Chief Operating Officer – Zambia

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership of the Zambia business, ensuring sustainable growth, operational excellence, and strong financial performance. As a key member of the executive leadership team, the COO will oversee the full country operation, drive strategic execution, and ensure alignment with the organisation’s multinational vision and performance standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

Translate the group’s strategic agenda into a focused country business plan, ensuring delivery of long-term growth and market leadership
Shape and drive strategic initiatives to strengthen competitive positioning and operational capability
Contribute to multinational strategy and decision-making as a member of the executive leadership team

Operational & Commercial Performance

Lead the end-to-end operation of the country business, ensuring consistent delivery of operational excellence, brand standards, and customer experience
Own profit and loss and deliver on revenue, margin, and profitability objectives
Drive market expansion, network optimisation, and commercial growth initiatives
Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management across all operational areas

People & Organisational Leadership

Build, develop, and lead a high-performing leadership team capable of delivering against strategic and operational goals
Foster a culture of accountability, agility, and performance
Champion leadership development and succession planning to support sustainable growth

Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including government departments, suppliers, regulators, and industry partners
Influence key business decisions and advocate for country-specific priorities at the group level

REQUIREMENTS

10+ years of senior leadership experience, including broad P&L and operational accountability
Proven success in leading a large, complex business, ideally in QSR, retail, or FMCG
Demonstrated ability to drive strategic transformation and operational excellence at scale
Strong commercial and financial acumen, with a track record of delivering sustainable business performance
International or emerging market experience preferred

COMPETENCIES

Strategic vision and commercial insight
Enterprise leadership and execution
Operational excellence and transformation
Financial stewardship and governance
Leadership and organisational capability building
Stakeholder influence and board-level communication

AN INTRODUCTION TO HUNGRY LION

Hungry Lion’s journey began with a single store in Stellenbosch, Cape Town, in 1997, with a simple vision: to serve great food with genuine warmth and energy. Over the years, that vision has grown into a powerful business with a strong and expanding footprint, with hundreds of restaurants across multiple African countries.

We’re growing fast and building for the future. Our ambitious expansion strategy is opening doors to new countries, new communities, and new possibilities for our teams. This means real career growth, exposure to a dynamic multinational business, and the chance to be part of a brand that’s making a powerful impact in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry.

Our success is powered by people; passionate, driven individuals who bring energy, creativity, and excellence to everything they do. From our restaurant teams to our corporate leadership, every person plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service and growing our brand. Joining Hungry Lion means being part of a fast-paced, dynamic, and supportive environment where your ideas, skills, and ambition can make a real impact.