Country Manager - Zambia

Job Description

BURN is seeking a Country Manager - Biomass Zambia who will be responsible for running a profitable, effective business unit across the country. This will include localising and implementing organization strategies to meet commercial goals. This role will be the key link between HQ and in-country teams, owning the management of country operations, sales targets and P&L.

The successful candidate will also work closely with the Director of Corporate Affairs, Head of Carbon Strategy and Head of Communications to drive BURN's mission and vision with government, enhancing the company's brand while supports the policy team initiatives manages crisis communication, and ensures that all communication with public officials is aligned with the organization's goals and values.

Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Own and drive commercial performance of the country, being directly responsible for meeting sales volumes, quality of distribution and profitability targets
• Deeply understanding target customers, advising the business on how best to meet their needs e.g. via community engagement initiatives, product updates etc.

In-country coordination

• To coordinate all local initiatives, tasks, and people activity ensuring things are done on time and in the right manner as guided by HQ.
• To coordinate any legal, audit and other issues that will require a local hand and as guided by HQ.
• Facilitate cross-functional in-country team meetings.
• The go-to person for OPCO issues including financial probity, employee & customer satisfaction.
• To engage local stakeholders, including regulators, where necessary and as guided by HQ.
• To ensure that the country teams are working in appropriate office facilities that are clean, safe, and conducive. Also ensures the safety of in-country field teams.

Government Relations

• Enhance the effectiveness of government relations efforts as follows:
• Message Development: Craft clear, consistent messages that align with the organization's goals and resonate with government stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Help identify and engage key government officials, agencies, and influencers, fostering relationships that can benefit the organization.
• Information Dissemination: Manage communication channels to share information about the organization's initiatives, policies, and impacts with government entities.
• Advocacy and Lobbying Support: Assist in developing advocacy strategies and materials including press releases, ensuring that the organization's positions are effectively communicated.
• Monitoring and Analysis: Monitor legislative and regulatory developments, providing insights and updates to inform organizational strategies.
• Crisis Communication: Help manage communication with government stakeholders to maintain trust and transparency in times of crisis.
• Event Coordination: Organize events, meetings, and briefings with government representatives to promote dialogue and collaboration.

Performance Management

• Ensure the country meets set targets including sales, revenue and profitability
• To ensure employees are engaged and are doing what they are tasked to do per the KPIs from Global Vertical Leads.
• Tracking actual spending versus planned spending as captured in the weekly cash-flow tracking template.
• To ensure the company participates in relevant local marketing and/or government events to promote the brand, and as guided by the relevant Global vertical Lead.
• Coordinate on-time, accurate, high-quality reporting on key metrics e.g. risk reporting, financial reporting, qualitative insights etc.

Skills and Experience

• 8-10 years of progressive experience in operations or commercial management roles
• 5+ years of people management experience, preferably leading cross-functional teams
• Proven track record of achieving volume, revenue and profitability targets
• Experience managing and optimising last-mile distribution networks
• Experience managing sales-support functions e.g. logistics and supply chain, customer experience etc. is a plus
• Highly skilled in strategic planning, execution, and cross-functional coordination
• Above-average communication skills are key
• Strong reporting skills required, both quantitative e.g. on performance metrics and qualitative e.g. market insights

Qualified Female Candidates encouraged to Apply

BURN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).