The Role
Lead Nairobi operations and supervise the operations team while managing workload, accountability, and daily execution. Coordinate international suppliers, clients, shipping lines, transporters, and 3PL partners. Oversee end-to-end shipment execution, stock movements, reconciliations, documentation, payments, compliance, and system updates. Design and improve operational processes, resolve issues, coordinate cross-functional teams, and train staff to improve performance and control.
Summary Generated by Built In
Role Overview
We are
looking for a hands-on and structured Operations Manager to lead our
Nairobi operations. This role requires someone who can lead a team,
solve problems effectively, build clear processes, and simplify complex
operations while ensuring smooth daily execution.The role extends beyond
the Kenya market and involves managing international suppliers and
clients, as well as coordinating with shipping lines, transporters, and
3PL partners around the globe.
Key Responsibilities
• Supervise, lead, and support the operations team on a daily basis
• Manage workload, ensure proper coverage, and drive team accountability
• Act as the main point of contact for operational issues and resolve them efficiently
•
Lead cross-functional coordination with internal departments
(trading, treasury, trade finance…) to design, align, and implement
efficient operational processes
• Ensure processes are clearly communicated, understood, and consistently applied across teams
• Act as a bridge between teams and management, ensuring smooth communication, alignment, and execution
• Design and implement clear, structured processes; continuously simplify and improve workflows
• Oversee shipment execution end-to-end (containers, trucking, bulk & breakbulk)
• Coordinate with international suppliers, clients, and various service providers.
• Ensure accurate system updates, documentation, and payment follow-ups.
• Ensure strong and consistent use of operational systems to support accurate execution, reporting, and process control
• Monitor stock movements, reconciliations, and operational controls
• Ensure compliance with local (Kenya) and international regulations
• Train, guide, and develop the team to improve performance and clarity
• Proactively identify issues and implement sustainable, long-term solution
Requirements
Requirements
Degree in Logistics,International Relations,Commerce or Trade
• Excellent communications skills, spoken and written.
• Very strong system and IT capability & experience
•
3–5 years’ experience in operations with proven leadership
experience. Supply chain, logistics, multi-commodity experience helpful.
• Proven leadership experience (team supervision / management)
• Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach
• Ability to create clear processes and drive their implementation across teams
•
Strong ability to work with systems, understand operational
workflows, and use system data to improve process efficiency and
control.
• Experience with international logistics and multi-country operations.
• Familiarity with shipping lines, 3PLs, and transport coordination.
• Knowledge of local and international regulations.
• Experience in stock management and operational controls.
• Strong ability to communicate and influence across different levels and departments.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
Familiarity in Trade Finance,Banking,Supply Chain,Systems is an added advantage
Profile
• Structured, proactive, and solution-oriented
• Strong leader with a hands-on mindset
• Able to drive alignment across teams and ensure execution
• Clear, confident communicator across all levels
• High sense of ownership and accountability
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment
Skills Required
- Degree in Logistics, International Relations, Commerce, or Trade
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills
- Very strong systems and IT capability and experience
- 3-5 years of operations experience
- Proven leadership experience supervising or managing teams
- Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach
- Ability to create clear processes and implement them across teams
- Experience using systems and operational data to improve efficiency and control
- Experience with international logistics and multi-country operations
- Familiarity with shipping lines, 3PLs, and transport coordination
- Knowledge of local and international regulations
- Experience in stock management and operational controls
- Ability to communicate and influence across departments and organizational levels
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Familiarity with trade finance, banking, supply chain, and systems
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The Company
What We Do
We go the extra mile for your last mile – with specialized divisions to serve even the most diverse of industries. CDL is your premier regional carrier for complete delivery coverage – guaranteed.
