South Africa: General Manager – Distillery posted by Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment

Overview:
My Client an established and fast-growing distillery in Uganda is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its operations, drive sales growth, and oversee end-to-end processes across production, distribution, and brand development. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in the liquor industry, proven leadership skills, and the ability to scale both domestic and regional markets while maintaining excellence in operations, compliance, and customer satisfaction.

NB: My client would like to consider Indian Nationals / Expats for this role particularly if they have had similar experience in Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Develop and execute strategic plans to achieve business objectives, growth targets, and market expansion.
• Identify and capitalize on new business opportunities within local and regional liquor markets.
• Strengthen the companys position as a leading player in the spirits industry through innovative sales, marketing, and distribution strategies.

2. Liquor Distribution & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee the full liquor distribution process, ensuring efficiency, regulatory compliance, and quality standards.
• Manage the supply chain from raw materials procurement through to finished product delivery.
• Establish robust logistics, warehousing, and distribution networks to support product availability and customer satisfaction.

3. Sales, Marketing & Merchandising

• Lead the sales and marketing team to achieve revenue goals and increase brand visibility.
• Develop merchandising strategies to maximize product placement, brand awareness, and consumer demand.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with distributors, retailers, and key stakeholders.

4. Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure production, quality control, and bottling processes are executed efficiently and in line with industry best practices.
• Maintain compliance with Ugandan laws, tax regulations, and international liquor standards.
• Implement systems and processes to improve productivity, minimize costs, and maximize profitability.

5. People Management & Leadership

• Provide leadership, coaching, and development opportunities for teams across production, sales, and operations.
• Drive a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Align organizational structure and staffing with long-term business goals.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (Masters degree preferred).
• 12+ years of professional experience, with the majority spent in the liquor, beverages, or FMCG industry.
• Strong background in liquor distribution, supply chain management, sales, and marketing.
• Proven ability to lead a distillery, brewery, or similar operation at a senior level.
• In-depth knowledge of liquor regulations, excise management, and market dynamics in East Africa or comparable markets.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial acumen with a results-driven mindset.

What My client Offers:

• Competitive executive-level remuneration package paid in US$ nett.
  • Local living allowance
  • Accommodation : single or family status
  • Cost of all visas and work permits covered by the company
  • Annual Leave
  • Return air tickets to point of origin annually
• Opportunity to lead one of Ugandas premier distillery operations with strong growth potential.
• A dynamic work environment where innovation, excellence, and leadership are highly valued.

Application Process:
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter highlighting relevant achievements and experience. Contact Direct:

Email : *****@*****.co.za or WhatsApp: (***)***-****769