ABOUT THE JOB:
The Head of Finance – South Africa is responsible for strategic financial leadership, safeguarding financial integrity, and enabling profitable growth across the South African business. The role oversees financial governance, planning, reporting, controls, tax, compliance, commercial finance, treasury, and risk management—while shaping our financial strategy as Ice Cream transitions into a standalone global company.
This role partners closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Finance, and Africa Leadership, ensuring robust financial oversight and business partnering to drive performance, value creation, and operational excellence.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Finance Leadership
Lead the development and execution of the national financial strategy to deliver business growth, value creation, and long-term sustainability.‑term sustainability.
Partner closely with the CEO/MD and executive leadership teams on commercial priorities, investment decisions, resource allocation, and strategic planning.
Provide executive-level insights, scenario modelling, and data-driven recommendations that support decision-making.
Ensure alignment between local and Africa strategic finance priorities.
Lead finance transformation aligned with the Ice Cream separation.
Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A)
Oversee budgeting, forecasting, long-range planning, and financial modelling.
Analyse business performance, KPIs, customer/channel economics, and margin drivers to influence strategic adjustments.
Drive cost optimisation initiatives to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
Ensure robust post evaluation of investments, promotions, innovation, and capital expenditure.‑evaluation of investments, promotions, innovation, and capital expenditure.
Reporting, Governance & Compliance
Ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting, consistent with IFRS and local statutory requirements.
Lead statutory audits, internal audits, and external compliance processes.
Oversee tax compliance, treasury governance, banking covenants, and adherence to Companies Act obligations.
Maintain and enhance financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
Operational Finance & Business Partnering
Manage cash flow, working capital, treasury, and capital expenditure planning, ensuring liquidity and financial resilience.
Partner with Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing, and Manufacturing to improve ROI, cost efficiency, and P&L performance.
Support pricing, NRM decisions, product costing, and commercial negotiations through data-driven financial insights.
Strengthen financial discipline across the value chain.
Risk Management & Internal Controls
Ensure a strong internal control environment, mitigating financial, operational, and compliance risks.
Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of risk mitigation frameworks.
Anticipate emerging risks and proactively implement protective measures.
Oversee contract reviews, credit governance, legal/financial risk assessments, and control enhancements.
Leadership, Capability & Culture
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing finance team with strong technical and commercial capabilities.
Build a culture of accountability, excellence, and continuous improvement.
Drive digital finance transformation, including ERP optimisation (SAP or equivalent).
Ensure succession planning and capability development across the function.
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED:
SKILLS: & EXPERIENCES & QUALIFICATIONS
Qualifications
Chartered Accountant CA(SA) strongly preferred; CIMA/ACCA acceptable.
Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, or Commerce (required).
MBA or postgraduate business qualification advantageous.
Experience
10–15+ years post-qualification experience in finance.
At least 5 years in senior finance leadership with full P&L oversight.
Experience in FMCG, manufacturing, snacking, or consumer goods essential.
Exposure to multi-site and/or multi-country markets desirable.
Demonstrated success managing:
Financial reporting
FP&A
Commercial business partnering
Statutory compliance
Cash flow & working capital
Internal and external audits
ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.)
Skills & Competencies
Technical & Analytical Skills
Deep expertise in financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and financial analysis.
Strong understanding of IFRS, tax, treasury management, and financial controls.
Advanced Excel and financial modelling capability.
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP ideal).
Leadership & Strategic Thinking
Strong commercial acumen with the ability to link financial insights to strategic choices.
Ability to lead through ambiguity and business transformation.
Proven track record building and developing high-performing teams.
Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
Ability to simplify complex financial information into actionable insights.
Credibility to engage with senior leadership, boards, auditors, and external partners.
Personal Attributes
Results-driven, proactive, and resilient.
Able to operate in fast-paced, dynamic FMCG/snacking environments.
High integrity, strong ethical judgement, and commitment to governance excellence.
Curious, continuous improvement mindset.
COMPETENCIES:
Strategic Vision: Ability to see the big picture and develop long-term plans to achieve organizational goals.
Innovative Thinking: Creativity in developing new processes and solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Change Management: Skilled in leading and managing change within an organization.
Collaboration: Strong ability to work with cross-functional teams and build relationships with stakeholders.
Decision Making: Capable of making informed decisions quickly and effectively.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and environments.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely.
Leadership: Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
Additional Information
The Magnum Ice Cream Company embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and supporting the continued development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. In addition, we are an organisation committed to employment practices that align with South Africa's Employment Equity (EE) Act, and recruitment for this role will be conducted in line with our EE goals and requirements. We actively encourage applications from candidates belonging to designated groups and remain dedicated to building an inclusive, representative, and equitable workforce.
#TMICC
ABOUT THE MAGNUM ICE CREAM COMPANY:
With expert ice cream colleagues and iconic brands like Wall's, Cornetto and Ben & Jerry's, loved in 76 countries, we are the world's largest Ice Cream company leading the industry We have been taking pleasure seriously for more than 100 years, serving happiness with every lick or scoop of ice cream for generations.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company (formerly Part Of Unilever) Is All About Growth. Growing Our Business. Growing Our Customers' Businesses. Growing Our People's Careers. Growth Begins With Empowerment. So We Free Our People To Be Innovative, Responsible Entrepreneurs, Driven And Equipped To Give Our Consumers More Amazing Products And Unforgettable Moments – And Having Fun Doing It. Here's What Defines Success In Our Organization :
We are all about growth
We operate with speed and simplicity
We win together with fun
We boldly innovate to disrupt our industry
We care and challenge
We are experts in the Ice Cream Category
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Magnum Ice Cream Company embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
For the recruitment of this position, we would like to emphasize that local conditions apply to the position
ARE YOU EXCITED TO CRAFT THE ICE CREAM FUTURE?
Please apply online and do not forget to upload your CV. Your application will be reviewed against the requirements, and we will be in touch shortly after the closing date, with an update on the status of your application.
Disclaimer
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
The Magnum Ice Cream Company is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At The Magnum Ice Cream Company we are interested in every individual bringing their 'Whole Self' to work and this includes you Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.