POSITION: COO - Botswana
LOCATION: Gaborone, Botswana

Position Summary
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a key member of the executive leadership team,
responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Enterprises across all markets.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will drive operational excellence
and efficiency, ensure consistent service delivery, and implement strategic initiatives that
support the company's growth objectives. This role requires a dynamic leader with extensive
retail experience, a deep understanding of the Southern African market, and proven ability to
build and grow high-performing teams in challenging environments.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and executive team to develop and execute the company's operational strategy
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans with measurable outcomes
• Lead the development and implementation of company-wide operational policies and procedures
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and profitability
• Balance standardization for efficiency with localization for market relevance across multiple countries

Multi-Country Operations Management

• Oversee all retail operations across our store network in Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia
• Ensure consistent operational standards while adapting to local market requirements
• Manage complex cross-border operations including varying regulatory environments and currencies
• Optimize our network of distribution centres to support multiple store formats efficiently
• Implement inventory management strategies to maximize availability while minimizing waste
• Develop frameworks that achieve operational consistency while preserving critical local adaptations

Supply Chain Excellence

• Lead end-to-end supply chain operations from procurement through last-mile delivery
• Develop strong local supplier relationships while maintaining quality and cost standards
• Optimize distribution networks across challenging infrastructure environments
• Drive improvements in inventory turnover and working capital management
• Ensure supply chain resilience and business continuity across all markets
• Champion private label development to enhance margins and differentiation

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing operations team across multiple countries and cultures
• Build and grow teams capable of thriving in challenging, resource-constrained environments
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer service excellence
• Implement talent development programs to build operational capabilities at all levels
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across diverse operational functions
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives throughout the organization
• Manage change effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic retail environment

Operational Excellence

• Establish and maintain best-in-class operational standards across all store formats
• Monitor and improve key operational metrics including sales productivity and cost efficiency
• Implement robust compliance frameworks for health, safety, and regulatory requirements
• Drive margin improvement initiatives while maintaining our value positioning
• Optimize labour productivity and scheduling across our workforce
• Ensure operational readiness for promotional activities and seasonal peaks

Technology & Systems Collaboration

• Ensure operational readiness for technology implementations and system upgrades
• Champion data-driven decision-making through effective use of analytics and reporting tools
• Collaborate on automation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency
• Support the implementation and optimization of D365 and other retail systems

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and business partners
• Represent the company with key stakeholders including government officials and community leaders
• Collaborate closely with Finance to ensure operational efficiency and cost control
• Work with Marketing to ensure seamless execution of promotional strategies
• Partner with Human Resources to build organizational capabilities

Qualifications and Requirements
Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Operations Management, or related field (Required)
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or relevant field (Preferred)
• Professional certifications in project management, supply chain, or retail management
• (Advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in retail operations (Non-negotiable)
• At least 5 years in a senior executive role (COO, VP Operations, or similar)
• Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-site retail operations
• Essential experience operating in Southern African markets
• Demonstrated success in building and growing teams in challenging environments
• Experience with value retail formats and price-conscious customer segments
• Track record of driving operational improvements and cost optimization
• Experience managing operations through periods of growth or transformation

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional leadership with proven ability to build and inspire diverse teams
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across all organizational levels
• Strategic thinking balanced with hands-on operational execution
• Financial acumen with P&L management experience
• Change management expertise in complex environments
• Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse markets
• Ability to balance standardization with local market adaptation

Technical Requirements

• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) or similar ERP platforms
• Strong understanding of retail management systems and supply chain technologies
• Familiarity with data analytics and business intelligence tools
• Knowledge of inventory management and demand planning systems
• Understanding of current retail industry trends and best practices

Personal Attributes

• Results-oriented with a track record of achieving ambitious targets
• Passionate about operational excellence and continuous improvement
• Customer-focused mindset with commitment to serving communities
• High integrity and ethical standards
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments
• Collaborative approach with ability to influence without authority
• Comfortable with ambiguity and rapid change
• Willingness to travel extensively across the region (40-50% travel required)

Key Success Factors
First Year Priorities

• Establish operational baseline and identify key improvement opportunities
• Build strong relationships with country teams and key stakeholders
• Implement quick wins to demonstrate operational impact
• Develop comprehensive operational strategy aligned with business goals
• Strengthen team capabilities and fill critical talent gaps

Ongoing Focus Areas

• Drive consistent improvement in operational metrics
• Enhance customer experience across all touchpoints
• Optimize costs while maintaining service quality
• Build scalable operations to support growth
• Foster culture of continuous improvement

What We Offer

• Highly competitive executive compensation package
• Performance-based incentives aligned with company success
• Opportunity to lead transformation in a major regional retailer
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• The chance to make a significant impact on communities across Southern Africa
• Dynamic, entrepreneurial work environment