Customer Growth Director – Sub-Saharan Africa

About the role

As the Customer Growth Director SSA at Mars Snacking in Nairobi, you will lead the customer growth agenda across Sub‑Saharan Africa, turning deep shopper and customer insights into scalable commercial strategies. You will work closely with the General Manager Sub‑Sahara Africa and the Africa Business Team to drive availability, conversion and ROI across Traditional Trade, Modern Trade and D‑Commerce.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the SSA Customer Growth agenda by guiding the Customer Growth team to develop efficient, profitable and sustainable commercial plans.
• Drive in‑store and digital excellence through Intelligent Perfect Store, Perfect Digital Store programmes and shopper activations.
• Translate shopper, channel and market insights into high‑impact category and display solutions.
• Own and optimise customer, display and shopper‑marketing budgets across the region.
• Collaborate with Growth, Marketing and Demand Planning teams to feed market intelligence into innovation and brand strategies.
• Contribute as an active member of the Africa Business Team, championing business objectives and Mars culture.

Required profile

• 15–20+ years of progressive FMCG commercial leadership experience with a strong sales execution record.
• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred.
• Broad market understanding of Sub‑Saharan Africa and hands‑on experience in Traditional Trade, Modern Trade and D‑Commerce channels.
• Proven ability to own and optimise multi‑market customer, shopper‑marketing and display budgets.
• Demonstrated people leadership, talent development and inclusive team management.
• Strategic thinker with executive presence, able to influence stakeholders and convert insights into retail execution.

What we offer

• Work with over 130,000 diverse associates guided by Mars’ Five Principles.
• Join a purpose‑driven company focused on building a better future.
• Best‑in‑class learning and development support from day one, including access to Mars University.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including a company bonus.