Group Export Manager at The Lion Match Company (Pty) Ltd

THE OPPORTUNITY

• A middle management opportunity has arisen at Head Office for a suitable individual to assume a tactical position in developing and growing the export market for the Group. In this role you will report to the Group Sales and Export Director. In line with our strategy to develop and execute the business’s strategic growth objectives in the Sub Sahara Africa territories and key international markets, the group requires an experienced, self-motivated, highly energized, skilled, professional and performance driven Export Manager who is able to positively engage with customers, build and nurture customer relationships, identify new business, build our brands, manage budgets and profit delivery and work cross functionally in order to get the job done.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• The Group Export Manager will be responsible for identifying and executing a clearly articulated market development plan for key territories within SSA aligned to the overall Sub Saharan growth strategy.
• It will be expected that s/he will identify and research unique insights into the global and local landscape and assess opportunities for competitive advantage using comprehensive market data analysis. S/he will be required to develop relationships with potential distributors and partners and be a key player in providing senior management with transaction recommendations.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

• Responsible for understanding the competitive landscape and key opportunities by analysing the market, category/s and points of entry, with ultimate responsibility for identifying target market growth opportunities within the responsible territories
• Bring strategic thinking, analytics, insight, flexibility and creativity in developing a plan for a successful business model that will be required to build a sustainable & scalable business in the focus territories
• Balance local market needs with those of the Group, bring forward thinking and strategic insight and perspectives that adds value across the product portfolio
• Ensure that the company continues to build its understanding of emerging market consumers, emerging market trends and how to operate successfully within those markets.
• Be accountable for the full profitability of the identified SSA markets including but not limited to resource allocation, market, brand and product investment, setting and meeting of growth and profitability targets and launching of innovation.
• Compiling of management reports, analysis of all data points and ensure that we operate in compliance with differing market legislation and internal processes, systems and corporate governance
• To work jointly with marketing in developing Brand, Product and Customer marketing and sales plans to support the Business’s strategic growth objectives.
   

SPECIFIC ATTRIBUTES

Strong Strategic Thinking

• Crafts ideas, i.e. “create versus execute” of the strategic planning process. This person must be skilled in developing a compelling business case for short and long term plans based on robust financial, consumer, competitor and trend analysis. This person will have the intellect to glean insights from information and lead the organization in how to grow and where to acquire.
   

Sound International Business Acumen

• Thinks broadly, with a keen understanding of specific international markets. Must be able to take conceptual business strategies and ideas and integrate them into the business and financial frameworks of specific territories. Must be able to determine the key drivers of various business strategies and ideas and communicate the essential elements to company executives
   

Analytical Acumen

• Possesses strategic thinking ability, as well as excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical abilities to objectively evaluate a new international market or opportunity 
   

Cross-Cultural Competence

• Interacts comfortably and appropriately with people from different cultures and able to work effectively with people from different parts of the world. Must have a truly global perspective

Communication

• Effectively listens and collaborates, with excellent written communication skills

Team Player

• Builds relationships at every level and is comfortable making decisions required to move the organization forward. 
   

SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong Excel Skills
• Organizational skills (ability to plan, delegate and organize within defined timelines)
• Decision making skills
• Analytical thinking
• Self-disciplined and motivated
• Negotiation skills
• Management skills
• Presentation skills
   

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license
• Relevant tertiary degree/diploma at a recognized institution
• 5 – 8 years sales experience within an FMCG environment
• Sub Saharan Africa / Export market experience
• 3 + years Management /Supervisory skills and experience

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit detailed curriculum vitae to [email protected] by 18th June 2021. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.