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.