General Manager

Asics Italia S.R.L.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

ASICS is seeking a General Manager for its South Africa office in Cape Town. The role involves leading sales, distribution, and marketing strategies while managing financial performance and team development. The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in sales and management within the South African market. Join ASICS to contribute to a team driven by the joy of movement and inclusivity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Management required.
• Over 6 years of relevant working experience in South Africa.
• Minimum 5 years of management experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage sales, marketing, and finance for ASICS in South Africa.
• Develop sales strategies and oversee departmental plans.
• Lead team engagement towards growth vision.

Skills

Sales management

Leadership

Market knowledge

Strategic planning

Education

Master degree in Business Management

Education in Commerce or related discipline

Job description

Be part of a movement that moves the world
At ASICS, we’re more than just a brand; we're a movement. A movement of movement, propelled by the belief that motion strengthens the body and uplifts the mind. Our name itself, an acronym for "Anima Sana in Corpore Sano" (a Sound Mind in a Sound Body), encapsulates this commitment. Since taking our first step in Japan in 1949, our journey has been about more than just reaching the finish lines or clocking the fastest times. It's about the joy of moving and it's open to all.

If you're inspired to move yourself and the world toward a brighter, more inclusive future, we're looking for you.

Here at ASICS, we welcome diversity in our people, their backgrounds and life experiences. So, you could be the right person for this role regardless of your age, nationality, religious beliefs, or gender identification.

Your role in our shared journey
As General Manager located at ASICS South Africa Office in Cape Town, you will be responsible of managing sales, distribution, retail, marketing, finance, purchasing and stock control for ASICS South Africa subsidiary in Cape Town in such a way that it links up with the requirements of the market and the global and European organisation strategy in order to achieve commercial goals for ASICS in South Africa and the neighbouring countries.

Your role will be instrumental in weaving the fabric of our movement, bringing unique perspectives and driving innovation with every step.In the role, you’ll be leading our South Africa Organisation and report into our Director of Emerging Markets.

Your key responsibilities will be:

Strategy - Sales and marketing - ensure customers and ASICS’ teams are positioned to achieve sales growth objectives

• Develop 3 year strategies/yearly plans and make sure these plans are commercialized into tactical plans at the departmental level.
• Develop working methods and procedures, in consultation with the managers of the department.
• Visit Key Accounts and larger market parties to achieve sales and for consultation on sales and marketing programmes.
• Conclude contracts with suppliers and monitor, evaluate and drive their performance.
• Drive the African expansion plan in neighbouring countries incl. Mauritius/Madagascar.
• Make sure SDP, commercial directives and guidelines are respected.

Finance and administration - manage an efficient and compliant organisation that protects profit

• Perform sales and stock management for the territory
• Initiate procedural improvements for purchasing, order processing and the settlement of financial accounting matters relating to South Africa
• Manage on the basis of financial performance indicators in the following areas: stocks, accounts receivable, accounts payable, margin.

Leadership – Engage the team toward the South Africa growth vision and ensure they have the tools, capability and motivation to execute while also implementing the HR policies and achieve a stimulating working climate.

• Instruct, coach and motivate staff.
• Keep up to date on how the employees’ work is progressing, offer support and provide any necessary guidance.
• Make clear agreements with employees with regard to work coordination and required approvals.
• Focus on the development of personal skills and the realisation of goals of direct reports.

Management – ensure the necessary governance and practices are in place to drive growth and support relevant local and European laws

• Develop half yearly, annual and medium-term strategies and - plans for sales, distribution, marketing, and logistics for South Africa and the neighbouring countries. Present strategies and plans to the Director of Emerging Market.
• Control and monitor budgetary progress on a monthly basis.
• Responsible for realising the plans within the set budgets and timelines.
• Support the strategic decision making by drafting reports to the Director of Emerging Markets.
• Report periodically on the progress of activities to the Director of Emerging Markets and Senior Management Functions in AEB.
• Maintains an appropriate staffing level.

Market research - Use consumer-led insights from the local market and incorporates these into actions that grow the South African business and builds profit for ASICS

• Keep abreast of developments, trends and market needs regarding ASICS products and distribution channels in the South African market. Translate this information for use within own organisation.

Representation and cooperation – Internal and External role model of the ASICS’ spirit

• Represent South Africa both within and outside the company.
• Initiate coordination and cooperation with other departments within AEB (eg. functional departments) and with other subsidiaries so as to support the achievement of the own objectives.
• Share knowledge and information with the other Senior Managers in the organization

You have the following skills:

• Master degree in Business Management
• Solid education in Commerce, Business Management, Business economics or related discipline
• > 6 years of relevant working experience in South Africa
• > 5 years of management experience
• > 3 years of working experience in an internationally oriented job
• Knowledge of business and business processes
• Strong sales background (wholesale and retail). Proven sales record.
• Strong knowledge of South African market incl. contacts to top customers
• Affinity with (sports) fashion / sports brands

Life at ASICS
When you join ASICS, you become part of something special. Here, your voice matters, your growth and wellbeing are important. We believe in fostering an environment where every step forward is celebrated, where diversity fuels our journey, and inclusion strengthens individuals. And together and as individuals we can inspire more people to move for body and for mind.

How to Apply
Are you feeling inspired? We'd love to hear from you. Submit your application online and step into a role where you can truly make a difference. Let's move together, step by step, toward an uplifted world.