Managing Director at Emerging Talent

You’ll be at the forefront of a talented and diverse team of almost 40 to refine and execute an ambitious growth strategy, as we seek to disrupt and transform the industry toward radically better building practices.

As Managing Director, the successful candidate will be expected to drive overall company performance, execute on the short and long term strategy, and deliver success against a triple bottom line (profit, people, planet).

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Strategic Planning

• Develop and maintain a deep insight into our business activities, value proposition and target market(s), and be continuously abreast of the latest and forecast market trends, opportunities, and risks.
• Co-develop and maintain a clear business plan and strategy (1-year and 5-year) with the Board and Founders, aligned to the company's mission and vision.
• Develop and maintain clear company OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) on a quarterly and annual basis in line with the business plan and strategy.

Business Development

• In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Manager and Board, define and implement a comprehensive (global and local) marketing strategy targeting new clients and partners.
• Identify and build strategic partnerships and relationships to further company mission, strategy, and growth.
• Develop and maintain clear goals, inputs, and outputs, for our partnership with our sister organisation.
• Secure new business opportunities (e.g. clients) to meet or exceed business development targets.
• Develop and lead corporate fundraising and investment rounds in line with company strategy and growth.
• Actively network by using existing and newly established connections to build and enhance the company’s public profile at events, conferences, and speaking engagements, and to further the other business development responsibilities listed above.

Business Management

• Make critical decisions about company policy, strategy execution, and high-level business operations.
• Assess, manage, and resolve key problematic developments and situations which may threaten company reputation, profitability, or future stability.
• Act as the primary spokesperson for the company on all key business and client matters.
• Working with the Finance and Operations Directors, oversee the creation and management of a rigorous multi-year corporate budget and financial model.
• Oversee and ensure the company’s fiscal activity, and legal and statutory compliance, including auditing.

Results & Performance

• Lead the company to triple-bottom-line success (profit, people, planet) in line with company strategy and targets.
• Achieve and maintain the company’s commercial stability by upholding net profitability and stable cash flows.
• Develop and maintain KPIs and targets for all direct reports and business units, and oversee the accountability and accomplishment of each target set.
• Develop and present reports on company performance and progress against strategic goals for the Board of Directors.

Leadership, Team & Culture

• Provide inspired leadership and champion core values: Purpose, Innovation, Care, Growth, Quality, and Performance.
• Define and lead overall talent strategy to deliver on organisational goals.
• Build and maintain a culture and working environment founded on creative innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and performance, which attracts, retains, motivates, and develops a diverse staff of top-quality professionals to deliver on our growth ambitions.
• Provide coaching, guidance, and accountability across the team to build capacity, and enable them to deliver against organisational objectives.
• Ensure that appropriate management and administrative systems and procedures are put in place for monitoring and enhancing staff performance.
• Work closely with the Board Chair to build, strengthen, and effectively leverage the Board of Directors to ensure both short term and long term success.

What We Are Looking For:

• Over 8 years of practical experience in leading and building early or growth stage businesses (having held a C-level or Director role previously) in a creative industry, with a relevant graduate degree (MBA preferred) or equivalent.
• Able to live in Nairobi, Kenya, with previous business experience in East Africa or other emerging markets.
• Experienced and passionate about social business, with a track record of triple bottom line (profit, people, planet) performance in previous roles.
• An understanding of the built environment or other creative industry (no need for specific technical expertise), market, and business models.
• A strong decision-maker, able to make timely and hard decisions even in the face of uncertainty.
• Ability to listen, process, and build alignment between various stakeholders, such as the Board of Directors, team, or investors.
• A gifted coach and mentor to others, with the ability to grow a motivated and high-performing team.
• Ability to inspire confidence and instil trust both internally
• and externally.
• A strong negotiator, with a proven ability to secure new opportunities or gain the best deal.
• Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively, delegate, and be able to ask for help.