Country Managing Director

Primeserv Denverdraft; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 4,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Primeserv Denverdraft in South Africa seeks a proven senior leader to own the SA country P&L, shape strategy across FMCG categories, and drive growth across retail, e-commerce, professional, and pharmacy channels. You will guide brand and portfolio decisions in partnership with regional GMs and lead the executive team to build an inclusive, high-performing culture.

Key focus areas include governance, regulatory compliance, and sustaining strong relationships with government, regulators,

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in FMCG, beauty, or consumer goods with senior P&L ownership.
• Experience as Country/General Manager or senior divisional leader with 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 preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the South Africa country strategy aligned with Zone and Group priorities.
• Identify growth opportunities across categories, channels, and consumer segments.
• Lead long-term portfolio and brand strategy decisions in partnership with divisional GMs.
• Own full country P&L, drive top-line growth and efficiency across divisions.
• Oversee pricing strategy, trade terms, and key retailer negotiations.
• Lead and develop the country Executive Committee and leadership team.
• Foster a high-performing, diverse and inclusive culture; drive talent development.
• Ensure governance, compliance, and risk management across regulatory, financial, and ethical aspects.
• Oversee supply chain, manufacturing where applicable, and distribution excellence.
• Represent SA with government, regulators, media, and industry associations.
• Build strategic relationships with key retailers, distributors, and community partners.
• Collaborate with Zone leadership to align SA strategy with Sub-Saharan Africa objectives.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L/Commercial acumen

People leadership

Stakeholder relations

Financial analysis

Multi-channel FMCG experience

Executive presence

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business / Commerce / Marketing or related field

MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification

Job description

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 Client’s sustainability commitments..

External Representation & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the Client’s 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.

Candidate Profile:

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 - able to inspire, develop, and align diverse teams.
• Strong external stakeholder and government relations experience.
• Deep understanding of South African consumer, retail, and regulatory landscape.
• Financial acumen with strong P&L management experience.
• Excellent communication and executive presence.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required (Business, Commerce, Marketing, or related field).
• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification strongly preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong business consciousness.
• High cultural intelligence and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Resilient, decisive, and comfortable operating in ambiguity.
• Aligned with the values: Passion, Innovation, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Open-mindedness, Quest for Excellence.

Leadership Competencies

• Innovator: Dares to challenge the status quo, brings creative solutions to quality processes, and embraces digital transformation and new tools within the distribution center.
• Strategist: Anticipates operational risks, sets clear quality objectives, and aligns continuous improvement initiatives with broader supply chain goals.
• Collaborator: Fosters strong teamwork across warehouse operations, supply chain, HR, and external partners, building shared accountability for product integrity.
• Integrator: Connects compliance, safety, and operational performance; efficiently coordinates resources to drive high standards without compromising speed.
• People Developer: Empowers and supports team members, promotes a culture of continuous learning, and encourages high engagement around quality and safety awareness.

Please note:

Should you not meet the minimum requirements or hear from us within 14 days from date of advertising, please accept your application as being unsuccessful.