Executive Manager-Distributor Business (SADC & SA) at Bridgestone South Africa (Pty) Ltd

ABOUT THE ROLE
Job Purpose

• The Executive Manager – SADC Markets is a regional role, based in Johannesburg, South Africa reporting directly to the Sales Director – Southern Africa. 
• The scope of the role covers leading the Sales function in Bridgestone’s entity in SADC for PCR and TBR.
• Management of SADC Independent Distributors
• Management of SA TBR Independent Distributors
• Management of the Mobility Solutions in SADC and SA with respect to TBR
• Collaboration with Webfleet Solutions
• The Executive Manager is responsible for the complete tyre business of Bridgestone across Passenger and TBR tires in DRC, Zambia, Malawi, Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana as well as South Africa, Lesetho and Eswatini TBR business.
• The scope of the role is to be directly responsible for full P&L of the geographic area. The Executive Manager is responsible for delivering the required financials in the annual budget, and the company’s strategy both in delivering the volumes and AOP.  The role acts as a business consultant with exceptional stakeholder management, ensuring best practices are followed by our partners across all areas; also, that the Company’s short- and long-term goals are met. 

Main responsibilities and activities

Preparing and executing the sales strategy

• Responsible for the activities of extended sales team within specified region, across all product categories
• Working with the consumer and commercial teams to set the annual, bi-annual and quarterly sales plans, by brand
• Coordinate with PBU to help set the correct price strategy taking into account competition, market dynamics and internal cost structure
• Responsible for driving the Company strategy to be a mobility solutions partner both in consumer and commercial business

Business planning

• In charge of preparing the short and medium term plans and providing rolling forecast each month, and communicating to relevant stakeholders
• Accountable for the implementation of annual marketing plans
• Work in collaboration with the sales team and partners to develop accurate rolling forecast, by size, for short and medium term
• Work collaboratively with sales team to present internal and external business review
• Responsible for driving the branch business in line with the company business cycle, ensuring all processes are adhered to

Sales & profitability of the region

• Responsible for the delivery of volume and value target, by partner, product category and brand
• Actively participate and support sales managers in negotiation of pricing with customers
• Deliver the profitability vs budget and previous year, by mastering volume, price and mix

Key stakeholder management

• Work collaboratively to champion a cross functional workplace, specifically with the marketing and pricing departments
• Act as a business partner, engaging with key stakeholders both internally and externally and communicating effectively across the board
• Engage regularly with the trade to establish good relationships with opinion leaders, key dealers, wholesalers and the fleet team
• Provide effective leadership for the team
• Responsible for establishing the team structure and building competencies to ensure the team performs to the best of their ability
• Work in collaboration with HR to ensure the best talent is recruited for each role
• Ensure compliance of all applicable local legislations and BSMEA guidelines
• Responsible for implementation of legal guidelines and advice in respect of compliance and applicable local regulations related to sales and relationship with distributors
• Responsible for adherence to Bridgestone’s Code of Conduct within team and external relationship.

Qualifications & Experience Required
Education, Master, other certification

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (required)
• Master’s degree (preferred)
• Relevant industry/professional certifications (advantage)

Experience (years)

• 8–10 years relevant experience
• Experience in fast-paced, matrix, multinational environments
• Tyre industry experience (essential)
• Africa market exposure (advantage)
• Willing to travel frequently

Technical Skills

• Analytical and strategic problem solving
• Industry/market knowledge (tyres)
• Data interpretation and decision support
• Business systems/tools proficiency

Language Skills

• Excellent written and verbal English
• Additional regional languages (advantage)

Soft / Behavioral Skills

• Ownership and accountability
• Cultural sensitivity
• High impact communication
• Results oriented
• Collaboration and adaptability