This is a challenging Country Manager role within an established Group in the Middle East. Based in Iraq, the Country Manager you will be in charge of the business activities, running the operations .

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AREAS

Establish and run the operation

o Set-up the operation in coordination with the Group Business Development Manager ensuring a strong operation to support the business development plans in the country.

o Lead the recruitment drive with the support of HR in order to have qualified people able to support business expansion

o Set up the financial and legal requirements of the startup, liaise with local lawyers on legal aspects, accountancy consultants on fiscal aspects, banks on financial aspects with the support of Finance teams ensuring all legal requirements are met

o Negotiate with Mall Managers, wholesalers, sub-distributors, modern and trade market channel stakeholders, facility managers, clearing agents and institutional stakeholders ensuring best deals are in place

o Research and recommend optimal locations for warehouse and retail spaces

o Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) ensuring synergies with the Group’s practices

o Create & be accountable for all proposals, contracts & any other documentation for the business ensuring the company’s interests are met at all times

Implement the Group’s strategy in coordination with the Business Development Manager

o Implement the plans of the company to achieve its strategic objectives, raise the name of the company in the market to increase profits.

o Pro-actively collate consumer/trade information (including developments and emerging opportunities), which you will share with the Business Development Manager in order to optimize business development initiatives

o Foster team spirit within the group and effectively interact with Lebanon HQ including COO Distribution, COO Retail & Business Managers to share market intelligence and best practices & to ensure constant alignment with company’s overall objectives.

o Support proactively business development initiatives and monitor the market to have a clear market knowledge, identify competition and bringing new ideas on board

Manage the customer relationships, according to the group's strategy

o Represent The Company’s at industry events, trade shows and government meetings demonstrating a professional attitude & appearance to obtain strategic new leads & contacts.

o Build sound contacts and strong professional relationships with key influential people: government officials, mall tenants, distributors/ potential partners, banks & customers that ensure the group’s strategic, commercial and operational advantage ensuring smooth running of the business.

o Raise the company’s reputation to achieve the target in the market and work to maximize profitability

Manage & control financials

o Implement the proposed action plan and achieve annual KPI’s in coordination with the Business Development and Business Managers to achieve the business strategy

o Achieve and drive sales target, maintain and expand the existing customer base in coordination with the Business Development and Business Managers ensuring profitability targets are met

o Prepare In-depth budgets in coordination with the Business Development and Business Managers and present them to management.

o Prepare a monthly presentation to the Senior Management Team and the Group’s Business Development Committee ensuring management is always updated with KPIs and activities achievements to-date

Build and develop the team

o Build a class A team: manage, motivate, coach, and develop the teams via appropriate constructive ongoing feedback and development programs ensuring teams’ performance is boosted at all times

o Promote ethical business practice and the company’s values among employees promoting best business practices and building the company’s reputation as employer of choice