Managing Director – LWMD

Main job function

An opportunity for an experienced and hands-on retail management specialist to join a  long established, South African business in a new role.

Key responsibilities

• Full P&L responsibility for revenue, gross margin and EBITDA across 11 branches
• Ensure rigorous cost-control – every expense measured on return on investment
• Focus on free cash flow: the job is judged on free cash generated, freeing up excess working capital, not just overall profitability
• Working capital:
  • stock levels, ageing and slow-movers
  • debtors book and credit control on trade accounts
  • creditor and supplier terms
• Reporting:
  • lift the pace and standard of monthly reporting with the existing FD team
  • faster month-end close
  • real rolling cash flow projections that are actively used to run the business, ensuring the procurers of stock are aligned with the sales – systems and forecasts in place that inform both buying and sales decisions
• Practical fixes over big projects: improve what we have, while being cost-conscious;
• Operationally hands-on: in the branches, warehouse and buying every week; close to stock, pricing, customers and staff
• Buying and supplier management: local manufacturers and import suppliers, range decisions, pricing and margin discipline
• Driving sales: trade/contractor accounts, developer projects and retail walk-in conversion
• Setting branch targets and holding managers to them: sales, margin, shrinkage, stock counts, staffing
• Monthly reporting to the Holdco CEO; weekly discussions with Holdco CFO.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience within a retailer / distribution within the building or home improvements sector at MD, GM or 2iC level
• Experience of working within a multi-branch retail/trade business.
• Strong relationships and network in a relevant industry – suppliers, manufacturers, importers, contractors
• Proven track record of growing profit and cash, not just revenue
• Very strong on working capital: stock, debtors and creditors
• Track record of reducing costs and improving cash conversion
• CA(SA) or a finance background advantageous though not essential

Criteria

• Hands-on operator who knows the business from the shop floor up.
• Pragmatic and solutions-oriented: Fixes problems with what’s available rather than reaching for consultants or new systems.
• Holds branch managers, suppliers and customers to account
• Decisive, pragmatic, with high common sense.

Remuneration: R2m – R2.5m p/a CTC

A Consultant will be in touch if you are shortlisted for the position. Please consider your application unsuccessful should you not have been contacted within 2 weeks. We will keep your CV on our database and contact you should you match the criteria of any other vacancies.