Operations Manager & Country Lead – Rooftop Solar

About the job

Location: East Africa (Willingness to Relocate Required) Experience: Minimum 10 years (with at least 5 years in Rooftop Solar Sector) Reporting To: Country Operations Director Role Overview We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Operations Manager & Country Lead – Rooftop Solar to lead and scale our operations in the Commercial, Industrial (C&I), and Residential rooftop solar segments in Africa. The role carries full P&L responsibility, team leadership accountability, business development ownership, and end-to-end operational oversight. The ideal candidate combines strong sales acumen with deep technical expertise in rooftop solar systems and supply chain management. Key Responsibilities 1. Business Leadership & Strategy • Develop and execute country-level business strategy aligned with group objectives. • Establish strong market presence across C&I and residential rooftop solar segments. • Identify growth opportunities, partnerships, and new revenue streams. • Drive market expansion and brand positioning in the region. 2. P&L Management • Own full Profit & Loss responsibility for the country operations. • Manage budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial performance. • Ensure sustainable margins through efficient procurement and project execution. • Optimize working capital and cash flow management. 3. Sales & Business Development • Lead high-value C&I rooftop solar sales. • Develop key accounts and strategic partnerships. • Drive B2B and B2C growth initiatives. • Structure commercial proposals, EPC contracts, and financing models. • Build and mentor a high-performing sales team. 4. Technical & Operational Oversight • Oversee design, engineering, procurement, and installation of rooftop solar systems. • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to quality standards. • Maintain strong understanding of: • Solar PV modules • Inverters • Mounting structures • Balance of System (BoS) components • Energy storage integration (if applicable) • Ensure compliance with local regulations and safety standards. 5. Supply Chain & Vendor Management • Manage end-to-end solar supply chain. • Develop relationships with global and regional suppliers. • Negotiate pricing, contracts, and logistics arrangements. • Monitor inventory planning and procurement cycles. • Mitigate supply chain risks and cost fluctuations. 6. Team Leadership • Build, lead, and inspire cross-functional teams (Sales, Technical, Projects, Procurement, Finance). • Establish performance metrics and KPIs. • Create a high-performance, accountability-driven culture. • Mentor second-line leadership. Candidate Profile Experience • Minimum 10 years of total professional experience. • At least 5 years specifically in rooftop solar (C&I and/or residential). • Proven experience managing P&L. • Experience leading multi-functional teams. Preferred experience in any African country. Technical Expertise • Strong knowledge of rooftop solar design and engineering. • Deep understanding of solar supply chain and equipment sourcing. • Familiarity with EPC execution models. • Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and grid integration. Commercial Skills • Strong sales acumen in C&I rooftop solar. • Experience closing large-ticket deals. • Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. • Financial modeling and project viability analysis capability. Leadership Attributes • Entrepreneurial mindset. • Strong decision-making capability. • Strategic and hands-on execution ability. • High adaptability to new markets and cultures. • Willing to relocate to any country in East Africa. Education • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical / Mechanical / Renewable Energy preferred). • MBA or equivalent business qualification preferred.

Requirements

• P&L Management
• Sales Leadership
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• MBA or equivalent business qualification

Preferred Technologies

• P&L Management
• Sales Leadership
• Project Management
• Supply Chain Management