Manager of Sales and Operations East Africa Job – One Degree Solar (ODS)

One Degree Solar (ODS) is an award-winning social enterprise that is dedicated to providing high-quality energy and technology to low-income families who live without electricity.

Our first product is a Solar Home System (SHS) that powers lights, phones, fans, radios, MP3 players, and much more.

Our system and compatible accessories have received rave reviews from sales partners and end-users in Rwanda, Kenya, and Liberia. The solutions we provide enable families to live cleaner, brighter, safer, and more productive lives while saving money on traditional energy sources such as candles, kerosene, and disposable batteries.

Our commitment to creating life-changing products is combined with a deep-rooted desire to provide a level of customer service and support that is normally absent in frontier markets.

To achieve this, we are building an innovative mobile phone-based platform that tracks sales, provides targeted support, improves communication with customers, and enhances the overall customer experience.

ODS has a growing number of committed investors, international partners, and opportunities to scale in several markets. We are searching for committed professionals that complement our team in the US and China. If you are ready to tackle an exciting, rewarding endeavor that aims to revolutionize markets and to improve millions of lives across the globe, please apply to join us!

Job Description

One Degree Solar is actively seeking a highly motivated, experienced professional to join us in a critical position: Manager of Sales and Operations – East Africa.

Your primary responsibilities will include establishing relationships, defining business strategies, and managing operations that directly lead to regional sales, funding, and exposure.

Additionally, you will lead marketing campaigns, coordinate pilot projects with partners, help establish an after-sales support infrastructure, and handle local monitoring and administration procedures. This position will play a leadership role, influencing regional corporate strategy and our success in Africa.

You must be comfortable selling through multiple distribution channels simultaneously, focusing on private distributors, retailers, corporations, NGOs, government agencies, religious institutions, and microfinance organizations. You will be one of our earliest employees and will receive a salary with bonuses based on performance.

Additional Responsibilities

Sales

• Responsible for the planning and performance of all sales and marketing activities in the respective country and/or region
• Develop strategic business plans and sales strategies; ensure sales targets are met
• Work with international team to develop and execute regional sales and marketing strategies
• Identify and apply for grant opportunities from key foundations and government institutions
• Lead initiatives related to marketing, sales, information management and customer service
• Develop innovative strategies to offer a variety of customer payment and financing options

Operations

• Manage relationships with clearing agents, warehouses, landlords, and others to ensure consistent product flow, with potential of establishing a local showroom
• Ensure that customer service is provided rapidly and courteously; record all product issues
• Control expenses and hire staff as needed with a limited budget
• Provide consistent feedback to senior management regarding performance
• Update sales forecasting models and detailed sales projections for a range of products
• Organize fiscal documents, invoice clients, collect payments owed
• Oversee overall financial management, planning, systems and controls

Ideal Candidate Characteristics

• Passionate about improving the lives of families via energy, technology, and connectivity
• Sales, marketing, and business planning experience required. Entrepreneurial spirit needed
• 5+ years of business development experience; advanced degree preferred
• Strong understanding of customer and market dynamics and requirements.
• Passion for and comfort with technology
• Strong diplomatic, communication, and presentation skills required
• Track record of establishing partnerships and meeting sales targets strongly preferred
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to prioritize, synthesize information, and follow through to see initiatives to completion
• Driven to succeed in a start up environment, including working long hours to propel our mission forward and to change millions of lives
• Ability to travel within the region; strong business relationships are a plus
• Applicants based in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must have legal status to work in at least one of these countries.
• Experience in private and non-profit sectors or with an international team a plus
• Familiarity with Quickbooks, Salesforce, and related online services a plus

How to Apply

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three professional references to careers@onedegreesolar.com.

Please include “Manager of Sales and Operations – East Africa” in the subject line.

Thank you for your interest.

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