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

January 14, 2026 Jobs in South Africa

Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment

South Africa

Food & Beverage

Job Description

Overview

GENERAL MANAGER POTABLE SPIRITS

(Full P&L Responsibility)
Location: Kampala, Uganda (with regional East Africa oversight)

Role Overview

A leading East African producer and marketer of premium potable spirits is seeking to appoint a highly accomplished General Manager Potable Spirits. ( business unit focused on drinkable distilled alcoholic beverages – such as whisky, gin, rum, or vodka).This is a senior executive leadership role with full end-to-end Profit & Loss accountability, responsible for driving sustainable growth, brand leadership, and operational excellence across Uganda and selected East African markets.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the incumbent will provide strategic, commercial, and operational leadership for a diverse portfolio of bottled spirits, including premium gin, rum, and vodka brands. The role requires deep expertise in the alcoholic beverages sector, particularly within regulated excise environments.

* Please note that my client would like to consider Indian Nationals with previous / current experience in this industry sector – East and West Africa.

Key Purpose of the Role

The General Manager will be accountable for:

Defining and executing the long-term business strategy for the potable spirits division
Delivering profitable revenue growth while optimising excise, tax, and cost structures
Expanding regional market presence and strengthening brand equity
Ensuring full regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Commercial Leadership

Develop and execute comprehensive business strategies aligned to Uganda and East African market dynamics.
Identify and capitalise on growth opportunities across product portfolios, new SKUs, pricing strategies, and regional expansion within EAC markets.
Lead market entry and route-to-market strategies, balancing volume growth with margin optimisation.

Financial Management & P&L Ownership

Own full P&L responsibility, including revenue growth, operating margins, excise cost management, and cash flow performance.
Prepare and manage annual operating plans, budgets, and rolling forecasts.
Implement rigorous financial controls to ensure profitability, cost discipline, and capital efficiency.

Sales, Marketing & Brand Development

Oversee national and regional sales strategies, distributor and sub-distributor performance, and channel optimisation.
Strengthen brand equity through compliant, responsible marketing, trade activation, and consumer engagement initiatives.
Develop pricing frameworks that reflect excise duties, tax structures, competitive positioning, and market realities.

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Operations, Compliance & Governance

Ensure strict compliance with all excise laws, URA requirements, and regional regulatory frameworks governing alcohol production and sales.
Maintain robust internal controls, audit readiness, and corporate governance standards.
Act as the senior point of accountability for regulatory authorities, auditors, and key stakeholders.

People & Leadership

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multicultural leadership team across sales, marketing, finance, operations, and supply chain.
Foster a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
Drive succession planning and leadership capability development within the business.

Candidate Profile

Minimum Requirements

Graduate degree is essential; MBA in Marketing or Comercial Business Degree with Finance strongly preferred.
Minimum 20 years senior-level experience within the potable spirits, FMCG, or alcoholic beverages sector.
Proven track record managing large, regulated spirits businesses with full P&L responsibility.
Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of excise structures, taxation, and compliance in emerging markets.
Demonstrated experience in distributor management, regional expansion, and brand building.

Personal Attributes

Strategic, commercially astute, and results-driven leader.
High integrity with strong governance and compliance orientation.
Confident executive communicator capable of operating at Board level.
Willing and able to be based in Uganda with regional travel as required.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements and are willing to work in Uganda are invited to apply in confidence.

Contact Person: Gordon Mollett
Email: .za
Mobile / WhatsApp: (***)***-****69

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.

About Food & Beverage Jobs in South Africa

The food and beverage industry in South Africa is a thriving sector that employs a diverse range of professionals across the country. Typically, job seekers in this field can expect to find opportunities in both the formal and informal sectors, with many roles available in restaurants, cafes, bars, and hospitality establishments. Generally, these roles cater to a wide range of clients, from individuals seeking casual dining experiences to large corporate events.

When it comes to salaries for food and beverage professionals in South Africa, typically, experienced candidates can expect broad salary ranges that vary greatly depending on factors such as the size of the company, industry sector, and level of responsibility. For example, senior management positions in larger establishments or companies within the hospitality industry often command higher salaries, while entry-level roles may be more competitively priced. However, it’s essential to note that actual salaries can differ significantly from these broad ranges due to individual circumstances.

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Common skills required for food and beverage professionals include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Typically, candidates with experience in food preparation, customer service, or hospitality management are well-equipped to succeed in this field. Other important skills often include attention to detail, time management, and adaptability. In some cases, knowledge of wine and spirits, food safety regulations, and inventory management may also be beneficial.

The food and beverage industry is a diverse sector that encompasses various types of establishments, including restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels. Typically, these roles are available in industries such as hospitality, tourism, retail, and manufacturing. In the technology industry, companies often require professionals with expertise in food safety, inventory management, or customer service to support their operations.

For those looking to establish a career in the food and beverage industry, typical progression paths include starting as an entry-level server or kitchen assistant before moving into more senior roles such as shift manager or team leader. Opportunities for advancement may also arise through vocational training programs, culinary arts courses, or management development initiatives.

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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