Core Group represents some of the world’s most valued and beloved brands in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our mission is to empower individuals and organisations with the world's leading personal technology products and services. We are the leading distributor of Apple in Sub-Saharan Africa and have represented the brand in South Africa since 1995. We also distribute other major brands such as DJI and Nintendo.

Our responsibilities are comprehensive and include supply chain management, marketing management, channel management, enterprise sales, and media relations. Our territory of operations encompasses Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Position Summary
The Country Manager for iStore Africa in Botswana will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the consumer electronics business, ensuring operational efficiency, driving sales growth, and enhancing customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the electronics industry, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of the Botswana market.

Qualifications

• Senior Certificate
• Degree preferred (advantageous)
• Strong commercial skills and business acumen

Experience Required

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in a sales, marketing, and customer service-focused environment, with a proven track record in target-driven roles
• Experience within the local Telco space
• 4+ years of management experience, including team leadership

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning and Execution

• Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve business objectives and sales targets.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities to expand market share.

Sales and Business Development

• Drive sales initiatives to increase revenue and profitability.
• Focus on distribution and availability of the full Apple product range in the channel.
• Manage key accounts and develop relationships with major clients, distributors, and partners.
• Analyse market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.

Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day operations, including supply chain management, inventory control, and logistics.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and company policies.
• Optimise operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Team Leadership and Development

• Build, organise, motivate, and lead a dynamic, high-performance team.
• Inspire, motivate, and support the team to maximise sales through distributor, retail, B2B, and B2E channels.
• Provide leadership and ensure team members are effectively managed, coached, and developed.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development.

Financial Management

• Prepare and manage budgets, forecasts, and financial reports.
• Monitor financial performance and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.

Marketing and Brand Management

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility and market presence.
• Coordinate promotional activities and events.
• Manage relationships with advertising and PR agencies.

Customer Service and Support

• Ensure the highest standards of customer engagement and service.
• Handle customer conflicts effectively and ensure long-term customer relationships.
• Implement customer feedback mechanisms to improve service quality.

Regulatory and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations related to the electronics industry.
• Maintain ethical standards and corporate governance practices.

Key Performance Areas
Sales and Business Growth

• Meet and exceed sales targets by Line of Business (LOB) agreed each quarter.
• Provide input into budget formulation and manage performance in line with budget.
• Develop and agree on a business plan for each partner.
• Manage debtors in close liaison with the debtors team.
• Grow the B2B/B2E base and support reseller base.
• Manage and execute in-store events.

Customer Experience

• Ensure the highest standards of customer engagement and service are set, measured, and met.
• Focus on developing long-term customer relationships.

Training

• Coach sales staff to increase sales conversion rates.
• Ensure team members meet all Apple and Core Group training and certification standards.
• Ensure partners participate in Apple training as required.

Process & Procedures

• Ensure all company policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
• Monitor adherence and address any non-compliance issues.
• Be accountable for safeguarding stock, cash/debtors, and fixed assets.

Stock

• Ensure stores have the correct mix and volume of stock.
• Assist in merchandising layout and ensure stock rotation to minimise aging.
• Oversee control of stock items and assets.

Merchandising

• Conduct customer/store/retail visits for displays, compliance, and stock levels.
• Ensure stores are merchandised in line with the relevant Apple Programme and third-party guidelines.

Key Competencies

• Communication: Clear and effective expression of ideas.
• Service Focus: Commitment to customer satisfaction.
• Flexibility: Adaptability to different situations.
• Efficiency: High standard of performance.
• Risk Identification: Proactively report and manage risks.
• Entrepreneurship: Openness to new opportunities.
• Conflict Management: Mature engagement in creating solutions.

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel within Botswana and internationally as required.
• Valid driver's licence.