Position: General Manager (combined with National Sales Manager Role) Reports to: Director, UK

Job Purpose:

The General manager is responsible for management the organisation of the Smiling Through Light’s Sierra Leone operations in terms of commercial development, operational structure, sales, marketing, finance and budget management as well as stakeholder management. Reporting to the Director, based in the UK, the General Manager will act as Country representative for Smiling though Light in Sierra Leone. This is a pivotal role in driving the Smiling through Light agenda, helping to meet the organisation’s mission and goals in Sierra Leone, as well as business and partnership development activities with a wide range of stakeholders including local and national government, community groups, UN and other international development organisations.

In addition, the post-holder will oversee rolling out of strategic initiatives including business development, operations, sales, logistics, finance and staff development. It would also focus on overseeing the national sales, distribution and customer service agenda for Smiling Through Light. This role is to build and maintain a high-performance sales organisation to effectively achieve business objectives.

Key tasks - General Manager:

• Work with the Director & Finance Assistant to define and implement annual budget plans.

• Coordination & Implementation of digital systems including PayOps, QuickBooks etc.

• Provide regular management information to the Board as required.

• Develop a successful commercial development strategy for the country operations.

• Coordinate and develop the Sales and Marketing teams to ensure that operational and strategic goals are met. This includes overseeing staff induction, staff training, and ensuring that the sales managers manage their teams effectively to meet organisational goals.

• Develop and implement adequate systems for staff management, data analysis and record keeping, logistics, finance and budget management.

• Develop both new business and current accounts through business and partnership development to drive growth.

• Create and implement effective direct sales strategies and lead nationwide direct sales personnel (sales team) toward achievement of corporate sales objectives.

• Develop competencies and processes required create an effective and efficient sales organisation.

• Provide leadership through effective communication of vision, active coaching and development whilst matching sales results to goals and taking appropriate action to address this when necessary.

• Assist sales agents with organisational skills, account strategies, territory planning and administrative responsibilities to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction is maintained.

• Manage performance and productivity of sales agents.

• Coordinate the logistics operations, including warehousing activities.

• As Country representative, manage relationships with the government, community groups, media and other national and international organisations.

• Attend & organise conferences, networking events and related activities to promote Smiling Through Light in Sierra Leone.

• Oversee the administrative function of the organisation including reception, property/facility management, safety of the work environment, and provision of furnishings and equipment necessary for effective operations.

• Oversee the management of all leases, contracts and other financial commitments. • Keep up to date with trends and activities in the sector, being aware of competitor activities to remain ahead of the curve.

• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time

Experience/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree

• University degree in business-related field, preferably Sales or Marketing • At least 5 year’s work experience in a Managerial capacity for a similar organisation. • Experience of the solar sector an advantage.

• Competent in Microsoft Office, software platforms, use of email and the internet. • Expert knowledge and experience of systems, standards and processes relating to administration and financial management.

• Interest and experience in the solar energy sector or in international development and gender issues

Key competencies:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to create and develop new initiatives.

• Excellent sales and marketing skills.

• Good people management and team engagement skills.

• Financial management skills.

• Ability to interpret and manipulate numerical data to provide timely management information.

• Outstanding organisation and time-management skills.

• Customer focused, ethical conduct and a commitment to delivering a high level of customer service.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Training, coaching and mentoring skills.

• Reliable, self-motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team. • Able to work under pressure, meet targets and deadlines.

• Fluency in English and Krio.

• Strong IT and social media skill.

Please send your resume to info@smilingthroughlight.org with the subject title "General Manager" by 24th August 2024.