Area Manager

Our client a leading luxury beauty and fragrance distributor across Sub-Saharan and West Africa seeks an experienced Area Manager to oversee distribution retail and commercial operations across an assigned regional territory. The Area Manager will drive brand performance ensure operational excellence and support market expansion for premium brands across multiple countries and retail channels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Sales & Commercial Excellence

• Set and achieve sales targets across assigned region; monitor performance against KPIs
• Drive distribution across retail travel retail and digital channels
• Build and maintain relationships with key retail partners department stores and distributors
• Implement brand-specific commercial strategies aligned with partner brand guidelines
• Identify and execute market expansion opportunities within the territory

Operations & Logistics

• Oversee supply chain efficiency inventory planning and distribution hub operations within the region
• Ensure compliance with import/customs regulations and local market requirements
• Coordinate bonded warehouse operations and stock allocation to retail partners
• Monitor product availability and address supply chain gaps

Team Leadership

• Recruit train and develop regional sales managers brand ambassadors and operational staff
• Set performance standards and conduct regular performance reviews
• Foster a high-performing team culture aligned with company values
• Manage attrition and skills gap identification

Brand Management & Compliance

• Ensure all retail locations maintain luxury brand standards and visual merchandising guidelines
• Monitor brand compliance pricing consistency and promotional alignment
• Conduct regular store visits and audits across the region
• Report brand health market trends and competitive activity

Reporting & Strategy

• Provide monthly/quarterly performance reports to senior leadership (sales margins market share)
• Develop and execute regional business plans aligned with corporate strategy
• Identify regulatory compliance and operational risks
• Support product launches and promotional campaigns

Travel

• Regular travel between multiple countries within assigned region (estimated 4050% of time)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5 years experience as Area Manager Regional Manager or equivalent in FMCG luxury retail or distribution
• Proven track record of achieving sales targets and driving business growth in African markets
• Strong leadership and team development experience
• Knowledge of supply chain logistics and inventory management
• Fluency in English; French or additional African languages a plus
• Valid drivers license and willingness to travel extensively

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in luxury beauty fragrance or premium consumer goods distribution
• Familiarity with Sub-Saharan or West African markets and regulatory environment
• Experience with multiple retail channels (department stores independent retailers travel retail)
• Knowledge of CRM/distribution software and performance analytics

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic thinking and business acumen
• Commercial awareness and sales orientation
• Leadership and people management
• Communication and stakeholder relationship management
• Resilience and adaptability in complex multi-market environments
• Problem-solving and operational excellence mindset