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Regional Head - East Africa | Leading Building Materials MNC

International Permanent View Job Description
This role leads the organisation's full commercial and operational mandate across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and the wider East Africa zone. The position is responsible for driving strategic growth, strengthening market presence, and leading high-performing teams across sales, field marketing, business development, and operations.
  • Lead multi-country growth for a leading building materials organisation
  • Opportunity to shape a high‑growth region's long-term commercial strategy

About Our Client

Our client is a market-leading multinational in the building materials and construction chemicals space, known for strong category leadership, robust systems, and a commitment to establishing long-term market presence across emerging geographies. With expanding operations across Africa, the organisation is investing in local manufacturing, distribution efficiencies, and leadership capabilities to accelerate regional growth.

Job Description

  • Develop and execute the business strategy for East Africa based on deep market insights and competitive intelligence.
  • Lead Sales, Field Marketing, Business Development, and Operations across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and adjoining East African markets.
  • Deliver topline and bottom-line targets while expanding market share via influencer networks and dealer partnerships across multiple product categories.
  • Anchor operational excellence by strengthening systems, processes, compliance frameworks, and cross-market business modules.
  • Manage and coach high-performing teams including country heads and regional sales leadership.
  • Oversee a combined structure of direct (3) and indirect (6+) team members across the region.
  • Represent the organisation with senior clients, distributors, government bodies, and key external partners.
  • Drive business growth across both retail and project channels.
  • Collaborate with Middle East teams for support on operations, GTM strategy, and cross-regional alignment.
  • Ensure full compliance with local laws and regulatory frameworks in all operating countries.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Business Head - International Markets should have:

  • 15+ years of experience in Sales, Marketing, and Business Development roles within building materials, construction chemicals, paints, or adhesives.
  • Proven leadership of zonal or country-level operations; Africa experience preferred but not mandatory.
  • Strong experience managing both retail and project sales channels.
  • Demonstrated maturity in managing diverse stakeholders, building distributor networks, and driving commercial expansion.
  • Strong operational, P&L, and team leadership capabilities with exposure to multi-country structures.
  • Must currently operate at a national-level leadership role with proven stability in prior roles.

What's on Offer

  • High-visibility role reporting to the CBO - International Business with direct ownership of East Africa growth.
  • Opportunity to lead a newly created strategic role with direct influence on regional expansion and market penetration.
  • Strong organisational backing with local manufacturing presence and Middle East support for scaling operations.
Quote job ref
JN-012026-6935478

Job summary

Function
Sales
Sub Sector
Technical / Industrial
What is your area of specialisation?
Industrial / Manufacturing
Location
International
Job Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-012026-6935478

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.