Founder

Makro Philippines, a wholesale and retail company formed through a strategic joint venture between Ayala Corporation and CP AXTRA Public Company Limited—Asia’s leading operator of Makro and Lotus’s—is reintroducing the Makro brand to the Philippine market. By combining Ayala’s deep local market expertise with CP AXTRA’s regional retail capabilities, Makro Philippines aims to deliver a modern and efficient shopping experience for both consumers and small business operators. The company offers a broad range of food and non-food products at accessible prices, supporting everyday shoppers as well as entrepreneurial customers.

The Founder role is a full-time, on-site position based in Punjab, Pakistan. This leadership position requires setting the overall vision and strategy for the organization, defining the business model, and establishing the operational and financial foundations. The Founder will lead market and competitor analysis, build and manage key partnerships, oversee product and service offerings, and guide go-to-market and growth plans. Additionally, the role involves recruiting and mentoring early team members, shaping company culture, and ensuring strong governance, compliance, and risk management practices. The Founder will serve as the primary representative of the organization to stakeholders, investors, suppliers, and customers, and will be accountable for driving sustainable growth and long-term value creation.

Key Responsibilities

- Define and communicate the company’s vision, mission, and long-term growth strategy.
- Conduct thorough market and competitor analysis to inform business decisions.
- Develop and implement the business model, operational processes, and financial plans.
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a positive and inclusive company culture.
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with investors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
- Oversee product and service development to meet market demands and customer expectations.
- Drive go-to-market strategies and growth initiatives to expand market presence.
- Ensure compliance with governance standards, risk management protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Represent the organization credibly in meetings with investors, partners, and customers.
- Monitor key performance indicators and adjust strategies to achieve sustainable business results.

Required Qualifications

- Strong strategic thinking and business planning skills, with proven experience in defining vision, mission, and growth strategies.
- Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities, able to inspire and retain diverse talent in a dynamic environment.
- Relevant experience in retail, wholesale, FMCG, or related sectors, with a solid understanding of supply chain, merchandising, and pricing strategies.
- Financial expertise including budgeting, forecasting, resource allocation, and performance measurement.
- Proficient in stakeholder management and partnership development, with negotiation skills to maintain strong business relationships.
- Operational management experience encompassing process design, performance optimization, and system implementation.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of representing the organization effectively to varied audiences.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with resilience and adaptability, comfortable navigating ambiguity and scaling new ventures.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Management, or a related field; an advanced degree such as an MBA is advantageous.
- Experience working in or with emerging markets and cross-cultural teams is highly beneficial.

This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering retail venture in a dynamic market, combining strategic leadership with hands-on operational responsibilities. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the future of Makro Philippines and driving its growth in the region.