Overview

Pharo Ventures is the commercial, for-profit arm of Pharo Foundation and has been set up to harness the power of a vibrant private sector by investing in enterprises across a variety of spheres within East Africa. The objective is to build and grow commercially and environmentally sustainable businesses. The focus is maximising economic value and jobs for local communities.

We have a vision of an economically vibrant and inclusive Africa. We believe we can achieve our vision and ambitions by investing in Africa's human and physical capital.

The company is committed to sustainable development and creating positive social impact through its construction and concrete services. Pharo Ventures Somaliland aims to deliver high-quality projects that contribute to the region's and community's growth and development.

Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Pharo Ventures has country offices in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) and Somaliland (Hargeisa).

Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Operations Director to oversee the overall operations of Pharo Ventures Somaliland. S/he will be crucial in managing and optimising Pharo Construction, Pharo Ready Mixed Concrete and future Venture operations. The ideal candidate will have a robust Technical Engineering background and excellent leadership, organisational, and strategic planning skills.

Key relationships

Role:                                              Operations Director

Location:                                       Hargeisa, Somaliland

Reporting to:                                Head of Ventures - Somaliland

Direct Reports:                             General Manager PCL,
                                                       General Manager RMC

Functional relationships:             Chief Financial Officer,
                                                       Chief Human Resources Officer
                                                       Key stakeholders and regulators

Duties and Responsibilities:

        Strategic Planning:

• Develop and implement the overall operational strategy for Pharo Ventures Somaliland in alignment with the company's goals and objectives.
• Identify opportunities for growth and improvement in construction, concrete and other business opportunities.
• Collaborate with the executive team to develop long-term plans and strategies for the company's expansion.
  
  Operations Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Venture activities, including Pharo Construction and Pharo Ready Mixed Concrete, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor and analyse operational performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing appropriate solutions.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance and consistency across all projects.
• Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet quality standards.
  
  Team Leadership and Development:

• Provide leadership and guidance to the operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing team, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide feedback, and implement development plans to enhance team members' skills and competencies.
  
  Relationship Management:

• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to ensure effective project execution.
• Collaborate with the business development team to identify new business opportunities and develop strategic partnerships.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure favourable terms and conditions.
  
  Health, Safety, and Quality Assurance:

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, implementing policies and procedures to create a safe working environment.
• Implement quality assurance processes to ensure that construction projects and concrete services meet the highest standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field. Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven experience (at least 7-10 years) in operations management, preferably in the construction or concrete services industry.
• Solid construction and concrete operations knowledge, including project management, scheduling, procurement, and quality control.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain stakeholder relationships.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with local regulations and industry standards in the construction sector.
  
  

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership: Demonstrates strong leadership skills by effectively guiding and motivating the operations team. Inspires trust and fosters a collaborative work environment.
• Problem-solving: Possesses excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically. Can identify issues, analyse data, and develop practical solutions in a timely manner.
• Communication: Exhibits strong verbal and written communication skills. Can convey information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Adaptability: Adapts quickly to changing circumstances and priorities. Demonstrates flexibility and can effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Decision-making: Makes sound decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment. Consider all relevant factors and potential consequences before making decisions.
• Team Player: Collaborates effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common goals. Values diverse perspectives and actively contributes to a positive team dynamic.
• Results-oriented: Driven by achieving results and meeting targets. Sets high standards for performance and holds self and others accountable for delivering quality outcomes.
• Integrity: Demonstrates high ethical standards and acts honestly and transparently. Upholds company values and promotes a culture of integrity throughout the organisation.
• Client Focus: Committed to understanding and meeting the needs of clients and stakeholders. Strives to exceed expectations and maintain strong relationships.
• Continuous Improvement: Embraces a continuous improvement mindset and actively seeks opportunities to enhance operational processes and efficiency.

This position is open to both male and female candidates.

Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received, and only complete applications will be reviewed. If an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline on 7th December 2023. For this reason, we encourage interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply as soon as possible. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.