Chief Executive Officer - Retail at Leading South African Retailer

Kerfield Recruitment; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a visionary Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for a dynamic retail and manufacturing group. In this pivotal role, you will shape strategies and drive growth across Southern Africa, leading cross-functional teams to ensure organizational excellence and financial sustainability. This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of beauty retail and manufacturing throughout the continent, offering significant leadership challenges and rewards.

Benefits

Incentive Bonus

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership roles within retail and/or supply chain environments.
• Proven track record in managing complex operations and financial oversight.
• Deep understanding of performance metrics and budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement group strategies across various business divisions.
• Maximize returns on capital investment and shareholder value.
• Lead M&A strategy and identify new commercial opportunities.

Skills

strategic leadership

financial acumen

operational excellence

people & culture leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Job description

Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Leading Retail & Manufacturing Group
Johannesburg, South Africa (with regional travel across Southern Africa)

Shape the Future of Beauty Retail and Manufacturing Across the Continent.
An established, fast-growing group operating in the retail and manufacturing space across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Mozambique is seeking a visionary Group CEO. The group comprises a dynamic retail brand with over 170 own-brand outlets in the beauty and personal care sector, supported by a global procurement and manufacturing division that services both in-house and external cosmetic brands.

As CEO, you will play a central role in leading strategy, performance, and innovation across both businesses, with a strong mandate to drive growth, digital transformation, and operational excellence.

The Opportunity
Reporting to the board, the Group CEO will be accountable for setting and executing the strategic direction of the group, ensuring sustainable profitability, and enhancing shareholder value. This is a rare opportunity to lead a recognized brand portfolio and an efficient supply chain arm within one of Southern Africa's most dynamic sectors.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership

• Define and implement short-, medium-, and long-term group strategies.
• Lead cross-functional teams and build a high-performance culture.
• Set and manage performance KPIs aligned to business goals.
• Drive organizational transformation and continuous improvement.
• Champion digital innovation and project execution.

Financial

• Maximize returns on capital investment and shareholder value.
• Ensure sustainable revenue growth locally and regionally.
• Optimize cost structures and oversee capital expenditure.
• Deliver accurate, insightful financial reporting to the board.
• Present actionable quarterly results with clear strategic direction.

Strategic Growth

• Develop and implement robust succession planning.
• Ensure business continuity and operational resilience.
• Lead M&A strategy and identify new commercial opportunities.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, or a related field. Executive leadership development is a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership roles within retail and/or supply chain environments.
• Proven track record in managing complex operations, strategic planning, and financial oversight.
• Skilled in enterprise systems (e.g., Microsoft Dynamics 365), financial analysis, and compliance processes.
• Deep understanding of performance metrics, budgeting, and capital planning.

Leadership Attributes

• High-performance mindset with excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional communication and change management capabilities.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and team leadership experience.
• Willingness to work varied hours and travel regionally and internationally as required.

Why This Role?
This is more than a CEO position - it's a pivotal leadership opportunity to steer a respected, multi-country business into its next phase of growth. You will influence not just strategy and operations, but the future of retail and manufacturing across key African markets.

Ready to Lead at the Highest Level?
Submit your application with a comprehensive CV and a short letter outlining your vision for the group's future. Confidential enquiries are welcome!

Desired Skills:

• strategic leadership
• financial acumen
• operational excellence
• people & culture leadership

Desired Work Experience:

• More than 10 years

Desired Qualification Level:

• Degree

Employer & Job Benefits:

• Incentive Bonus