Business Service Manager

Role Overview

The country Business Services lead oversees the systems that keep procurement, transport, inventory, and field operations working reliably across CIMMYT’s Kenya locations. The role combines hands-on operational oversight with team leadership, helping research and program teams obtain the goods and services they need while maintaining sound controls, compliance, and value for money.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement from planning and request review through supplier selection, delivery, documentation, and payment coordination; address delays and risks that could affect program work.
• Guide procurement planning with Buyers and program teams, maintain vendor sourcing and onboarding processes, and ensure purchasing decisions are competitive, documented, and compliant with institutional, donor, ERP, and Kenyan requirements.
• Manage the country vehicle fleet, including allocation, servicing, insurance, fuel controls, driver records, roadworthiness, utilization, and operating costs; coordinate safe, authorized travel and transport for staff, visitors, and field missions.
• Oversee warehouse and inventory controls across offices and research stations, including stock organization, physical counts, traceability, batch records, reconciliations, and documented transfers between locations.
• Maintain appropriate safeguards for operational supplies such as agrochemicals, fertilizers, fuel, harvested produce, and other materials, including safe storage and handling practices.
• Support effective use of Microsoft Dynamics 365 inventory and warehouse tools, and work with relevant teams to improve stock visibility and reduce losses.
• Monitor compliance, internal controls, and operational risks; escalate significant issues, support audits with accurate records, and contribute to contingency planning and business continuity.
• Lead and develop Business Services and operational staff through guidance, coaching, and training; work across functions to promote accountable, responsive, and consistent service.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related discipline; a master’s degree is an advantage.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in business services, operations, procurement, supply chain, logistics, fleet, warehouse management, or a related area.
• Experience overseeing operations across multiple locations; experience in agricultural research, development, an international organization, an NGO, or a comparable setting is preferred.
• Practical knowledge of procurement, logistics, fleet operations, inventory and warehouse management, and the controls needed to manage them effectively.
• Experience using ERP systems; familiarity with Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an advantage.
• Understanding of operational governance, compliance, internal controls, and risk management. Knowledge of Kenyan requirements relevant to procurement, logistics, fleet, and business services is desirable.
• Ability to coordinate across functions and organizational levels in a multi-stakeholder, matrix environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with effective communication and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

What We Offer / Why Join

The role offers the opportunity to shape dependable, well-controlled business operations that support research and program delivery across multiple locations in Kenya. It also provides a broad leadership remit, working with teams across finance, legal, IT, HR, programs, and research.