Business Operations Manager

The Business Manager is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting strategic initiatives, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the business. Working closely with the GM, this role acts as a central hub across the organisation, helping plan, execute, and optimise key projects, processes, and business activities.

This position is ideal for someone who is operationally strong, highly organised, and comfortable wearing many hats in a growing business.

Requirements

Operational Management

• Oversee daily business operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Maintain and improve internal processes, workflows, and systems.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities and ensure timely delivery of work across teams.
• Track KPIs, operational metrics, and performance dashboards.

Strategic & Special Projects

• Lead and support strategic and cross-functional projects from planning through execution.
• Conduct research, analysis, and recommendations on new opportunities, vendors, tools, or market expansions.
• Drive project timelines, resource planning, and stakeholder alignment.

Executive Support & Business Planning

• Work directly with the GM on priorities, planning, and business decision-making.
• Prepare briefs, reports, and presentations for internal and external use.
• Help translate high-level ideas into actionable plans and ensure initiatives stay on track.

Financial & Resource Oversight

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial tracking.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement.
• Ensure the business operates within agreed cost frameworks.

Team & Culture Support

• Coordinate hiring processes, onboarding, and team communication.
• Support leadership in building company culture, internal communication, and team alignment.
• Provide guidance, structure, and clarity across the organisation.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Strong operational or project management experience.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work autonomously
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Clear communication, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience in impact-led businesses

Preferred

• Experience in a fast-growth or entrepreneurial environment.
• Ability to build structure and processes from scratch.
• Background in operations, business management, consulting, or strategy.
• Preferable: experience working in social enterprise or sustainability-focused company.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as:
• Business Administration
• Economics
• Management
• Finance
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Social Sciences (with strong business/operations modules)

Postgraduate qualification:

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)
• Master’s in Development Finance, Social Enterprise, Impact Management, Sustainability, or Environmental Management
• Master’s in Public Policy, Monitoring & Evaluation, or Organisational Leadership

Competencies

Leadership Capabilities:

• Participative Leadership
• Planning & Organizing
• Monitoring & Measuring

Cognitive Capabilities:

• Analysis & Attention to detail
• Problem Solving
• Critical thinking

Interpersonal Capabilities:

• Assertive
• Methodical
• Drive & Action Oriented
• Flexibility
• Excellence & Quality Orientation