Operations Manager

Role Overview

This is a senior operational leadership position based in Nairobi, responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the local office while also managing a complex web of international relationships. You will supervise a team, take ownership of shipment execution from start to finish, and work alongside trading, finance, and treasury departments to build and enforce efficient processes. Your ability to simplify workflows, solve problems quickly, and coordinate across time zones and borders will directly impact the reliability and profitability of our global trade operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the operations team daily, assigning tasks, managing workloads, and holding each member accountable for results.
• Act as the primary escalation point for operational issues, resolving them quickly and ensuring minimal disruption to supply chains.
• Design clear operational workflows for shipping, trucking, bulk, and breakbulk cargo, then roll them out consistently across all teams and regions.
• Coordinate with international suppliers, overseas clients, shipping lines, transporters, and 3PL partners to keep every shipment on schedule and fully documented.
• Ensure accurate system usage across the team, including data entry, documentation, stock reconciliations, and payment follow-ups, to support real-time reporting and process control.
• Collaborate with trading, treasury, and trade finance departments to align operational processes with commercial and financial requirements.
• Monitor stock levels and movement, performing regular reconciliations and flagging discrepancies before they become larger problems.
• Train, coach, and develop team members, while maintaining compliance with Kenyan and international trade regulations in all activities.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, International Relations, Commerce, Trade, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of operational experience within supply chain, logistics, or multi-commodity trading, with at least 2 years in a team leadership or supervisory role.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills, comfortable liaising with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders at every level.
• Advanced system aptitude: you can learn new platforms quickly, use data to spot inefficiencies, and drive process improvements through technology.
• Proven track record of building and implementing structured processes across departments, and ensuring teams follow them consistently.
• Hands-on experience with international logistics and multi-country operations, including familiarity with shipping lines, 3PL contracts, and transport coordination.
• Solid understanding of stock management principles, operational controls, and regulatory compliance requirements for both Kenya and global markets.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of solving problems collaboratively without constant supervision.
• Additional knowledge of trade finance, banking systems, or ERP platforms is a strong advantage.