We are seeking a high-calibre Chief Operations Officer (COO) – East Africa to lead, integrate, and optimise regional operations across multiple markets. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, commercial performance, supply chain effectiveness, and sustainable growth across the East Africa region. The successful candidate will provide strategic and hands-on leadership across distribution, logistics, warehousing, retail and wholesale syndicated sales, merchandising execution, client relationship management, and market expansion, while delivering measurable improvements in profitability and service delivery. In summary, this is a regional commercial operations leader who can simultaneously drive service levels, reduce cost leakages, strengthen sales execution, and manage investor-grade reporting across East Africa.

Job Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership & Supply Chain Performance
• Design, implement and monitor integrated operational strategies across supply chain, warehousing, and distribution.
• Optimise inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, and distribution networks to enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
• Drive compliance with SLAs, HSE standards, and regulatory requirements across the region.
• Oversee country operations teams to ensure standardised processes, controls, and KPIs across markets.
• Commercial & Sales Excellence
• Lead the execution of sales and merchandising strategies to strengthen product availability, visibility, and retail compliance.
• Drive promotional campaigns with clients and ensure measurable ROI and market impact.
• Expand commercial footprint through go-to-market strategies and channel development for new markets.
• Client & Stakeholder Management
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with retailers, wholesalers, suppliers, and key stakeholders across East Africa.
• Ensure consistent client engagement, transparent reporting, and effective resolution of operational issues.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients on market trends and category growth opportunities.
• Financial & Risk Management
• Develop and manage operational and commercial budgets for regional performance delivery.
• Drive cost savings, productivity improvements, and business growth initiatives.
• Lead enterprise risk identification and mitigation for operational, financial, and supply chain risks.
• People Leadership & Culture
• Lead, inspire and develop multi-disciplinary teams across the region.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, leadership development, and team capability growth.
• Promote a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time delivery rates (primary & secondary distribution)
• Inventory accuracy and stockout reduction
• Distribution and warehousing cost efficiency
• HSE compliance and SLA adherence
• Sales growth and market share improvement
• Retail execution compliance (“Perfect Store” metrics)
• ROI on promotions and commercial initiatives
• Client satisfaction, NPS, and retention
• Budget performance, cost savings, and risk controls
• Employee engagement, retention, and succession readiness

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Commerce, or related field.
• MBA or postgraduate qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum 10 years experience in FMCG operations and commercial leadership, with at least 5 years at executive level.
• At least 5 years’ experience operating within East African markets.
• Demonstrated success in managing cross-border operations, complex supply chains, and commercial growth.
• Strong capability in leading large, diverse teams across multiple functions and geographies.

Required Competencies & Skills

• Strategic Thinking and execution discipline
• Strong leadership and cross-cultural team management
• Operational Excellence and process standardisation
• Commercial acumen, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement
• Financial planning, budget management, and risk mitigation
• Client relationship management and customer orientation
• Strong analytical capability and decision-making
• High adaptability and change agility
• Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP advantageous), CRM tools, and data analytics platforms
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)