Alex Mhandire

Accomplished C-suite executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience delivering operational excellence, commercial growth and organisational transformation across diversified businesses in manufacturing, FMCG, retail, logistics, supply chain, building materials, mining and agriculture. A proven strategist with extensive experience partnering with Boards and Executive Committees to develop and execute business strategies that enhance profitability, strengthen governance, improve operational performance and create long-term shareholder value. Recognised for building high-performing organisations through disciplined execution, robust governance, digital transformation and customer-centric operating models.

Demonstrated success leading large multi-site operations across Zimbabwe, Zambia and the United Kingdom, directing complex businesses with significant budgets, large workforces and geographically dispersed operations.

Group Chief Operating Officer - Kwandisa Group

(2026-05)

Provide executive leadership across a diversified group comprising building materials, cement distribution, FMCG manufacturing, grain trading, maize milling, mining, agriculture, logistics and transport.

• Drive execution of Group strategy in partnership with the CEO and Board, translating strategic objectives into measurable operational outcomes.
• Lead business transformation initiatives that improve governance, accountability, profitability and organisational performance.
• Direct commercial strategy across multiple business units to maximise revenue growth and shareholder value.
• Strengthen operational governance through KPI frameworks, executive dashboards and performance management systems.
• Lead procurement, manufacturing, logistics and supply chain functions to improve efficiency and working capital.
• Champion digital transformation and technology adoption to improve operational visibility and executive decision-making.
• Develop leadership capability through coaching, succession planning and performance management.
• Represent the Group in strategic engagements with shareholders, financial institutions, regulators and key commercial partners.

Group Head of Operations - ABC Auctions - Zimbabwe and Zambia

(2025-01 - 2026-01)

Directed operations across Zimbabwe and Zambia, providing executive leadership for operations, procurement, warehousing, transport, facilities, security and customer service.

• Led organisation-wide operational transformation aligned with corporate strategy.
• Introduced KPI-driven performance management and executive reporting systems.
• Implemented AI and digital technologies to automate operational processes and improve decision-making.
• Strengthened governance through SOP development, operational controls and compliance frameworks.
• Improved customer experience by redesigning operational processes and service delivery.
• Managed capital projects, facilities and operational assets across multiple sites.
• Developed high-performing multidisciplinary leadership teams.

Commercial Executive – Distribution & Logistics - Gain Cash & Carry

(2020-01 - 2024-12)

Provided strategic leadership for national logistics, distribution and commercial operations.

• Developed commercial strategies supporting sustainable revenue growth.
• Directed nationwide logistics and distribution operations.
• Managed budgets, operational performance and profitability.
• Optimised fleet utilisation, inventory management and customer service.
• Introduced ERP-enabled reporting and performance dashboards.
• Negotiated strategic supplier and customer partnerships.

Logistics & Demand Planning Executive - Lafarge Zimbabwe

(2018-01 - 2020-12)

• Led Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) across manufacturing and commercial functions.
• Directed national cement distribution and logistics operations.
• Improved operational planning, customer fulfilment and supply chain performance.
• Managed contractor relationships, logistics budgets and operational governance.

Head of Demand Planning & Distribution - National Foods Ltd

(2014-01 - 2018-12)

• Led national demand planning and distribution strategy.
• Chaired executive S&OP processes integrating manufacturing, procurement and sales.
• Improved OTIF performance, inventory optimisation and working capital.
• Directed national logistics and distribution operations.

General Manager – Distribution | Operations Manager | Process Manager - The Co-operative Foods - United Kingdom

(2009-01 - 2014-12)

Progressed through senior leadership positions within one of the UK's largest food retailers.

• Managed annual operating budgets exceeding £36 million.
• Led a workforce of more than 800 employees.
• Directed a fleet exceeding 400 commercial vehicles.
• Oversaw distribution operations serving approximately 4,400 retail stores.
• Led Lean operational excellence and continuous improvement programmes.
• Developed future leaders through structured coaching and succession planning.
• Strengthened governance, operational controls and regulatory compliance.

Master of Science - International Trade, Transport & Logistics - London Metropolitan University

Bachelor of Science (Hons) - Business Management - London Metropolitan University

Advanced Diploma - Procurement & Supply - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

Foundation Diploma - Procurement & Supply - Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply