Technical Operations Manager at Zola Electric

Job Description

• We are looking for a Technical Operations Manager with strong communication skills and the ability to work well within a global team.
• If you are successful, you will play a critical role as a member of the technical operations unit in our Nigeria office.

Position Responsibilities

• The Manager, Technical Operations develops and manages Zola Electric’s field installations, technical operations, and field services function in Nigeria.
• The role is perfect for the experienced technical manager with a self-starting attitude, attention to detail and experience developing systems and processes.

Development of the Systems and Processes:

• Develop installation, start up and commissioning practices and methodologies for Zola’s hybrid solar energy systems, in cooperation with engineering design team
• Train and develop junior and senior technicians on these processes, with a strong emphasis on quality, customer support and integrity.
• Develop a practice and mindset of constant improvement
• Develop and implement a process for managing tools, equipment and vehicles assigned to the team.
• Provide feedback on product performance to product management and engineering teams
• Evaluate and report on team output and performance metrics on a regular basis
• Work with logistics teams to develop a system of daily project inventory management and reconciliation
• Document, Implement and manage best practices in health and safety
• Other projects and initiatives necessary to develop and manage the technical operations department

Efficiently Manage Technical Field Operations:

• Work in accordance with HSE standards and best practices and ensure safety of employees and customers is the top priority.
• Manage daily and weekly team schedules to organize installation and field service tasks as delivered by the operations team.
• Work closely with functional managers, especially in customer care, scheduling, logistics and supply chain
• Manage the daily activities of team leads and technicians
• Ensure accountability for material inventory checked out to teams
• Work with customer service scheduling to achieve customer field service execution targets on budget.
• Ensure teams manage tools, equipment and PPE ensuring all equipment is well maintained and safe. (ordering, new, cost)
• Ensure execution of efficient operations for maximum team productivity.

Quality Assurance:

• Work with internal and external experts to develop, document and implement a quality assurance program that includes quality standards, auditing practices and ongoing quality training for technical installations
• Set performance and quality standards for installation work, safety, field services tasks, inventory reconciliation and reporting.
• Report on quality assurance success.

People Management:

• Manage the recruitment of resources across multiple geographies in collaboration with the CPO and Human Capital Department
• Manage the performance of direct reports, ensuring agreement of annual goals, measuring performance against agreed goals and dealing with areas of non-performance
• Input into the development of succession plans in collaboration with the `managing director or direct supervisor
• Lead, coach and mentor direct reports to foster development of Core Competencies necessary for success
• Seek consistent feedback to drive improvement in employee retention
• Develop a professional development program for each subordinate
• Manage the administration of direct reports through the approval of leave, subsistence and travel expenses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Engineering
• 5 years experience in electrical systems installation, commissioning and/or service.
• 3 years’ experience working in the field in West Africa.
• 3 years minimum managerial experience, including hiring, developing and firing of direct reports.
• 2 years’ experience directly interfacing with customers and providing in home/business customer support
• 2 years’ experience managing quality standards
• Previous health and safety training and certification Experience hiring, training and managing electrical technicians and engineers
• Create, maintain and champion best practices in installation, field service and customer support
• Knowledge of and responsibility for quality assurance best practices
• Knowledge of project management principles
• Experience managing material and equipment inventory and reconciliation of inventory
• Experience developing and managing daily and weekly operations schedules
• Experience installing and commissioning complex electrical projects.