Head of Operations (m/w/d)

Join d.light as Head of Operations in Lagos, Nigeria. Oversee operational execution, manage performance metrics, and drive cross-functional initiatives. Enjoy the opportunity to build a focused operations team and influence business outcomes in the renewable energy sector. Become the Head of Operations at d.light in Lagos, Nigeria, where you will take full ownership of operational execution across commercial levers. This role involves managing performance metrics, leading product launches, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. You will build a dedicated operations team and drive cross-functional initiatives to achieve business goals. Enjoy the chance to make a significant impact in the renewable energy industry.

d.light Lagos, Nigeria On-site Full Time UTC+01:00

d.light

Company Overview

Name

d.light

Headquarters

San Francisco, CA, United States

Founded

2007

Size

Employee count is not publicly disclosed, and revenue figures for 2023 or later are not available; however, d.light has raised over $20 million in early venture capital and participated in multiple funding rounds, including a $30 million Series D (source: sfgate.com).

What They Do

d.light is a for-profit social enterprise and certified B Corporation that specializes in solar-powered solutions aimed at off-grid and underserved communities. The company focuses on providing affordable and durable solar lighting, home systems, inverters, and appliances, with a strong emphasis on human-centered design. Their products include solar home systems, portable solar lanterns, and PayGo financing models, which allow customers to pay for their energy solutions in manageable daily installments of 20-50 US cents (source: dlight.com). The technology is designed to last, featuring LiFePO4 batteries that can endure over 2000 cycles, and polycrystalline solar panels ranging from 9W to 40W, making them suitable for various applications in regions lacking reliable electricity (source: dlight.com). By targeting low-income families, small businesses, health centers, and schools, d.light aims to improve the quality of life for millions while promoting sustainable energy practices.

Projects & Track Record

Since its inception, d.light has successfully distributed over 25 million solar products across 62 countries, significantly impacting the lives of approximately 173 million people. Notable projects include installations at the Gora Primary Health Care Center in Plateau State, Nigeria, where their iMAX10 inverters have facilitated critical medical interventions during power outages. Additionally, health centers in Abia State have utilized d.light's technology for phototherapy treatments (source: techxlab.org). Current efforts are focused on scaling PayGo solar home systems in regions like Mt. Kenya's Kiharu area, where they provide essential lighting and educational support, as well as in urban settings like Nairobi for business lighting solutions (source: dlight.com). The company has established partnerships with local distributors and organizations such as Acumen to enhance its reach and effectiveness in delivering solar solutions to those in need.

Recent Developments

In recent years, d.light has gained recognition for its impactful solar solutions, highlighted in the Earthshot Prize video released on October 16, 2024, which showcased how their products have powered 175 million lives across Africa and helped offset 38 million tonnes of carbon emissions (source: youtube.com). The company has also celebrated the milestone of selling 25 million products, contributing to its ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion lives by 2030 (source: techxlab.org). While there have been no major contracts or acquisitions reported for 2023-2025, d.light continues to build on its legacy of innovation and social impact, having previously won the Global LEAP Award in 2016 for its energy-efficient off-grid appliances.

Working There

d.light offers a variety of roles that likely include positions in engineering, sales, customer support, and supply chain management, reflecting its diverse operational needs across global markets. The company recruits talent for its headquarters in San Francisco as well as for field offices in Kenya, India, and China, emphasizing community engagement by hiring local sales agents (source: dlight.com). The culture at d.light is centered around human-centered design and social impact, with a commitment to empowering local communities and ensuring product durability in extreme conditions. While specific employee benefits are not detailed, the company's innovative PayGo financing models suggest a focus on aligning employee interests with customer needs and sustainable practices (source: thecharlesbronfmanprize.org).

Contact

Website · Careers · LinkedIn

Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

Job Description

The incumbent will have full ownership of operational execution across the business's core commercial levers, ensuring approved strategy is translated into clear actions, executed with discipline, and monitored through robust performance management to deliver agreed operational and commercial outcomes.

R&Rs

Own end-to-end performance management across commercial and operational KPIs, translating insights into mandatory execution priorities, enforcing adherence, and driving corrective actions to closure.
Lead weekly and monthly performance reviews with clear ownership, corrective actions, and timelines; actively follow through to ensure execution gaps are closed.
Own operational readiness and execution of new product launches, ensuring demand readiness, stock deployment, sell-through, and post-launch performance meet agreed targets.
Work closely with the BI team to ensure that all reporting requirements are taken into account.
In conjunction with HODs, drive and own business processes, policies and documentation.
Ensure training needs for various functions of the organization are met for seamless process alignment.
Track and ensure implementation and compliance to organization policies.
Provide Group office with updates on the Department's initiatives and performance outcomes.
Drive cross-functional execution of commercial initiatives, ensuring Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Field Operations deliver against agreed commitments.
Engage with various departments to get feedback on the business processes and seek opportunities to drive improvements.
Build and lead an execution-focused operations team capable of driving performance, enforcing discipline, and resolving execution bottlenecks in real time.

KPIs

Execution of commercial plans against targets
Stock availability, deployment speed, and sell-through
PAYGO portfolio performance and operational discipline
Process compliance and execution turnaround times

Requirements

Between 8-10 years with hands-on operational leadership in a complex, multi-channel environment.
Relevant undergraduate degree from a recognized university.
Demonstrated success in a business analytics, commercial finance, business operations, or similar role.
Ability to understand high-level business strategies, translate them into system and process requirements, and ensure local execution and business impact.
Highly Analytical and demonstrated ability to extract key business insights through data analysis.
Computer proficiency, especially competency with Microsoft Office (Excel, word & PowerPoint), experience with data visualization tools e.g. tableau or power BI is an added advantage.
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on tact and diplomacy.
Self-starter (ability to work independently) with good prioritization skills.
Business driven, people focused, with exceptional influencing skills; excellent organizational, project management, multi-tasking, presentation and time-management skills.
Highly detail oriented.
Passion for social enterprise and people development.