Overview
We are seeking a highly capable, commercially driven Divisional Head to take full ownership of our Hand Tools division. This is a senior, entrepreneurial role suited to a “one-person engine” who can build, manage, and scale a division end-to-end. The successful candidate will be responsible for strategy, sales, forecasting, product lifecycle management, merchandising, and regional expansion, with a strong focus on rapid growth across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership & Division Ownership
  •  Take full accountability for the division’s P&L, growth strategy, and execution
  •  Develop and implement a clear go-to-market strategy across multiple African markets
  •  Identify new market opportunities, channels, and partnerships
  •  Build and execute a 3–5 year division growth roadmap

2. Sales & Revenue Growth
  •  Drive aggressive revenue growth across wholesale, retail, and distribution channels
  •  Establish, manage, and grow relationships with:
     o Key distributors
     o Retail chains
     o Independent hardware and automotive outlets
  •  Negotiate trading terms, pricing structures, and promotional agreements
  •  Set and manage sales targets, budgets, and performance KPIs

3. Product Management & Development
  •  Manage the full product lifecycle:
     o Product selection
     o Pricing strategy
     o Launches and relaunches
  •  Identify gaps in the range and introduce new products aligned with market demand
  •  Work closely with suppliers and internal stakeholders on:
     o  Product specifications
     o  Quality control
     o  Packaging and positioning
  •  Ensure competitiveness within the industrial and automotive tool segments

4. Forecasting & Supply Chain Coordination
  •  Own demand planning and accurate sales forecasting
  •  Align forecasts with procurement and inventory planning
  •  Monitor stock levels, turnover rates, and working capital efficiency
  •  Mitigate stock-outs and overstock risks
  •  Collaborate with operations/logistics to ensure seamless supply

5. Retail & Merchandising Excellence
  •  Develop and implement best-in-class merchandising strategies
  •  Engage directly with retail buyers and category managers
  •  Design and oversee:
     o  In-store layouts
     o  Product placement strategies
     o  Promotional campaigns
  •  Ensure strong brand visibility and sell-through at store level
  •  Regularly review store execution and optimize display performance

6. Marketing & Promotions
  •  Plan and execute targeted promotional campaigns
  •  Align marketing initiatives with sales objectives
  •  Monitor ROI on promotions and adjust strategy accordingly
  •  Support brand positioning within competitive tool markets

7. Market Expansion (Sub-Saharan Africa)
  •  Identify and penetrate new geographic markets
  •  Develop distributor networks across key African regions
  •  Adapt product and pricing strategies to local market dynamics
  •  Travel as required to build relationships and oversee expansion

8. Financial & Operational Management
  •  Manage division budgets, margins, and profitability
  •  Track and report on:
     o  Revenue
     o  Gross margin
     o  Market share
     o  Inventory performance
  •  Ensure disciplined cost management and commercial decision-making

9. Reporting & Stakeholder Management
  •  Provide regular performance reports to senior leadership
  •  Present strategic plans, forecasts, and results
  •  Collaborate cross-functionally with:
     o  Procurement
     o  Logistics
     o  Finance
     o  Marketing

Candidate Profile

Experience

  •  Minimum 10–15 years’ experience in the hand tools or related industrial sector
  •  At least 5 years in a senior management role
  •  Proven track record in selling hand tools (e.g., spanners, socket sets, automotive/industrial tools)
  •  Strong experience dealing with:
     o  Retail buyers
     o  Distribution networks
     o  Hardware/automotive channels

Skills & Competencies

  •  Strong commercial acumen and P&L management capability
  •  Exceptional sales and negotiation skills
  •  Advanced forecasting and analytical ability
  •  Deep understanding of:
     o  Retail merchandising
     o  In-store execution
     o  Promotional strategy
  •  Ability to operate independently and take full ownership
  •  Strategic thinker with hands-on execution capability
  •  Strong leadership presence without requiring large team structures

Personal Attributes

  •  Highly motivated, driven, and results-oriented
  •  Entrepreneurial mindset (“owner-operator” mentality)
  •  Decisive and accountable
  •  Adaptable and comfortable operating in diverse African markets
  •  Strong attention to detail with a keen eye for retail presentation
  •  High energy with the ability to manage multiple functions simultaneously

Additional Requirements

  •  Willingness to travel extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa
  •  Valid driver’s license
  •  Strong network within the tools, hardware, or automotive sectors (advantageous)

Success Metrics (First 12–24 Months)

  •  Revenue growth and market share expansion
  •  Successful rollout of new product lines
  •  Establishment of key distribution channels in target markets
  •  Improved stock management and forecasting accuracy
  •  Measurable improvement in retail presence and sell-through