage client expectations and ensure the effective flow of information

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders as a means to ensure objectives are met

• Partner effectively with relevant stakeholders to ensure implementation of business activities

• Build cross-functional relationships and encourage collective accountability

• Advise, influence, negotiate and make presentations to clients and internal stakeholder at all levels across the business

• Proactively manage stakeholder updates and communication of key business processes and practices

Effective Leadership and People Management

• Through effective inspirational and practical leadership, facilitate the creation of an accountable, full-service team who understands and strives to meet the needs of all client, customer and group objectives

• Create and encourage a culture focusing on delivery of objectives

• Continually inspire, motivate and develop people to understand what is expected of them (cocreate a team / organizational culture of high accountability)

• Take full responsibility for performance of all direct reports, motivating and managing them in relation to quality standards and agreed benchmarks and objectives, focusing on all aspects of sound people management:

• Recruitment
• Development
• Remuneration and Rewards
• Performance Management
• Career path planning
• On-the-job training, coaching & mentoring

Minimum Qualifications:
Relevant tertiary degree. Business/Sales qualification preferable.
Minimum Experience: 8-10 years’ relevant experience, with at least 5 years’ experience as a senior resource within an FMCG organization.

Key Competencies:
Transformative leadership Judgement & decision making
Change leadership
Emotional maturity Coaching & development of others
Team leadership
Impact & influence
Diversity empowerment
Critical thinking
Conceptual thinking
Establishing networks
Industry & business awareness