Published 2026-02-01
Overview
GENERAL MANAGER – POTABLE SPIRITS - LIQUOR & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
(Full P& L Responsibility)
Location: Kampala, Uganda (with regional East Africa oversight)
Role Overview
A leading East African producer and marketer of premium potable spirits is seeking to appoint a highly accomplished General Manager – Potable Spirits . ( business unit focused on drinkable distilled alcoholic beverages - such as whisky, gin, rum, or vodka) . This is a senior executive leadership role with full end-to-end Profit & Loss accountability , responsible for driving sustainable growth, brand leadership, and operational excellence across Uganda and selected East African markets.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors , the incumbent will provide strategic, commercial, and operational leadership for a diverse portfolio of bottled spirits, including premium gin, rum, and vodka brands. The role requires deep expertise in the alcoholic beverages sector, particularly within regulated excise environments.
* Please note that my client would like to consider Kenyan and Indian Nationals with previous / current experience in this industry sector - East and West Africa.
Key Purpose of the Role
The General Manager will be accountable for:
Defining and executing the long-term business strategy for the potable spirits division
Delivering profitable revenue growth while optimising excise, tax, and cost structures
Expanding regional market presence and strengthening brand equity
Ensuring full regulatory compliance, governance, and risk management
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
Develop and execute comprehensive business strategies aligned to Uganda and East African market dynamics.
Identify and capitalise on growth opportunities across product portfolios, new SKUs, pricing strategies, and regional expansion within EAC markets.
Lead market entry and route-to-market strategies, balancing volume growth with margin optimisation.
Financial Management & P& L Ownership
Own full P& L responsibility, including revenue growth, operating margins, excise cost management, and cash flow performance.
Prepare and manage annual operating plans, budgets, and rolling forecasts.
Implement rigorous financial controls to ensure profitability, cost discipline, and capital efficiency.
Sales, Marketing & Brand Development
Oversee national and regional sales strategies, distributor and sub-distributor performance, and channel optimisation.
Strengthen brand equity through compliant, responsible marketing, trade activation, and consumer engagement initiatives.
Develop pricing frameworks that reflect excise duties, tax structures, competitive positioning, and market realities.
Operations, Compliance & Governance
Ensure strict compliance with all excise laws, URA requirements, and regional regulatory frameworks governing alcohol production and sales.
Maintain robust internal controls, audit readiness, and corporate governance standards.
Act as the senior point of accountability for regulatory authorities, auditors, and key stakeholders.
People & Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, multicultural leadership team across sales, marketing, finance, operations, and supply chain.
Foster a performance-driven culture focused on accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement.
Drive succession planning and leadership capability development within the business.
Candidate Profile
Minimum Requirements
Graduate degree is essential; MBA in Marketing or Comercial Business Degree with Finance strongly preferred .
Minimum 20 years’ senior-level experience within the potable spirits, FMCG, or alcoholic beverages sector.
Proven track record managing large, regulated spirits businesses with full P& L responsibility.
Strong commercial acumen with deep understanding of excise structures, taxation, and compliance in emerging markets.
Demonstrated experience in distributor management, regional expansion, and brand building.
Personal Attributes
Strategic, commercially astute, and results-driven leader.
High integrity with strong governance and compliance orientation.
Confident executive communicator capable of operating at Board level.
Willing and able to be based in Uganda with regional travel as required.
My Client Offers
Competitive US$ salary paid Net : 4500.00 - 6000.00
Local Living allowance
Accommodation (furnished)
Social Security contributions
Medical cover in country
Transport
Visa and Work permits covered by the company
Annual Return Air tickets to point of origin
Annual Leave
Application Process
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements and are willing to work in Uganda are invited to apply in confidence.
Contact Person: Gordon Mollett
Email: gordon@zjr.co.za
Mobile / Whats App: +27 83 689 4769
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Finance professionals in Arua are responsible for managing financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. They also analyze financial data to inform business decisions.
Typically, a bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, or a related field is required. Certifications like CPA or CFA can also be beneficial for career advancement in Arua's finance sector.
Salaries for finance jobs in Arua vary depending on experience and position. However, average salaries range from UGX 2-5 million per month for entry-level positions to UGX 10-20 million per month for senior roles.
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