AMI is a social enterprise pioneering a scalable approach to workplace learning in Africa. We deliver blended learning journeys, combining a web & mobile app, in-person workshops and on-the-job practice to help businesses develop productive and motivated workforces, entrepreneurs build thriving enterprises, and job seekers advance their careers.
AMI is expanding rapidly. We have raised investment from international investors, established offices in Nairobi and Johannesburg, engaged an impressive portfolio of clients in East, West and Southern Africa, and trained over 20,000 individuals through 65 blended learning programmes in 11 African countries. AMI is now looking for a Head of Operations & Talent to establish the systems to support growth, support expansion into new markets and ensure our international operations work like clockwork. This is a chance for an outstanding entrepreneurial leader to be part of Africa’s transformation, and to help shape, build and scale one its most innovate social businesses.
About the Job
The Head of Operations & Talent must be a practical leader with a proven track record of working with high-growth entrepreneurial businesses in Africa. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic international and local team, and will be based in – or willing to move to – Nairobi. The Director of Operations will focus on 3 core areas: people, processes and new markets. Core responsibilities include leading all internal operations and building the people, back office and operating systems to underpin AMI’s growth in the region. S/he must be comfortable with managing legal, governance, compliance and financial processes and systems.
Responsibilities
Operations, governance & financial management
- Oversee all internal operations across markets. This will involve day-to-day general management of our head office in Nairobi (including rent/utilities/procurement), as well as supporting GMs/country heads in Johannesburg and new markets.
- Work with colleagues in marketing, sales, product, learning and programmes to ensure seamless systems, data management and customer experiences across the organisation.
- Work with our Financial Director, external providers and the bank to manage and monitor book-keeping, payments, invoicing, payroll, audit and financial management in Kenya, and work with GMs/country heads elsewhere to ensure financial, tax, legal and governance compliance.
- Arrange for accreditation with the local country authorities, where appropriate.
- Overseeing management of AMI events, in partnership with marketing colleagues
Talent
- Develop AMI’s talent pipeline across geographies by building relationships with partners and raising AMI’s employer brand. Develop selection strategies and processes for core roles.
- Be a culture champion, working with local country heads to promote our core values and ‘the AMI way’ across our markets
- Develop and implement company-wide strategies around remuneration, retention and performance management.
- Work with our learning team to refine AMI’s on-boarding programme and develop ongoing learning and development, particularly in new geographies.
- Establish and improve HR systems, policies and processes, including contracts, compensation and benefits
New markets
- Work with the CEO and commercial director to analyse potential new markets and segments. Conduct operational due diligence on new opportunities, including on governance, legal structure and talent
- Establish operational processes and systems that can be replicated in new
- Support set-up for new market entry, including identifying and on-boarding of senior team, establishing legal structures and core operational frameworks
Skills & attributes
- Ability to think strategically and creatively, and to execute methodically.
- Ability to create order from chaos. Thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment but able to design and implement effective structures and policies.
- Unflinching attention to detail. Outstanding organizational and administrative skills. Are you the most organised person you know?
- Enthusiasm and commitment for AMI’s vision of transformation through skills development
- Decision Making & Problem Solving Skills – ability to identify and resolve problems and generate alternative solutions
- Work well with people. Culturally adept. Ability to communicate effectively across different levels, with local and international teams and stakeholders
- Proven ability to build and lead a team, motivate staff, manage performance and drive delivery. Ability to work as part of a close-knit and collaborative cross-border leadership team.
- An unwavering commitment to AMI’s values of excellence, innovation, accountability, caring and integrity.
- Willingness to engage in robust debate alongside deep respect for others
- Absolutely rock-solid integrity
Qualifications & Experience
- At least 8-10 years experience in operations, general management, talent/HR or project management, with at least three years at a senior level (essential)
- Experience working in a leadership role in an entrepreneurial or high-growth environment in Africa (essential)
- Experience in business operations and financial management, including managing budgets and KPIs (essential).
- Experience working with a social business or enterprise (preferred but not essential)
- Masters degree (MBA preferred) or equivalent experience
Start Date: As soon as possible
Location: Nairobi, Kenya occasional travel required in Africa
Employment Status: Full-time. 6-month trial period.
Remuneration: competitive salary, dependent on experience
AMI will consider candidates from any country, but must be willing to live and work in Kenya and be free to travel elsewhere in Africa.
Please send a CV and cover letter to rebecca@africanmanagers.org. We will assess applications on a rolling basis and will hire as soon as we find the right person, so please submit your application as soon as possible, explaining why you would be suitable for this role and providing current salary details.
JD Head of Operations & Talent
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