Sense of Africa

Are you ready to be part of the fastest-growing tour operator in Africa, with a strong local and regional presence? Sense of Africa is looking for dedicated professionals to join our dynamic team in various roles. If you’re passionate about hospitality, tourism, and creating unforgettable experiences for travelers, we want to hear from you!

1. Operations Manager

SOA/KE/NRB/23-24/18

What We Expect:

As an Operations Manager, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of our operations department. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Operations Department.
• Managing branding and agent collateral.
• Coordinating and conducting in-house operations and agent-specific training across East Africa.
• Ensuring compliance with consolidated processes and procedures within East African operations.
• Handling crisis management and communications effectively.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Degree/Diploma in Business Management, Customer Care, Tour Operations, or Logistics Management from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the hospitality/tourism sector (an added advantage).
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to work long, irregular hours.
• Ability to maintain harmonious working relationships with hotels/airline personnel.

---

2. Procurement Assistant

SOA/KE/NRB/23-24/14

What We Expect:

We are seeking a detail-oriented Procurement Assistant to support our procurement processes. Your duties will include:

• Assisting with the timely preparation and dispatch of RFQs, RFIs, RFPs, and tenders.
• Liaising with vendors and managing requisitions, approvals, and deliveries.
• Participating in stock takes to avoid stockouts.
• Maintaining up-to-date procurement records and documentation.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Procurement, or a relevant field (preferred).
• 2-3 years of experience in procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills, business acumen, and integrity.
• Excellent planning and organizational abilities with meticulous attention to detail.

---

3. Contracting and Database Administrator

SOA/KE/NRB/23-24/11

What We Expect:

Join our team as a Contracting and Database Administrator, where you will be responsible for managing contracts and databases efficiently. Your responsibilities will include:

• Negotiating the best possible rates and terms with suppliers.
• Reviewing existing contracts to adapt to changing trends and market needs.
• Coordinating with the database team to ensure accurate data loading.
• Assisting the sales team in understanding supplier contracts and terms.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree/Diploma in Business Management, Contracts Management, or Database Administration.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in contracts management, preferably in the travel and tourism sector.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent customer service and supplier relationship management abilities.

---

4. Accountant

SOA/KE/NRB/23-24/13

What We Expect:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and self-driven Accountant to join our finance team. Your responsibilities will include:

• Resolving disputes and queries with suppliers.
• Processing supplier payments and reconciliations.
• Posting payments into accounting systems accurately.
• Assisting with financial reporting and analysis.

Qualifications and Skills:

• CPA(K) qualification is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in accounts payable, preferably in the tourism industry.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.
• Results-driven with a focus on meeting deadlines and collaborating effectively.

---

Application Deadline: 21st May 2024

How to Apply:

Send your CV and cover letter detailing your suitability to: hr@senseofafrica.co.ke

Please ensure the reference number and the position title are quoted in the subject line of your email.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

1. GRP 3: CLICK HERE TO JOIN
   

   TELEGRAM CHANNEL

2. CLICK HERE TO JOIN

---

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR AN OPERATIONS MANAGER POSITION

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the Operations Manager position at Sense of Africa, as advertised. With a [number of years] years’ experience in the hospitality and tourism sector, along with a degree in [relevant field], I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team.

In my previous roles, I have successfully developed and implemented SOPs, conducted training programs, and managed crisis situations with efficiency and professionalism. I am highly adaptable, with a proven track record of maintaining strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.

I am particularly drawn to Sense of Africa’s commitment to providing exceptional experiences for travelers across East Africa. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and growth of your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of discussing how my skills and experiences align with the needs of Sense of Africa.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

---

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT FOR THE OPERATIONS MANAGER ROLE

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills.
2. Research Sense of Africa’s values and culture to align your application with the company’s ethos.
3. Showcase your ability to manage crisis situations and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders.
4. Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to work long hours when necessary.
5. Emphasize your customer service and interpersonal skills, essential for success in this role.
6. Be proactive in addressing any gaps in your qualifications through additional training or certifications.
7. Prepare examples of past successes and challenges to discuss during interviews.
8. Follow application instructions carefully, including quoting the reference number and position title in your email subject line.
9. Prepare questions to ask during interviews to demonstrate your interest and engagement.
10. Stay positive and persistent throughout the application process, and don’t hesitate to follow up on your application status.

---

Possible Operations Manager Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Can you tell us about your experience in developing and implementing SOPs? Answer: In my previous role, I was responsible for creating and implementing SOPs to streamline operations and ensure consistency in service delivery. I conducted thorough research and collaborated with team members to develop comprehensive procedures tailored to our specific needs.
2. How do you handle high-pressure situations or crises? Answer: I thrive under pressure and remain calm and focused during crises. I believe in proactive communication, quick decision-making, and collaborative problem-solving to address challenges effectively and minimize disruptions to operations.
3. Describe a time when you had to coordinate training programs for a diverse group of employees. Answer: In my role as Operations Manager, I organized and conducted training programs for employees across various departments. I tailored the content to meet the specific needs and learning styles of participants, ensuring that everyone had the knowledge and skills required to perform their roles effectively.
4. How do you ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards in the hospitality and tourism sector? Answer: I stay updated on regulatory changes and industry best practices through continuous learning and networking. I implement robust internal controls and audit procedures to ensure adherence to regulations and standards, conducting regular reviews and assessments to identify areas for improvement.
5. Can you provide an example of a successful negotiation you’ve led with a supplier? Answer: In a previous role, I negotiated a significant discount with a key supplier, resulting in substantial cost savings for the company without compromising on quality. I conducted thorough market research, leveraged our purchasing volume, and built a strong relationship with the supplier to secure favorable terms for our organization.
6. How do you prioritize competing demands and manage your time effectively? Answer: I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, using time management techniques such as setting deadlines, delegating responsibilities, and breaking larger projects into manageable tasks. I maintain open communication with team members and stakeholders to ensure alignment on priorities and deadlines.
7. Describe a challenging situation you’ve encountered in your role and how you resolved it. Answer: In a previous position, we faced a crisis situation when a major supplier unexpectedly went out of business. I quickly mobilized a cross-functional team to assess the impact, identify alternative suppliers, and negotiate new contracts to minimize disruptions to our operations. Through effective communication and problem-solving, we were able to navigate the challenge successfully.
8. How do you foster a collaborative work environment among team members? Answer: I believe in promoting open communication, mutual respect, and teamwork to foster a collaborative work environment. I encourage sharing ideas and feedback, celebrate successes as a team, and provide opportunities for professional development and growth. By promoting a culture of collaboration, we can achieve our goals more effectively and efficiently.
9. How do you stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to your role? Answer: I regularly attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies. I also subscribe to relevant publications, participate in online forums and discussion groups, and network with peers and experts in the field. By staying informed, I can proactively identify opportunities and challenges and adapt our strategies accordingly.
10. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information? Answer: In a previous role, we faced a situation where we had to decide whether to proceed with a major investment project despite uncertain market conditions. I gathered all available data, consulted with key stakeholders, and conducted a thorough risk analysis to evaluate the potential outcomes. Ultimately, I made the decision to proceed based on our long-term strategic objectives and the confidence in our team’s ability to execute effectively.

---

We wish you the best of luck with your application! Sense of Africa is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds as part of our ongoing efforts to become a better development partner. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fees, whether refundable or not.

JOIN OUR NETWORK: Don’t see a fit at this time? Don’t worry. Join our Talent Network and get notified about the latest opportunities. Join Now