Africa Based - Commercial Manager

Editec is a successful lottery and sports betting consultancy, supporting clients in over 26 countries across Africa and the Middle East from a network of offices throughout Europe. The company is fast growing, highly successful, has doubled in size over the last few years and has plans for continued expansion. The company is globally recognised as a start-up specialist for gaming operations in emerging markets.

To support our African operations, we are currently on the lookout for an experienced Commercial Manager who will work directly with the Business Development Department in HQ, and Operation and Finance Managers expats teams based locally.

This role will be strongly supported by the specialist business divisions in London. You will have direct accountability for local retail staff and agents as well as have direct impact in establishing and managing all local business divisions across HR, Retail, Accounting, Marketing and IT as well as supporting expansion of Online. This role offers great career prospective which includes progression into Regional Project Manager roles or roles within the Business Development at our HQ in London.

Please note that during the training period, you might be required to rotate between two/three countries to obtain the best level exposure to a range of products, business models and operations at different maturity levels. This training will provide you with a rich base of knowledge to step into an Operation role within either an existing business or to set up an Operation in a new country.

**This position is a hands-on role, requiring field work and visits to local retail stores and work with agents.

Retail and Operations:

• Review and analyse sales statistics for each retail store and provide required directions and advice on how to continue to increase sales.
• Continuously monitor agents' sales patterns and develop "Performance-Related Pay Models," considering factors such as: payments for best sales agents, local income levels, our product pricing and prices of competitors.
• Ensure that the local accounting team makes all sales and cash collections from the agents and shops in an accurate and timely manner.
• Conduct field analysis and map territories to expand network through agents, new retail stores set-up or Franchise agreement (where applicable).
• Ensure Company standards are met across Retail, Marketing and Customer Service.
• Ensure to safely organise payments for all winnings, especially those related to larger payments for lottery winners.
• Prepare OPEX and investment budget projections and detailed cash flow analysis of the business, with P&L responsibility.
• Assist the Operation Manager to propose and organise marketing campaigns to the demographic present in the country/area. Assist in arranging any campaigns in relation to Lottery Winners.
• Conduct market studies to collect customer feedback and generate reports on the findings for the Product and Marketing teams.
• Conduct reviews of the competitors in the given country and produce quarterly reports on their Business actions (product, pricing, marketing etc.).

Compliance:

• Source and negotiate commercial licensing, distribution and supply agreements. Review contracts and ensure all required adjustments are negotiated and amendments are implemented, with the aim of minimising risk while protecting the interest of the business.
• Ensure compliance with the country's legislations and regulations.
• Assist in preparation of documentations and presentations for the local tax office and Gaming Board.

Talent:

• Hiring of local business divisions: HR, Marketing, Accounting, Retail, IT.
• Recruit local agents: normally estimated to range from 200-400 agents in initial project set up. Ensure retention of agents through ongoing training and motivation as well as assistance with choice of best points of sale.
• Tailor or draft training to the specific project/product launch. Ensure to train all agents and staff on any new product releases.
• Provide full training on product, cross-selling techniques and ticket printing machines.
• Act as a role model and train local retail managers on the full scope of Managerial skills.

Requirements:

• Successfully completed university at a BA or Masters degree
• Excellent oral and written English (and ideally with French language skills)
• Proficiency in MS Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Excellent Project Management skills
• Strong analytical skills and can focus on details without losing track of the bigger picture
• Innovative, showing a high degree of own initiative and independent working style
• Capacity to readily adapt to a changing and dynamic environment
• Experience gained preferably across emerging markets (optional)

Success criteria for the role includes: Versatility, management and leadership skills, business knowledge as well as targeted achievements (work ethics and discipline).

Other: You would be required to hold a valid passport and ensure you have obtained all vaccinations required for the given country. The Company will manage all visa applications and arrange transportation and accommodation. The position of the CM may require working and living in challenging environments. The duties listed above are not definitive.