Job Description

Area Managers are responsible for ensuring the proper and effective operation of the business. This role requires individuals to oversee the day-to-day work and operations of in-country/area employees to ensure adherence to organizational guidelines. The role may also require creating and implementing new operational standards and providing local expertise for the proper functioning of the area.

Duties and Key Areas of Responsibility Area Management & Operations

• Prioritise and roll out strategic business plans, tactical/operational plans, initiatives, and directives with the necessary guidance from Head Office.

• Provide training, development, and mentoring to the regional team, its managers, leaders, and staff to ensure business performance, operational excellence, and effectiveness.

• Communicate with and maintain strong relationships with service providers, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders within the region.

• Optimize and oversee operations to ensure efficiency within the area.

• Conduct sound financial management to ensure service points are profitable and remain within budget.

• Address problems by providing creative and practical solutions.

• Assist upper management in decisions related to expansion or acquisition.

• Ensure that all customer service initiatives are implemented.

• Oversee the total management of both company-owned and third-party branches and truck stops.

• Provide support and input into the rollout of best operating practices, processes, procedures, policies, stock planning, service level KPIs, as well as floor layouts and overall appearance.

• Ensure adherence and compliance with best operating practices, processes, procedures, policies, and health, safety, and environmental standards.

• Monitor, manage, and improve stock levels and cash-up accuracy to prevent stock-outs and minimize theft.

• Support the development and design of best-practice service level agreements.

• Ensure all service stations have up-to-date service level agreements in place and maintain compliance with company standards.

• Monitor, manage, and improve service levels at both sites and stations to ensure customer satisfaction, volume growth, and economies of scale.

• Monitor, manage, and reduce input costs to improve profitability and competitiveness.

• Plan and schedule annual visits to all sites and stations, with increased frequency to Pareto sites (20% of sites that contribute 80% of the volume).

Sales

• Provide local support in the execution of sales and/or marketing plans as directed by the Head of Sales & Marketing.

• Grow existing customer utilization across both current and new corridors, products, and services by understanding performance metrics per product, service, customer, service point, branch, diesel truck park, and country.

• Analyze competitor and customer insights to identify growth opportunities and propose action plans to drive sales.

• Conduct regular market visits to assess route coverage, competitor activity, and continuously seek new opportunities to grow regional sales.

Finance

• Provide input into the development and design of finance, cost-saving, and budget plans in collaboration with the Finance and Operations team for the specific area.

• Monitor and ensure performance, delivery, and adherence to cost-saving initiatives, budget plans, and spending policies by all staff and sites.

• Ensure operational readiness and compliance during internal and external audits.

Regulatory, Compliance, Governance, and Legal

• Collaborate closely with the Legal & Compliance Department to identify and manage organizational risks within the appropriate risk frameworks and policies in line with local requirements.

• Participate in initiatives to identify regulatory and operational risks and implement mitigation strategies as guided by the Legal & Compliance Department.

• With support from the Legal & Compliance Department, identify, develop, and manage key regulatory and licensing relationships to ensure ongoing compliance with company policy and local legislation.

People / Human Resources (HR)

• With support from the HR Department and in line with prescribed HR processes and procedures:

  • Ensure recruitment of high-caliber employees to build and sustain a high-performance culture across the area.

  • Ensure that all permanent and temporary employees have up-to-date employment contracts in accordance with company policy and local legislation.

  • Implement and promote a high-performance culture aligned with the company’s pay-for-performance philosophy.

  • Address all non-performance, non-compliance, and misconduct issues formally and promptly, according to company policy and local legislation.

  • Proactively manage team members to ensure continuous performance improvement and growth.

Requirements

• B.Com / Business-related degree or equivalent qualification.

• Master’s degree in Business Administration is an advantage.

• Valid passport and driver’s license.

• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

• Broad experience across sales, logistics, operations, finance, business development, and corporate affairs.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to identify and capitalize on opportunities.

• Proven track record in managing a business or business unit.

• Strong conflict management and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated competence in all areas outlined in this role.

• Ability to speak multiple languages (depending on the area).

• Advanced written, verbal, and listening communication skills.

• High levels of resilience and adaptability.

• Proven team management capability.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Solid understanding of the relevant industry.

• Excellent negotiation skills.

• Strong commercial acumen and the ability to manage strict budget controls.

• Highly organized with excellent administrative skills.

• Clear, logical communicator with persuasive presentation abilities.

• Strong team builder who fosters collaboration.

• Ability to effectively present, convey, and promote ideas and initiatives.

• Interacts professionally, patiently, and confidently with others.

We are looking for individuals who embody the client’s values:

• We say it, mean it, do it

• We find a way

• We change the game

• We help each other thrive

We are committed to growing our people, helping them become the best version of themselves, and providing opportunities for growth within the organization—if they want it and work hard for it.