rages Africa is inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the position of Country Lead: Market Insights, based in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The successful candidate will drive data-led strategy and decision-making across the organisation. The role involves leading market research initiatives, transforming complex data into actionable insights, and ensuring high-quality reporting and visualisation to support business growth.
The successful candidate will also work as a strategic partner to cross-functional teams, combining analytical expertise with strong business understanding to turn market insights into business impact.
Job Summary
- Employer: Coca-Cola Beve
rages Africa - Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Commercial – Sales and Marketing
- Closing Date: 2026-10-27
Key Responsibilities
- Actionable Market Insights: Deliver quality market insights and specialist knowledge that influence key business decisions across functions and regions, ensuring the successful execution of the organisation’s strategic objectives.
- Research and Data Management: Ensure the availability and accuracy of syndicated reports, define research needs, and lead studies that support decision-making, including customer, competitor and category analysis.
- Pricing Strategy Development: Support the development of short-, medium- and long-term pricing strategies based on in-depth market knowledge and econometric modelling, aligned with business goals.
- Category Development: Develop data platforms for category interaction and drive category development initiatives that support sales and distribution efforts.
- Country-Specific Reporting and Performance Management: Lead the development of national reports and dashboards that track key performance indicators (KPIs), enabling stakeholders to monitor operational performance against growth objectives and make timely adjustments to business tactics.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Management or a related field.
- Six to eight years of experience in market knowledge, insights and/or research team leadership.
- A strong understanding of consumer, shopper and market insights, with the ability to translate findings into actionable business tactics.
- Ability to extract insights from data and conduct detailed market analysis to inform business strategy and decision-making.
- Proficiency in managing syndicated reports, creating performance dashboards and developing customer data platforms.
- Ability to collaborate across departments, build credibility and influence direct and indirect teams.
- Strong ability to assess business performance, conduct market and competitor analysis, and recommend actionable priorities based on insights.
How to Apply
REF Code: CCB260504-1
About the Company
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) is an authorized bottler of Coca-Cola beverages, headquartered in Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education are typically required for a Country Lead: Market Insights role in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Economics, or Statistics, with an MBA or postgraduate qualification being highly advantageous. Professional certifications in market research, data analytics, or business intelligence from recognized institutions strengthen your candidacy. Experience with tools like SPSS, Tableau, or Power BI is increasingly expected in the Malawian market.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Country Lead: Market Insights?
You will oversee consumer research projects, analyze sales and market data, and present strategic recommendations to senior leadership. The role involves managing local research agencies, tracking competitor activities, and ensuring data quality across multiple beverage categories. Regular collaboration with sales, marketing, and finance teams is essential to align insights with commercial objectives.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for senior roles in Malawi?
Malawian employers value relationship-building and respect for hierarchy, so expect formal communication protocols and deference to senior management. Punctuality is important, though flexibility exists; however, deadlines are strictly enforced in multinational corporations. Demonstrating loyalty, discretion with company information, and community engagement are highly regarded professional behaviors.
What career progression opportunities exist after becoming a Country Lead: Market Insights?
Successful candidates typically advance to Regional Insights Manager, Marketing Director, or General Manager positions within East and Southern Africa. Some transition into strategy consulting or entrepreneurship leveraging their analytical expertise. Continuous upskilling in digital analytics and artificial intelligence applications is becoming critical for upward mobility.
What benefits are commonly offered for senior commercial roles by multinational employers in Malawi?
Standard packages include comprehensive medical aid covering private healthcare, pension or provident fund contributions, and generous annual leave entitlements. Many employers provide performance bonuses, company vehicles or transport allowances, and professional development funding. Relocation support and housing allowances may be available for candidates recruited from outside the country.
How should I apply for this role, and what do Malawian employers prioritize in applications?
Submit applications through official company career portals or reputable recruitment agencies operating in Lilongwe and Blantyre, never via informal channels. Employers prioritize demonstrated results from previous insights roles, local market knowledge, and references from respected industry professionals. Tailor your CV to highlight quantifiable achievements and ensure your cover letter addresses specific job requirements mentioned in the posting.