Operations Manager

 Job Summary

SD Consult is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee and optimize business operations, drive operational efficiency, and support sustainable business growth across its operations in Africa.

The role is designed for a senior operations professional with broad multi-industry experience who can effectively manage day-to-day operations, evaluate business processes, identify operational challenges, and implement practical solutions that improve productivity, efficiency, and performance.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior management and cross-functional teams across different industries, combining operations management, business analysis, process improvement, performance management, resource optimization, and strategic execution to ensure operational excellence and achievement of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate the company’s day-to-day operations across all key business functions.

• Establish, improve, and monitor operational processes, policies, procedures, and workflows.

• Lead and coordinate common business functions.

• Ensure clear roles, responsibilities, accountability, and effective collaboration across teams.

• Develop and monitor operational KPIs, management reports, budgets, and performance dashboards.

• Identify operational inefficiencies, risks, and performance gaps, and implement corrective actions.

• Lead process improvement and business performance initiatives.

• Support strategic planning and ensure effective execution of management decisions.

• Manage resources, priorities, deadlines, and operational requirements in a cost-effective manner.

• Recruit, develop, motivate, and manage employees while promoting a culture of accountability and performance.

• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and applicable industry standards.

• Coordinate with clients, suppliers, partners, consultants, and other external stakeholders.

• Prepare regular operational and management reports for senior leadership.

• Support business growth, organizational development, and the establishment of scalable systems.

• Take a hands-on approach to resolving operational issues and ensuring business continuity.

• Lead or support special projects, business improvement initiatives, and startup-related activities.
Task and Duties 

Required Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Engineering, Economics, or a related field.

• MBA or relevant professional certification is an advantage.

• 5 to 7 years of experience as an Operations Manager, General Manager, Business Manager, or in a similar senior operational leadership role.

Must-Have Competencies

• Strong leadership and people-management skills.

• High level of ownership, accountability, and responsibility.

• Hands-on experience managing all common business functions.

• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.

• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to make sound decisions and take initiative independently.

• Strong communication, coordination, and stakeholder-management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on execution and measurable outcomes.

• High level of integrity, maturity, and professional judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• French literacy.

• Previous consulting or management advisory experience.

• Experience in startup companies, scale-ups, or rapidly changing

organizations.

• Familiarity with financial management, budgeting, and reporting.

• Experience working with diverse industries and business environments.

• Experience in Africa or other emerging markets.

• Knowledge of business systems, ERP platforms, CRM tools, and performance-management systems.