General Manager- Kenya

GENERAL MANAGER – KENYA Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer Location: Nairobi, Kenya Employment Type: Full Time ABOUT SUNCULTURE Since 2012, SunCulture has been on a mission to empower people to take control of their environment in sustainable and rewarding ways. The company develops and commercializes transformative technology that addresses the most pressing daily challenges facing the world's 570 million smallholder farming households. As Africa's leading distributor of solar water pumps and solar irrigation systems for smallholder farmers, SunCulture earned recognition from Fast Company as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies in 2021. With a global workforce exceeding 400 employees and rapid expansion over the past five years, the organization continues to scale its impact across the continent. ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead SunCulture's Kenya operations and drive our mission forward across the region. In this pivotal role, you will be accountable for achieving the company's strategic objectives while ensuring operational success and sustainable growth. You will demonstrate exceptional decision-making capabilities, maintain unwavering accountability for results, showcase innovative problem-solving abilities, and manage risks with sophistication. Your primary focus will be expanding revenue through clearly defined targets, strategic implementation, and fostering a results-driven, customer-centric culture while enhancing local profitability. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Work collaboratively with the Executive Committee to execute company strategy and accelerate growth in Kenya aligned with broader corporate goals. Provide comprehensive strategic direction and leadership across all Kenya operations, including full profit and loss management accountability. Oversee the Kenya operational team, driving their motivation, performance standards, and professional development. Monitor and maintain PAYGrow credit portfolio health in line with established company key performance indicators. Champion continuous operational improvements and process optimization to boost efficiency and reduce costs. Drive operational excellence throughout the complete equipment lifecycle by fine-tuning inventory levels, enhancing dispatch logistics, and expediting pending installations while establishing rigorous asset repossession protocols to minimize customer churn and maximize inventory recovery. Develop, manage, and optimize operating expenditure with strict cost controls and robust financial reporting frameworks that ensure budget compliance while preserving operational efficiency. Structure and secure diverse funding mechanisms including traditional debt, equity investments, and Revenue-Based Financing to support strategic expansion, working capital requirements, and sustainable growth. Serve as the critical bridge between headquarters and field operations, maintaining alignment and fostering effective communication across all levels. Establish clear, ambitious goals and key performance indicators tied to financial results, customer satisfaction, internal processes, and employee engagement, continuously monitoring and driving team performance. Build an entrepreneurial culture that encourages innovation and creative thinking throughout the organization. Own all reporting and forecasting responsibilities, delivering regular updates on business development, market analysis, strategic partnerships, and distribution activities. Lead local product marketing initiatives for new product launches. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Minimum ten years in senior leadership or management positions. Bachelor's degree in Business Management or closely related field. Essential experience working in Kenya or the broader East African region. Demonstrated track record of improving processes and eliminating operational inefficiencies. Proven experience managing profit and loss with full accountability. Background in managing off-grid pay-as-you-go or consumer credit portfolios. Strong sales, route-to-market, and distribution expertise in direct-to-consumer or business-to-consumer environments. Experience leading large field-based sales teams including agents and regional sales representatives. Background in consumer durable goods distribution in last-mile and base-of-pyramid communities. Strong capability in developing and presenting professional strategies, comprehensive reports, and accurate forecasts across all operational areas. Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams, prioritize critical initiatives, and maintain focus on on-time, high-quality delivery. Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement and presentation. Strong ownership mentality with comfort operating in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments. Analytical and data-driven mindset. Entrepreneurial spirit and genuine commitment to creating positive social impact. Master of Business Administration degree is advantageous. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SunCulture is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive fair consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.