Head of Business Operations at Grant Thornton Kenya

Our client, an International School based in Kitengela is looking for an ideal candidate to fill in the role of Head of Business Operations.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Managing Director/CEO, the position’s purpose is to assist the CEO on issues related to strategic leadership, management and oversight of all operations to assist the School to achieve its strategic objectives and adhering to its corporate values.

Main Responsibilities of Job

• Participate as a member of senior management in formulating and leading  the implementation of corporate strategies and plans to steer the strategic direction of the School;
• Participate in the preparation of Board papers;
• Review all correspondence and other documents directed at the office of the CEO by departmental heads including but not limited to purchase orders, academic reports and financial reports
• Review purchase requests for accuracy and participate in the negotiation of procurement contracts
• Participate in the monthly interdepartmental meetings
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to guide the School in day-to-day business operations in line with applicable legal provisions and professional standards;
• Design and regularly assess organizational systems to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of systems in supporting School processes;
• Take part in the budgeting process by preparing budget estimates from operational functions for CEO’s approval and closely monitoring compliance with the approved budget;
• Prepare the operations budget and work programs; and follow up the implementation upon approval;
• Develop and implement suitable business transformation strategies to respond to internal and external drivers;
• Develop and review operational systems to facilitate effective costing, monitoring, and evaluation of the School’s performance;
• Lead and ensure the optimal operation of the support functions;
• Monitor customer engagement activities and ensure growth in the customer base through effective customer service;
• Ensure that the School makes financially sound, executable, and data-driven business strategies that improve the shareholders’ value;
• Spearhead the School’s innovation agenda to generate, select and implement value-adding ideas to improve business development, business process improvement, and automation.
• Liaise with the Business development manager in the development of robust business development and marketing agenda for the School to ensure sustainable business growth;
• Ensure the School has the right people in the right places to sustainably support its mandate through effective team leadership and promotion of a high-performance culture;
• Request progress reports from all departments and prepares and submit all monthly, quarterly and annual reports to the CEO; and
• Any other responsibility that may be assigned by the CEO from time to time.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Business Administration, Bachelor of Commerce/ Finance, Education, Economics, or any other business-related field from a recognized institution.
2. Must have a related professional course in the field of practice.
3. Minimum of 8 years experience with 3 years at senior management level managing operations of large teams at a fast-paced organization.
4. Must be a registered member of the professional statutory board that regulates the profession of the candidate.
5. Broad knowledge and experience in leading practices in operations.
6. Knowledge of the relevant Kenyan laws.
7. Good knowledge of core management processes will be an added advantage.
8. Ability to integrate critical information from diverse areas.
9. Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
10. Analytical and creative thinking skills.
11. Strong persuasion and negotiation skills.
12. Strong business acumen / commercial orientation.
13. Good customer relationship management skills (internal and external customers).
14. Good communication and interpersonal skills.
15. Strong leadership and people management skills.
16. Strong collaboration and teaming skills.