 Country Manager: East Africa

Nairobi, Kenya

  JOB PURPOSE: 

Reporting to the Group CEO & Managing Director, the Country Manager will be responsible for the growth and expansion of AMSCO’s Solutions in various Human Capital and development advisory offerings. He/she will also be responsible for developing, executing and managing the unit’s strategy and have overall responsibility in managing and handling all operational aspects of the unit.

 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES :

Business Strategy

  •  Develop and execute the business unit strategy, annual goals and objectives; aligned to the group strategy.
  • Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement of objectives by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
  • Lead team in the development of the business plan for the unit.
  • Participate in key decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives and operational execution.

 Business Development

  • Pipeline management to ensure an up to date and accurate business development pipeline.
  •  Enhance corporate clients and special markets relationships. Manage and monitor formulation of business/ technical solution proposals.
  • Build and maintain productive relationships with senior officials of stakeholders (clients, donors, consultants and government officials).
  • Serve as the strategic advisor for all pitches and proposals.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to senior officials.
  • Negotiate and close business deals.

Operational delivery

  • The CM will be responsible for managing all operations within their assigned area of responsibility.  This involves being responsible for managing a team to achieve agreed profit, revenue, overheads and customer service targets.
  • Drive innovation and entrepreneurship in the unit by expanding existing service lines and the development of new business that results in increased revenue and development impact for AMSCO. This will include coordinating and reviewing project lead summaries, new business pipelines, new business opportunity assessments and other requirements of the new business process.
  • Oversee the unit’s financial performance, investments and other business ventures.
  • Continuously assess and update processes as they relate to improving performance of the unit.
  • Together with the Group CEO analyse and mitigate risks to the unit by proactively monitoring potential external risks to the company.
  • In coordination with the Executive Team, seek out funding and partnership opportunities within their assigned area of responsibility.
  • Lead and or support opportunity assessment in new priority areas.
  • Engage resources from various departments as necessary and in a timely manner.
  • Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated in and followed at all times.

 People management

  • Lead, coach and develop team to optimize their potential, ensure quality development plans are in place, ensuring succession for the future.
  • Develop the capacity of team to independently develop and write strong proposals and conduct opportunity assessments specific to their priority area.
  • Ensure all team members’ objectives drive service delivery as well as facilitate the development and improvement of individuals and their performance.
  • Ensure equitable assignment of work to the team.
  • Manage the individual outputs of team, executing standard processes for servicing clients.

Relationship Management

  • Develop and manage existing and new business relationships.
  • In coordination with other units and colleagues, cultivate and manage relationships with partners and or potential stakeholder, including governments and private sector companies.
  • Promote peer support and strong inter-company relationships with other management personnel; and
  • Maintain strong relationships with other customer facing staff.

 Marketing & Branding

  • Strengthen AMSCO’s brand and raising its profile in the ‘marketplace’.
  • Represent AMSCO in all forums conferences and events.

PROFILE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

  • Action Oriented:  Enjoys working hard, is action oriented and full of energy for the things he/she sees as challenging, not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning.
  • Proven experience of solution selling, with the ability to win client trust.
  • Communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Problem-solving skills - Ability to identify, analyse, organise and solve problems and issues in a timely and effective manner
  •  Ability to work on own initiative – ability to assert one’s influence over events in order to achieve goals. Can demonstrate passion for the business and can inspire others.
  • Negotiating and influencing skills - ability to negotiate skillfully and influence in tough situations with both internal and external groups.
  • Interpersonal skills – relates well to all kinds of people, builds appropriate rapport and is able to build constructive and effective relationships.
  • Collaboration / Teamwork– actively brings people together to deliver work.  Adapts to changing demands.  Shares information and resources.
  • Integrity - a truthful individual can present the unvarnished truth in an appropriate and helpful manner. 
  • Critical Thinking and Priority setting

Knowledge and Expertise:

  • Market and Business Development skills.
  • Business analysis and Finance (mainly P&L) understanding.
  • Proven track record in business development and deals closure.
  • Industry specialized sales or consulting position within Services Company.
  • Creates a strong brand identity through the use of social media platform.
  • Proven networking skills and experience.

Experience, qualifications and other requirements specific to the role:

  • Master’s degree (must have);
  • Minimum 10 years’ experience in sales, business development and consulting;
  • Demonstrate strategic and deep experience of employer brand management;
  • Experience leading people, communications across a geography with proven and demonstrable results; and
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented, highly collaborative open environment.