General Manager - Africa

SUMMARY:
An established industrial distribution business with ambitious growth plans across Africa is looking for an experienced Africa General Manager to lead its strategic expansion and long-term commercial development across Sub-Saharan Africa.
This is a senior role for a commercially astute, entrepreneurial leader with proven experience establishing and growing businesses in African markets. The role combines market expansion, business development, operational establishment, major project pursuit and stakeholder management.

POSITION INFO:
The Role: The Africa General Manager will take responsibility for developing and executing the organisation's Africa growth strategy, identifying attractive markets and opportunities, establishing sustainable country operations and building the commercial and organisational capability required for scalable growth. Key responsibilities include: Develop and execute the long-term Africa expansion strategy. Identify and evaluate new markets, developing robust commercial business cases and market-entry strategies. Establish and grow operations in selected African countries, from feasibility and planning through to operational launch and ongoing performance. Build a strong pipeline of major commercial, industrial, mining, energy and infrastructure opportunities. Develop strategic relationships with customers, governments, regulatory bodies, EPC contractors, consultants, suppliers and other key stakeholders. Identify and negotiate strategic partnerships, agency and distribution agreements and joint venture opportunities. Lead strategic tender and project pursuits across African markets. Build local leadership and operational capability, including recruitment, development and mentoring of country teams. Establish the support structures required for effective cross-border operations, including legal, tax, logistics, customs, import\/export, treasury and HR support. Manage country, political, commercial, legal and financial risk and ensure appropriate governance and compliance. Develop annual Africa and country business plans, budgets, forecasts and performance measures. Deliver sustainable revenue growth, profitability, market share and return on investment. Provide strategic input to the executive level and build an effective, high-performance Africa team. Experience & Background: The successful candidate is likely to offer: 8 - 10 years' management experience , with significant exposure to African markets. A relevant commercial or business qualification would be advantageous. Proven experience establishing, launching and growing businesses, branches or operations in Africa. Strong commercial and financial acumen with a successful track record in business development. Experience in cross-border trade and commercial multi-market negotiations. Strong understanding of African business environments, market-entry considerations and country risk. Experience leading multicultural and geographically dispersed teams. The ability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Africa. Experience within industrial distribution, in an engineering, industrial infrastructure, electrical, mining or energy-related environment would be advantageous. Exposure to international logistics, supply chain and major project environments is advantageous.