Business Development & Operations Manager

SONGA MOBILITY IS HIRING

This role is strategic and external-facing (building partnerships, overseeing implementation, scaling).

Position Title: Business Development & Operations Manager

Location: Kisii

Reports to: Head of Operations

Role Purpose

The Business Development & Operations Manager will lead the rollout, commercialization, and growth of the Kilikawi platform within the Kisii Smart Community. They will drive business partnerships, strengthen last-mile service offerings (e.g. FMCG sales, transport-as-a-service, trading), and oversee effective project implementation with hub managers and technicians. The role requires a mix of business acumen, operational leadership, project management and community engagement to ensure sustainability and scale of Kilikawi as a business model and support diversification into avocado and horticultural trading.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Partnerships

Identify and secure strategic partners, off-takers, and collaborators to scale Kilikawi and other community services.

Develop proposals and manage relationships with stakeholders (private sector, NGOs, cooperatives, etc.).

Position Kilikawi as a replicable business for other platforms and communities.

Operations & Implementation

Oversee day-to-day implementation of Kilikawi services through hub managers and technicians.

Ensure smooth delivery of last-mile services including FMCG distribution, transport solutions, and agri-trading.

Develop operational plans, budgets, and reporting frameworks.

Sales & Commercialization

Design and execute sales strategies for farmer uptake of Kilikawi services.

Monitor revenue performance and adjust models to improve farmer adoption and business viability.

Data, Monitoring & Reporting

Ensure robust data collection and analysis on Kilikawi usage, farmer adoption, and business performance.

Generate insights to inform scaling and adoption strategies.

Agribusiness Development

Support the launch and growth of avocado and horticultural trading within the community.

Build market linkages and strengthen value chain efficiencies.

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelors degree in Business, Agribusiness, Development Studies, or related field (Masters an added advantage).

5+ years experience in business development, operations management, or agribusiness projects.

Proven track record in building partnerships, sales, and managing field operations.

Strong project management and financial planning skills.

Familiarity with rural communities, agriculture, and last-mile distribution models.

Excellent communication, negotiation, and team leadership abilities.

Technical Skills

Business development: market scoping, partnership development, project management, reporting, CRM management, contract management.

Operations management: budgeting, work planning, logistics coordination.

Sales & CRM: familiarity with CRM methodologies, leveraging email and g-suite.

Data analytics: Excel (advanced), Google Sheets,

Digital literacy: mobile data collection tools (e.g., Google Forms, ODK)

Agribusiness knowledge: value chain analysis, market systems development, agro forestry.

Financial literacy: P&L management, cost-benefit analysis, pricing models.