Chief Operations Officer - Kenya at Alliad

Job description

JOB PURPOSE: Lead and transform end-to-end operations in Kenya from Head Office to field execution, embedding strong cost discipline, operational controls, and accountability. Drive a measurable reduction in cost base and sustained productivity gains through hands-on leadership, rigorous performance management, and continuous improvement. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES Job Duties and Key Responsibility Areas (What is Done, to What, and Why) Own end-to-end Kenya operations performance, ensuring consistent execution, service levels, and operational governance across all sites and routes/branches. Deliver a cost-reduction and productivity program: baseline the cost base, identify structural and quick-win savings, execute initiatives, and track benefits realization with clear ownership. Build an execution-led operating cadence (daily/weekly/monthly): KPIs, visual management, problem-solving routines, and corrective action follow-through to improve reliability and accountability. Strengthen operational controls and compliance: SOPs, delegations, inventory/cash/asset controls, vendor controls, and audit-ready documentation; reduce leakage, waste, and operational risk. Re-design processes and organization for efficiency: simplify workflows, optimize staffing and rosters, improve throughput and cycle times, and standardize best practices across the network. Lead supply chain and logistics optimization: demand planning discipline, procurement governance, vendor performance management, fleet/route optimization, and inventory accuracy to reduce working capital and cost-to-serve. Drive performance of branch/field operations through direct site engagement, coaching, and rapid issue resolution; set clear targets and hold teams accountable for delivery. Partner with Finance to embed cost visibility and discipline: unit economics, budget ownership, variance reviews, capex prioritization, and ROI-based decision-making. Lead a turnaround/change agenda: challenge legacy ways of working, manage resistance, communicate clear expectations, and build a high-performance operations culture. Develop operational talent and succession: recruit/upgrade key roles where needed, set performance contracts, and build capability in Lean/CI, controls, and frontline leadership. Implement 'Performance Management the Alliad Way' by setting KPIs for direct reports (when applicable), conduct regular reviews, identify training requirements and provide a coaching, mentoring and supportive role. Ensures adherence to quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements in Food Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, and Environment. COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS Typical Level of Interaction Advanced: Influence using logic and facts. Communication is important to the achievement of job objectives. Expert: Win the hearts and minds, changing opinion of people. Critical in achieving the job objectives. Primary Internal Contacts Country CEO - Kenya Chief Financial Officer / Finance Director - Kenya Commercial/Sales Director - Kenya HR Manager - Kenya Level of Audience (Internal) Typical level of audience Middle Management / Seasoned Professional Senior / Top Management Primary External Contacts Key suppliers and service providers (logistics, facilities, contractors, utilities) for cost, SLA, and performance management Regulators and government agencies as required for operational compliance, permits, and inspections Key customers/partners for service performance reviews, escalations, and operational improvements Level of Audience (External) Senior / Top Management KEY JOB DIMENSIONS AND RELATED JOB RESULTS People Management: Direct leadership of the Kenya operations leadership team and branch/field operations managers, including performance contracts and succession planning. Build and enforce a high-accountability culture through clear targets, consequences, coaching, and capability building. Lead change management across HO and field teams during turnaround, restructuring, and process standardization. Financial Dimension: Accountable for Kenya operations OPEX efficiency and delivery of agreed cost-reduction targets and productivity benefits. Owns/approves operational budgets and capex prioritization within delegated authority, ensuring ROI-based decisions and benefits tracking. Drives working capital improvements through inventory accuracy, procurement governance, and cost-to-serve optimization. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT High-visibility, hands-on role requiring frequent travel to branches/sites and time in field operations to ensure execution. Fast-paced turnaround environment with pressure to deliver measurable cost reduction, control improvements, and service reliability within tight timelines. Requires rapid decision-making, cross-functional coordination, and management of operational risk, safety, and compliance obligations. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/ EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE/ TRAINING/ KNOWLEDGE Education & Professional Certifications: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or related field (required). MBA or Master's in Operations/Supply Chain/Management (preferred). Relevant professional membership/certification in supply chain/operations (e.g., CIPS, APICS/ASCM) is an advantage. Work Experience: 12+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within multinational/international organizations, including multi-site/branch operations. Proven track record leading major cost reduction and productivity programs, with measurable results and sustained control discipline. Experience in turnaround, transformation, or scaling operations in a complex environment; demonstrated ability to lead HO-to-field execution. Technical Skills & Knowledge: End-to-end operations leadership