SONGA is seeking a hands-on, highly assertive Technical Operations Manager to lead and own end-to-end mobility and hub operations within the Kisii region. This role sits at the intersection of technical asset management, field operations (hub coordination and field execution), and people leadership. The role combines technical leadership, day-to-day operations management, and full P&L accountability.

Our core operations rely on innovative solar-powered three-wheelers designed to navigate challenging rural terrain and deliver reliable last-mile services to farmers. As such, this role requires a manager with a strong technical background, the ability to challenge standards, enforce rules firmly, and drive operational discipline across hubs, technicians, and mobility assets.

The successful candidate will be accountable for uptime, safety, compliance, cost control, and operational efficiency across all hubs in the region, while maintaining high service levels to farmers and internal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Field Operations & Execution

I. Oversee daily dairy aggregation and transport operations across all hubs

II. Ensure adherence to SOPs, safety standards, and service targets

III. Resolve operational issues quickly and decisively

Asset & Fleet Management

I. Own the operational performance, availability, and reliability of all mobility assets (solar-powered three-wheelers, batteries, chargers, tools, and related equipment).

II. Ensure preventive maintenance schedules are strictly followed and breakdowns are resolved within defined SLAs.

III. Monitor asset usage, misuse, losses, and damage; investigate incidents and enforce accountability.

IV. Oversee fleet allocation, utilization tracking, and lifecycle management of all mobility assets.

V. Ensure preventive and corrective maintenance is executed on time

VI. Track asset utilization, downtime, losses, and lifecycle costs.

Technical & Maintenance Leadership

I. Manage the Technician Lead and provide functional oversight to all technicians across hubs.

II. Act as an escalation point for complex technical issues.

III. Set clear technical standards, SOPs, and quality benchmarks for repairs, servicing, and installations.

IV. Challenge poor workmanship, shortcuts, and non-compliance with technical procedures.

V. Conduct regular technical audits, job inspections, and root cause analysis on recurring faults.

VI. Identify training needs and build technical capability across the team.

VII. Coordinate with central engineering teams on improvements and upgrades.

Hub & Team Management

I. Manage the Hub Coordinator and hub operations teams by overseeing day-to-day hub operations to ensure smooth coordination between mobility, technicians, hub coordinators, and field teams.

II. Lead teams of 5-10+ staff in demanding field environments.

III. Build a disciplined, accountable, performance-driven culture.

IV. Enforce operational discipline by coordinating with the hub coordinator, overseeing attendance, reporting, task execution, and escalation protocols.

V. Coordinate with the hub coordinator to ensure hubs operate safely, efficiently, and in line with the company policies and operational guidelines.

VI. Coordinate cross-hub support, resource sharing, and surge response during breakdown spikes or peak periods.

Financial & P&L Ownership

I. Own the regional P&L (revenues, costs, margins)

II. Control operational costs (maintenance, energy, labor, losses)

III. Identify opportunities to improve profitability

IV. Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost control for mobility and hub operations.

Reporting & Governance

I. Maintain strong reporting discipline and data accuracy

II. Prepare and submit regular operational, technical, and incident reports to central operations

III. Flag risks early and propose mitigation actions

IV. Ensure compliance with safety standards, statutory requirements, and internal controls

Working relationships

Internal Relationships:

You will be:

● Directly accountable to the Executive Leadership

● Required to work with the Product, Mobility, Finance, Business Development, Human Resources, Projects, Data & Innovation, SHEP, Hub Operations teams for the business unit.

External Relationships:

● Off Takers

● Institutions

● Distributors

● Outgrower schemes

● E-commerce Aggregators.

● Dedicated & On-Demand Transport Accounts.

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications required

● Minimum 8-10 years’ experience in operations, technical operations, or fleet management

● Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in technical operations, fleet management, manufacturing, mobility, renewable energy, or heavy equipment environments.

● Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics with a touch of business, or a closely related technical field.

● Proven experience managing teams of 8-10+ people i.e technicians and field-based technical teams.

● Experience owning or managing a P&L.

● Strong background in asset management, maintenance systems, and operational controls.

● Experience in mobility, logistics, energy, agriculture, or asset-heavy operations preferred.

● Strong understanding of the Kenyan operating environment (rural & peri-urban).

● Prior experience working in rural, last-mile logistics, mobility, manufacturing, or energy-related operations is a strong advantage.

Competencies

Technical competencies

● Familiarity with ODK or similar digital data collection platforms.

● Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and basic data analysis

● Tech-savvy and comfortable using mobile apps, GPS, and digital tools

● Exposure to IoT tools, cloud servers, fleet management systems, or automation tools is beneficial.

Core competencies

● Strong communication and problem-solving skills.

● Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence without ambiguity.

● Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust with rural communities.

● Ability to work independently and within a dispersed team.

● Highly assertive and firm; comfortable enforcing rules, challenging non-performance, and holding teams accountable.

● High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

● Passion for inclusive development, innovation, and sustainability.

Working Conditions:

Working Environment

1. Is exposed to minimum disagreeable conditions in the environment. The jobholder has normal office facilities that include their own workstation and access to a laptop.

2. Field-based role with frequent travel between rural hubs.

3. Requires hands-on engagement with assets, technicians, and hub teams.

4. May require availability outside standard working hours during incidents or operational emergencies.