Operations Manager, West Africa at 54gene

Department: Operations
Reports to: Head of Pan-African Expansion & Strategic Execution
Industry: Biotechnology

Position Summary

• 54gene is continually evaluating new opportunities and regions where we can host our business to serve current and future markets. The Operations Manager will implement the plans of the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution in the country. The Operations Manger is responsible for driving key operational activities in our new geographies. S/he would be on ground to support decision making and recommendations of the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution.
• The ideal candidate is expected to support many different aspects of the 54gene’s business in their assigned geographies. S/he will be expected to serve as 1st contact for the in-country stakeholders; oversee on-site activities and report potential challenges to the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution.

Requirements
Essential Functions:

• Serve as the primary contact for all  in-country expansion activities
• Coordinate vendor relationship from primary engagement to contract signing and deployment on construction sites
• Serve as the Quality Control agent of 54gene on site, by ensuring that expansion activities are conducted according to project specifications and standards
• Coordinate physical development and deployment of infrastructure in country including physical building and equipment
• Track operational expenses and report back to the leadership team on a consistent basis
• On an ongoing basis, liaise with project managers and internal operations team to provide regular feedback on project constrains or potential changes
• Keep close contact with regulatory and accreditation bodies in country to ensure up-to-date information is escalated to the planning team
• Track and follow-up to obtain all required in-country permits and business authorizations
• Report country efficiency performance to the Project Manager and senior leadership and consistently look for strategies to improve the metrics deployment of the project
• Develop efficiency strategies in partnership with the Project manager on an ongoing basis
• Oversee and monitor on-site activities and report potential challenges to the head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution
• Work closely with project management departments to make sure activities remain compliant with 54gene’s SOPs in all areas of the business
• Ensure operational activities remain on time and within a defined budget
• Organize and plan in-market visits for the leadership as required 

Stakeholder Management:

• Develop stakeholder management plan with associated CRM
• On an ongoing basis, map stakeholder’s predisposition to 54gene and other associated businesses
• Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders with a mindset of long-term relationship building
• Assess 54gene’s membership to local organizations and make recommendations to the leadership
• Keep stakeholders informed on all crucial changes that occur during the project
• Hold stakeholders accountable in an emotionally intelligent manner

Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong presentation skills, proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences internally and externally
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of staff across differing functional expertise within the organization, including commercial, legal, medical/science and finance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with emphasis on relationship building and networking
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Impressive partner management, business communication and relationship building skills
• Ability to manage projects and deadlines with autonomy
• Ability to thrive in a complex, cross-functional and science-driven environment
• Cross-cultural competency: ability to work with a diverse, global team
• Fluency in English; French, and Swahili is a plus
• Knowledge of general business software and aptitude to learn new applications; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)