General Manager : Export Markets

About the Job :

General Manager - Export Markets

Key Purpose : The General Manager - Export Markets is responsible for executing and managing the Africa Export operation. The role involves driving business processes to achieve maximum quality, productivity, and efficiency within the company. The incumbent will formulate strategies and develop new international territories to provide innovative supply chain solutions to the company's customers in line with Group Strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Contribute to and take collective ownership of developing the divisional export strategy aligned with the group strategy, focusing on export operations and commercial outcomes.
2. Optimize, execute, monitor, and control Africa export operations by implementing SOPs, processes, policies, systems, and internal controls to deliver a world-class export service.
3. Ensure export compliance by adhering to all export regulations and customs requirements across all markets.
4. Oversee management and reconciliation of export documentation in line with SARS/Customs requirements.
5. Continuously evaluate and improve export operational reporting mechanisms to support decision-making, utilizing MIS, databases, and other tools.
6. Drive export and in-country sales growth by supporting the Road Division Sales team and engaging with prospective clients as a subject matter expert.
7. Manage client relationships to ensure account sustainability and customer satisfaction.
8. Improve profitability and manage expenses for owned branches in Namibia and Zambia, as well as areas serviced from RSA (e.g., Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi).
9. Ensure the Africa Export operations organizational structure is well-designed, resourced, and optimized to execute the strategy effectively.
10. Promote active communication within the Africa Export teams and foster a high-performing, service-oriented, and collaborative culture.
11. Develop a skilled and engaged workforce through effective recruitment, onboarding, development, and management of talent.
12. Drive continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications and Experience :

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or Transport Economics.
• 7-10 years of supply chain management experience in a similar-sized business, with at least 5 years related to exporting freight (not predominantly customs clearance, but relevant experience is acceptable).
• At least three years of experience in a senior management role.
• Operational planning experience with some strategic management exposure.
• Broad supply chain knowledge within FMCG environments.
• Strong understanding of business value chains and how effective supply chains impact business strategy.
• High-level customs clearance understanding or experience.