We are an established private retail company in Botswana with a long history. Today we operate a number of branches across Botswana, employing a team of more than 400 people, and we hold a leading position in our category, serving a broad customer base spanning trade and contractor accounts, walk-in retail, corporate clients and the public sector.
We are adapting as the market changes, and are strengthening systems, controls and operations across the business. Our people are central to this: staff tenure is well above average, a significant proportion of our branch and management team has been promoted from within, and we invest continuously in training and skills development.
Job Summary
- Employer: HASKINS
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Gaborone, Botswana
- Category: Management
- Salary: A competitive executive package commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate. Details will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.
- Closing Date: 2026-09-28
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver on the performance of the business: sales performance, margins and stock turnover across every branch.
- Lead and mentor an established operational team.
- Maintain and nurture key long-standing supplier and commercial relationships across the region.
- Balance the agility of a privately held enterprise with modern administrative rigour and sound financial controls.
Requirements
- A minimum of 10-15 years of senior executive experience, with a strong preference for a background in privately held, multi-unit retail, wholesale or distribution environments.
- Full command of interim and annual financial reports.
- An eye for commercial opportunity and a hands-on approach to operational problem-solving.
- Some working understanding of the products we sell, whether gained through a technical background or simply through years in the trade. A formal technical qualification is not required.
- A track record of developing people: managing performance, retaining skills, keeping staff engaged, and running sound HR practice.
- Cultural and emotional intelligence: able to work with a long-tenured team and an owner-led board, serving customers across the private and public sectors.
- A bias for action and decentralised decision-making, comfortable moving without lengthy deliberation.
- A track record of unquestionable business ethics.
- Citizenship of Botswana.
- Suitable tertiary qualifications.
Salary
A competitive executive package commensurate with the seniority of the role and the experience of the successful candidate. Details will be discussed with shortlisted applicants.
How to Apply
Please submit a curriculum vitae which provides clear evidence of as many of the following as possible:
* Your years of senior executive experience and your tertiary qualifications.
* Your command of interim and annual financial reports.
* Your eye for commercial opportunity and your hands-on approach to operational problem-solving.
* Your track record of developing people.
* Your experience of working with a long-tenured team and an owner-led board.
* Your approach to decision-making and delegation.
* Your years of senior executive experience and your tertiary qualifications.
* Your command of interim and annual financial reports.
* Your eye for commercial opportunity and your hands-on approach to operational problem-solving.
* Your track record of developing people.
* Your experience of working with a long-tenured team and an owner-led board.
* Your approach to decision-making and delegation.
Give specific examples rather than general claims.
The Company processes applicant personal data based on legitimate interest. All processing is carried out in accordance with the Data Protection Act, 2024. Applicants’ information will be handled confidentially and may be shared with authorized internal departments and third-party service providers involved in the recruitment process. Applicants have the right to access, rectify, restrict, or request the deletion of your personal data, as well as the right to object to the processing of your personal data. All information of unsuccessful applicants will be destroyed immediately an appointment is made to this vacancy.
All correspondence should be addressed to vacancy@haskins.co.bw The advertiser will only respond to shortlisted candidates who meet the position criteria above. This application invitation closes on 28th September 2026.
Original Advert
Source document for this listing, published by Jobs Botswana.
About the Company
Dwayne Haskins Jr. was an American professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, setting Big Ten Conference records for single-season passing yards and passing touchdowns as a sophomore in 2018. He won the Sammy Baugh Trophy and Kellen Moore Award, along with several conference honors.
Website: http://www.haskins.co.bw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a Managing Director role in Botswana?
Most employers expect a Master's degree in Business Administration or a related field, plus at least 10-15 years of senior management experience. Professional certifications such as ACCA, CIMA, or membership with the Botswana Institute of Chartered Accountants strengthen your candidacy. Prior board-level exposure and proven track record in P&L management are highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Managing Director in Botswana?
You will oversee strategic planning, stakeholder engagement with government and private sector partners, and operational performance across all departments. Regular activities include chairing executive meetings, approving budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance with Botswana laws, and representing the company at industry forums. Building relationships with local communities and Batswana suppliers is also essential.
How does local work culture in Botswana affect the Managing Director role?
Botswana's business culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, consensus-building, and patience in negotiations. As Managing Director, you must balance decisive leadership with consultative approaches, particularly when engaging with traditional leadership structures and government bodies. Understanding Setswana customs and demonstrating commitment to citizen economic empowerment (CEE) policies will enhance your effectiveness.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Managing Director in Botswana?
Successful Managing Directors often advance to Group CEO, regional leadership roles covering Southern Africa, or board chairmanship positions. Some transition into advisory roles with the Botswana Development Corporation or international organizations operating in the SADC region. Entrepreneurship and private equity involvement are also common paths for experienced executives.
What benefits are typically included in a Managing Director compensation package in Botswana?
Packages usually include comprehensive medical aid coverage, pension contributions compliant with Botswana's pension regulations, generous annual leave, and a company vehicle or vehicle allowance. Housing allowances, school fee support for children, and performance-linked bonuses are common at this level. Relocation assistance may be offered for expatriate appointments.
How should I apply for a Managing Director position in Botswana, and what do employers prioritize?
Applications typically require a detailed CV, cover letter addressing specific strategic challenges in the sector, and verifiable references from previous board positions. Employers prioritize demonstrated local market knowledge, transformation credentials aligned with Botswana's economic empowerment frameworks, and evidence of sustainable business growth. Networking through Business Botswana and sector-specific associations often provides access to unadvertised opportunities.
