Country Manager – Zimbabwe & Malawi

Labsport Back office d.o.o., based in Subotica, is conducting the advertising and candidate selection on behalf of Bola Group, headquartered in Lusaka, Zambia.

Country Manager – Zimbabwe & Malawi

The role

Bola Group is hiring two Country Managers: one based in Harare, Zimbabwe, and one based in Lilongwe or Blantyre, Malawi. Each is the most senior Bolabet leader in-country, reporting to the Group CEO in Cape Town.

About us

Bola Group operates the Bolabet sports betting and gaming brand across Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi, through retail branches and online. Our Group team in Cape Town brings 30+ years of African betting experience across retail, online, trading, casino and horseracing.

Role purpose

Own the full P&L of the country operation, retail and online. Grow turnover, GGR and active customers profitably, run a compliant licensed business, and build a strong local team. Zimbabwe is an established operation needing steady leadership and growth; Malawi is early-stage and needs a builder.

Market Overview:

Zimbabwe: Base: Harare | Stage: Established retail + online | Regulator: Lotteries and Gaming Board | Reports to: Group CEO

Malawi: Base: Lilongwe or Blantyre | Stage: Early-stage retail + online | Regulator: Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority | Reports to: Group CEO

Key responsibilities

Commercial and P&L

• Own the annual budget, P&L and targets for turnover, GGR, NGR, margin and active players.
• Build and deliver the country business plan; report weekly, monthly and quarterly to Group.
• Control costs across branches, staffing, marketing and vendors.
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Retail operations

• Run the branch network: openings, closures, site selection, layout, staffing and opening hours.
• Set and enforce cash-handling, float, reconciliation and loss-prevention controls.
• Drive branch performance through KPIs, incentive schemes and regular branch visits.
• Manage retail products including sportsbook, virtuals, slots and terminals.

Online and digital

• Grow online acquisition, activation and retention in partnership with Group marketing and CRM.
• Own local payment relationships with mobile money operators and banks; keep deposits and withdrawals fast and reliable.
• Feed local insight into product, sportsbook pricing, markets and promotions.
• Work with Group on bonus abuse, fraud and multi-accounting controls.

Regulatory and compliance

• Be the company’s primary contact with the gaming regulator, tax authority and other officials.
• Keep licences, renewals, returns and audits current; ensure AML, KYC and responsible gambling compliance.
• Manage tax and levy filings with the local finance team.

People and leadership

• Lead, hire and develop the local team: branch managers, regional supervisors, cashiers, marketing, finance and support.
• Build a performance culture with clear accountability, conduct standards and HR discipline.

Brand, marketing and stakeholders

• Brief and manage local marketing agencies, sponsorships and activations within agreed budgets.
• Build relationships with media, sports bodies, partners and VIP customers.
• Track competitors and market trends; flag risks and opportunities early.

Requirements

Essential

• 7+ years in sports betting or iGaming, with at least 3 years as Country Manager, General Manager or equivalent senior operations lead.
• Proven experience running both retail (branch or agent network) and online operations.
• Track record of owning a P&L and hitting revenue and cost targets.
• Experience in a regulated African betting market, including direct dealings with a gaming regulator.
• Strong grasp of mobile money payments, cash controls, fraud prevention and AML/KYC.
• Has led teams of 50+ staff across multiple sites.
• Comfortable with data: reads GGR, margin and player reports and acts on them.

Advantageous

• Experience in Zimbabwe or Malawi specifically, or a neighbouring SADC market.
• Background in sportsbook trading or risk.
• Launch or turnaround experience (especially relevant to Malawi).
• Degree in business, finance or a related field.

What we look for

• Hands-on and visible in branches, not office-bound.
• High integrity and firm on controls and conduct.
• Commercially sharp, decisive and comfortable working at pace with a lean Group team.

Package

A competitive expatriate-level package, paid in USD, for candidates relocating in-country.

• Base salary: minimum 4,500 USD.
• Performance bonus: tied to GGR, profit and compliance targets.
• Relocation allowance: covers moving costs and initial settling-in.
• Housing: company-provided or housing allowance in Harare or Blantyre.
• Vehicle allowance: monthly allowance for in-country travel to branches.

Application Details

By submitting an application, the candidate consents to Labsport Back office d.o.o. processing their personal data for the purpose of selection for the advertised position at Bola Group.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.