Managing Director (Agriculture/ Operations / Government / Strategy) – Nairobi, Kenya at CA Global

Reference Number: SRMDKEN

Job Description:

Our agriculture client is currently recruiting a Managing Director to lead their market entry into Kenya. The incumbent will be responsible for the day -to-day operations of the business to achieve key business results, representing the business to government and other critical stakeholders, and execution of the Company’s strategy as determined by the Regional CEO and Board of Directors. The Managing Director oversees operational planning, budget and strategy execution, cost management, policy and protocol implementation, and leadership development.

Responsibilities:

Operational Management

• Day-to-day overall management and administration of the business
• Planning, tracking, and measuring progress against organizational goals
• Oversee risk management and legal activities: letters of agreement, contracts, leases, and other legal documents and agreements
• Ensure compliance with internal Company policy and government regulations where required
• Oversee the smooth day-to-day teamwork and communication among sales, production, Finance, and human resources
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on key business metrics to the Board and Regional CEO
• Develop highly performing and collaborative leadership team
• Ensure key personnel are in the right positions and are coached, trained, and professionally developed to ensure their success
• Oversee implementation of industry best practices and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across functions to improve productivity, quality, service, and profitability
• Oversee the execution of key infrastructure upgrades and developments

Financial Management

• Manage overall company financial position and risks, including fundraising and risk management
• Allocate human and capital resources to achieve strategic objectives
• Balance sufficient short-term performance with long-term investment requirements
• Develop and implement actionable, detailed operational budgets which enable the Company to meet its strategic and financial targets and optimize resource allocation
• Identify cost-saving and revenue improving opportunities across the business to ensure efficient use of Company resources and maximize profitability
• Administer the budget on a day-to-day basis and hold managers accountable to budget and target achievements
• Recruit and work closely with Finance Manager to implement internal financial controls, policies and practices
• Ensure that relevant financial data is presented to the Board and Regional CEO

Leadership & Stakeholder Managemen

• Recruit, lead, manage and motivate team to achieve company goals
• Promote the companies vision and values, keeping the customer and mission at the center of the organization
• Represent and advocate for the Company among key government decision-makers
• Be the face of the Company with the local community, ensuring strong corporate citizenship
• Make regular travel in the country and get first hand exposure on market dynamics and provide supportive supervision for team
• Communicate proactively and transparently with Board and Regional CEO, leveraging the skills and expertise of Directors and Advisors to improve business performance
• Manage relationships and reporting with key external partnerships, including local bank partners and foundation program officers

Requirements: Qualification and Skills

• Passionate about positively impacting smallholder farmers and customers in rural areas
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience in East and/or West Africa
• Strategic thinker, yet detail-oriented
• Strong executive, able to effectively plan, communicate that plan, and delegate to get major initiatives done through others
• Oversee multiple complex projects through to completion
• Excellent time management capabilities
• Thrives in developing and implementing process and policy
• High emotional intelligence and cross cultural communication ability
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and manage a team
• Analytical and data-driven problem solver
• Ability to get themselves and others organized in a disorganized environment
• Cost and efficiency focus
• Passion for excellence