The ideal candidate for this position should possess an appropriate undergraduate degree and ideally a postgraduate degree in Business or perhaps Pharmacy.
While bilingualism would be an asset, it is not considered essential.
Candidates must possess some 20 years of relevant experience in a senior leadership capacity, where they have a proven track record of success in managing a significant P&L within the context of a national retail organization characterized by a high degree of complexity and one that is geographically dispersed.
Alternatively, candidates may have gained their general management experience within the context of a sizeable organization within the consumer packaged goods industry, as well as the pharmaceutical sector, particularly those companies with a significant consumer division.
Candidates must demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and experience in leading a large organization through a cultural shift. The organization requires a leader who is hands-on, rigorous and process driven.
The organization will require a higher degree of employee engagement and somewhat of a rejuvenation in its culture and values, all of which will be driven by the executive team.
Candidates must demonstrate an ability to lead affectively at all levels of an organization.
Accordingly, the President must demonstrate influencing skills and an ability to interact effectively with the senior leadership of sister companies or with the organizations corporate office in the U.S.
Candidates should possess a broad understanding of the entire retail business model.
This industry knowledge will range from an in-depth understanding of store operations and merchandising to the more recent experience in developing omnichannel strategies within a progressive retail environment.
Therefore, candidates must demonstrate the right blend of skills in strategy development as it applies to retail, complemented by strong business processes required for successful tactical implementation.
Candidates must also demonstrate outstanding financial acumen, as well as an understanding of financial analysis as it pertains to large capital projects as well as acquisitions.
From a personal standpoint, candidates must possess above average communication skills, both oral and written.
In addition to this, the position requires strong interpersonal skills and very much of a hands-on approach to leading change.
The ideal candidate will possess the presence and credibility to be effective in this role, while demonstrating humility and a high sense of self awareness.
This position requires someone who is upwardly mobile from a professional standpoint and who clearly demonstrates the potential to move up into positions of greater responsibility within the medium term.