Managing Director - Africa Operations

Envirofit International (www.envirofit.org) is a multi-national corporation headquartered in Colorado, USA, with a mission to develop and disseminate technologies that reduce pollution and enhance energy efficiency in developing countries. The company designs, develops and distributes well-engineered energy products for low-income markets that have traditionally been overlooked. The development of products and markets is a rigorous process that requires design, validation, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain management, distribution, and inventory management, sales and marketing.

Envirofit is the leading manufacturer of Clean Technology Cookstoves and is also launching a premium Solar Lighting product line. Envirofit is continually developing products to meet sector demands and has a relentless focus on quality, durability and customer service.

Envirofit is rapidly expanding into Africa with established sales in 9 countries and expansion plans for more than a dozen more in the coming year. With this rapid growth comes the need for in country manufacturing of cookstoves as well as increased distributor development / oversight, customer support and product monitoring for carbon credit recovery. Envirofit is seeking a Managing Director of African Operations to help manage and grow this sector of our business.

ESSENTIAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

Work with Envirofit International’s executive team to help Manage Envirofit’s Africa Business Operations – strategy, development and implementation
Develop Africa regional distribution strategies
Develop distribution & sales partners and manage relationships
NGO & nontraditional partner development
Manage / oversee monitoring efforts for carbon programs
Participate in validation site visits by third party carbon validators
Develop and manage orders and order forecasts from customers – 12 month rolling forecasts / 90 day firm
Gather and analyze trends and market information
Feedback product performance and market data (Voice of Customer) into R&D, product development and marketing efforts
Help manage Africa P&L
Work with national, regional and local government officials to ensure programmatic progress and success
Work with production team to set up and manage manufacturing operations in multiple countries – ensuring weekly and monthly production targets are met that align with sales forecasts. Note: We are currently setting up manufacturing operations in Nairobi and are looking for additional sites in South Africa and Nigeria.
Work with production team to manage third party quality control inspectors to ensure quality product.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Strong distribution and sales development skills & proven experience
NGO relationship background a plus
Well-developed quantitative and analytical abilities
Highly organized
Excellent phone skills
Strong project management skills
Ability to collaborate with a team (often electronically)
Ability to think ahead - anticipate and solve problems before they arise
Technical background, ability to communicate technical details to non-technical persons such as government officials or marketing firms
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (Communication in French an attractive skill)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree (engineering or business) , MBA preferred.
10 years of experience – Strong project management needed with a proven track record and expertise in all aspects of business development, manufacturing, supply chain management, customer relationship management, sales, distribution, and business growth in Africa.

LOCATION:

Nairobi, Kenya preferred

TRAVEL:

A significant amount of travel within Africa will be required for this position.

SALARY / BENEFIT TERMS:

A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered including company profit sharing and bonus. The final details of the salary and structure will be dependent on the qualifications of the applicant.


Please submit your resume and cover letter as attachments to nancy.ryden@envirofit.org