Operations Manager (International Supply Chain Management) at CDL Human Resource in Nairobi, Kenya

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    Operations Manager (International Supply Chain Management)

    CDL Human ResourceNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    1 week ago

    Apply by

    28 Aug

    Full Time
    On Site
    Mid
    Human Resources & Recruitment
    Management & Business Development

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    Job Description

    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

    Required Qualifications

    • 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
    • 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

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Management & Business Development

    Minimum Experience

    3 years

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Interested and qualified? Go to CDL Human Resource on cdl.zohorecruit.com to apply.

    Show You Can Run a Global Operation from Nairobi

    This role is about more than managing a local team—you'll be coordinating with suppliers, shipping lines, and 3PLs across time zones. Hiring managers will look for proof that you can keep complex shipments moving while keeping your team accountable.

    1. Map your international logistics wins: On your CV, list specific examples where you coordinated shipments across borders, dealt with shipping lines or 3PLs, and solved delays. Use numbers—volumes, lead times, cost savings—to show impact.

    2. Prove your system fluency: Be ready to talk about the ERP or TMS tools you've used (SAP, Oracle, or even Excel-based systems). Explain how you used system data to spot bottlenecks and improve processes.

    3. Show your leadership style: Expect questions about how you've supervised teams, handled underperformance, and built accountability. Prepare a story where you turned a struggling team around.

    4. Prepare for process design questions: They'll want to see how you create clear, repeatable processes. Walk through a time you simplified a messy workflow and got buy-in from other departments.

    5. Brush up on compliance: Know the basics of Kenyan import/export regulations and common international trade rules (Incoterms, customs documentation). Mention any experience you have with audits or regulatory checks.

    6. Think about cross-functional communication: This role works with trading, treasury, and trade finance. Have examples of how you've aligned different teams to meet a common goal, especially when interests clashed.

    7. Be ready for scenario questions: They may test your problem-solving with a real-world ops crisis—like a delayed shipment or a stock discrepancy. Practice thinking out loud and showing a structured approach.

    8. Show you're hands-on: Emphasize that you're not just a manager—you're willing to dive into details, check documents, and follow up on payments. Give an example of when you rolled up your sleeves to fix an issue.

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    Tags

    operations management
    supply chain
    logistics
    international trade
    team leadership