ABOUT LORI

Lori is a venture-backed, high growth start-up that has built a cutting-edge, logistics services software platform that seamlessly coordinates haulage across frontier markets. With a mission to reduce the cost of goods in frontier markets, Lori is tackling a massive issue; $180 billion is spent annually on haulage across Africa, and up to 75% of a product’s cost is due to logistics (compared to 6% in the US).

Lori was featured on Business Daily and recognized as Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2022. Our tech-enabled and operations-driven marketplace efficiently connects transport to cargo. The system brings transparency to the logistics industry and has significantly improved flexibility, reliability, and cost savings (upwards of 20%). Lori’s robust technology will transform African economies and their ability to compete on the global stage.

If our mission resonates with you, we cannot wait to meet you and share Lori’s vision to digitize and revolutionize the logistics industry in Africa.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Lori Systems is revolutionizing logistics and technology solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we’re seeking a dynamic Global Head of Operations to play a critical role in driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will serve as a strategic partner and operational leader, aligning processes, teams, and priorities to ensure Lori achieves its ambitious goals. This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal role at a high-growth company that is shaping the future of transportation logistics in East and West Africa. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator and strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced environments and can lead Lori’s operations to profitability and scalability.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

• Operational Leadership & Strategy
  • Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance scalability while meeting profitability goals.
  • Optimize operations for regional markets, ensuring strategies are tailored to dynamic market conditions in East and West Africa.
  • Build systems and processes to enhance productivity and streamline decision-making across teams.
• Team Leadership & Culture
  • Lead and coach regional teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and results.
  • Promote leadership development and effective resource allocation across geographies.
  • Build a strong operational culture emphasizing agility, accountability, and alignment with company goals.
• Supply Chain Optimization
  • Maximize fleet utilization, reduce empty miles, and expand backhaul opportunities to drive cost efficiency.
  • Oversee on-ground clerks to improve cargo visibility, enhance data reliability, and minimize execution times.
• Customer & Transporter Relationships
  • Build and maintain trust-based relationships with cargo owners and transporters, focusing on reliability and cost-effectiveness.
  • Introduce processes to onboard new customers and transporters efficiently while ensuring compliance.
  • Negotiate long-term deals and recurring services to foster sustainable partnerships.
• Technology Integration & Risk Management
  • Partner with the product team to leverage technology for process automation, enhanced visibility, and cost savings.
  • Establish clear guidelines for mitigating operational risks, including security threats, fraud, and border delays.
  • Drive adoption of technological tools across teams to standardize operations and improve reporting accuracy.
• Financial Management
  • Implement cost-control measures to optimize working capital and improve cash flow.
  • Collaborate with the finance team to align operations with profitability goals while addressing payment timelines for transporters.
  • Proactively manage market-driven pricing pressures and identify opportunities for margin improvement.
• Market Expansion & Continuous Improvement
  • Monitor market trends and regulatory developments to guide decision-making and identify expansion opportunities.
  • Drive initiatives for continuous improvement, identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
  • Develop region-specific expansion plans to unlock growth potential in new and existing markets.

WHAT IT TAKES:

• Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
  • Experience working in multinational or asset-light platform businesses on the continent a major plus
• Experience & Expertise
  • 10+ years of experience in operations management, logistics, or technology-driven environments, with a track record of driving results in high-growth businesses.
  • Demonstrated success in senior leadership roles (COO, VP of Operations, etc.) overseeing complex operational functions.
  • Proven experience managing operations in the African region, with an understanding of cultural, social, and regulatory nuances in East and West Africa.
  • Deep knowledge of logistics and supply chain management, including pricing dynamics, working capital challenges, and customer relationship management.
• Leadership & Skills
  • Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities; able to balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational demands.
  • Inspirational leader with exceptional people management skills, capable of motivating and aligning teams across geographies.
  • Strong problem-solver with analytical skills to identify opportunities, assess risks, and implement effective solutions.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, transporters, and internal teams.
  • Adaptable and resilient, thriving in fast-paced environments with competing priorities.

LOCATION

• Hybrid / Remote Optional ( based on region of residence)

• Full-time (must reside +/- 3 hrs from East Africa Time zone)