Operations Manager

Location: Homa Bay, Kenya (12-18 months); Tanzania (long-term)

Reports To: Farm Operations Director

Employment Type: Full-Time

Role summary

We seek a hands-on, action-oriented Operations Manager at an innovative tilapia farm. The successful candidate will be an excellent do-er and improve-er of processes around the farm. This is a leadership role across a range of day-to-day operations: fish feeding and harvesting, processing and sorting, logistics, adherence to regulatory standards, and more. This role is based in rural Western Kenya and is intended to become a founding member of a new Victory business unit in Tanzania. The role will first be based in Kenya for a 12 to 18-month period of on-the-job learning and development. Following this period, in the first half of 2026, the role will permanently transition to Tanzania.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day harvesting to processing operations, ensuring that processing operations are running efficiently and effectively. This includes managing the processing department staff and resources and ensuring that processing KPIs are met.
• Work closely with the Quality Control team to ensure all QMS processes and SOPs are followed, guaranteeing the highest standards of fish quality.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and productivity by developing new processes or procedures, identifying and resolving operational issues, and implementing quality control measures to ensure processing output meets the required standards.
• Set and monitor processing KPIs, making necessary adjustments to ensure that these KPIs are met.
• Work with other departments such as Logistic Centers and Sales to ensure the processing operations are aligned with overall organizational goals and objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day Lake Logistics Operations, working closely with the Lake Logistics Manager to ensure key KPIs are met.
• Ensure the delivery, fabrication, inspection, and cleaning of nets.
• Collaborate with departments such as production to ensure logistics operations are aligned with the overall goals and objectives of the organization.
• Oversee the management of logistics resources such as boats and other equipment and be responsible for developing and implementing safety policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and monitoring key KPIs related to logistics operations.
• Identify opportunities for improvement and innovation to enhance logistics operations.
• Facilitate regular cross-departmental meetings to discuss operational updates and address challenges.
• Coordinate with the HR team to develop training programs and ensure staffing needs are met.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders including suppliers, customers, regulatory bodies, and industry partners.
• Communicate effectively with external stakeholders to ensure transparency and foster trust.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics or a related discipline.
• 7+ years of experience in managing operations, logistics, and supply chain functions within an organization.
• Operations management background in FMCG or Agriculture sector.
• Advanced proficiency in relevant software/tools for managing supply chains, logistics, and production planning (e.g., ERP systems, MS Project, supply chain management software).
• Capacity to understand complex challenges and break them down into problems that can then be tackled and resolved.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Attention to detail and data-driven approach to constantly improve operations and ensure consistency in delivering value to other parts of the business.
• Proven experience in medium-to-large-scale operational projects, with a strong understanding of project management methodologies.
• Ability to thrive working collaboratively with both senior and junior colleagues, solving problems independently, and executing work quickly.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in managing multiple teams across different functions.
• Finance background in FMCG or Agriculture sector.