Commercial Operations Manager – Nairobi, Kenya – Pula

Commercial Operations Manager – Nairobi, Kenya – Pula

• Position: Commercial Operations Manager
• Company: Pula
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Type of Job: Full-time
• Salary Expectation: Not specified
• Reporting to: Not specified
• Application Deadline: Not specified

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Introduction

Are you an organized and solutions-driven professional looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of agricultural insurance? Pula, a leading insuretech firm based in Nairobi, Kenya, is seeking a dynamic Commercial Operations Manager to join our fast-paced team. We specialize in index-based insurance and have provided climate insurance to over 15.4 million smallholder farmers across 19 markets in Africa and Asia. Backed by top-tier VC investors with over $25 million invested, Pula is revolutionizing the way farmers access insurance using cutting-edge technology.

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Key Responsibilities

As our Commercial Operations Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring our commercial teams operate smoothly and effectively across multiple markets. Your responsibilities will include:

1. Pipeline and CRM Management

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of the sales pipeline.
• Collaborate with Commercial Managers to keep forecasts reliable and client information current.
• Utilize CRM tools to enhance team performance and streamline operations.

2. Commercial Performance Tracking

• Track and analyze commercial performance, creating monthly insights and reports.
• Provide data-driven recommendations to guide decision-making and strategy.
• Leverage analytical skills to monitor key metrics and KPIs.

3. Commercial Systems Development and Management

• Support the Commercial Leadership team in refining systems like commissions and activity tracking.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are consistently followed.
• Develop and manage commercial processes to enhance efficiency.

4. Client-Facing Document Preparation

• Prepare, review, and ensure quality control for concept notes, proposals, and tender responses.
• Coordinate the development of sales and marketing materials, including brochures and presentations.
• Collaborate with team members to deliver professional and clear client documents.

5. Logistics and Travel Coordination

• Handle all logistics for the commercial team’s travel.
• Ensure arrangements are well-coordinated, on budget, and executed smoothly.
• Manage planning and coordination of multiple activities in a fast-paced environment.

6. Commercial Team Administrative Management

• Act as the first line of approval for commercial expenses.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives and keep budgets on track.
• Oversee administrative tasks to support the commercial team’s operations.

7. Event Management

• Lead the organization of client events, workshops, and internal activities.
• Ensure each event aligns with Pula’s strategic goals.
• Create positive impressions through well-executed events.

8. Team Onboarding and Training

• Facilitate the onboarding of new team members.
• Organize ongoing learning sessions to strengthen team knowledge and capability.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and development.

9. Commercial Knowledge Management

• Develop and oversee a database of company knowledge.
• Enhance communication and efficiency across the commercial team.
• Ensure that information is easily accessible and up-to-date.

10. Team Leadership

• Manage and coach a team of two Commercial Operations Associates.
• Inspire them to grow and excel in their roles.
• Drive the team’s Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to success.

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Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, you should possess the following:

Qualifications

• University degree with First Class or Upper Second honors.
• Experience in sales operations and project management.
• Background in proposal development, tenders, and event organization.
• Proficiency with CRM tools.
• Experience supporting commercial or sales teams in a corporate setting.

Core Competencies

• Project Management: Ability to manage complex, multi-faceted projects effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Proficient in tracking, analyzing, and leveraging data to provide insights.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Tech Savviness: Proficient in digital tools, especially CRMs.
• Planning and Coordination: Skillful in managing logistics and adapting to fast-paced changes.

Behavioral Attributes

• Proactive and Solutions-Oriented: Anticipates and resolves issues creatively.
• Detail-Oriented: Ensures accuracy and high standards across all deliverables.
• Independent and Reliable: Operates autonomously with strong ownership of responsibilities.
• Customer-Focused: Supports both internal teams and external clients professionally.
• Relationship Builder: Builds solid, trusting relationships with stakeholders.
• Fast Learner: Adapts quickly to changing circumstances and challenges confidently.

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Company Culture and Values

At Pula, our culture is defined by our commitment to excellence and our core values:

1. Obsessed with Results

We are responsible for our future, and therefore we get things done! We focus on delivering tangible outcomes that drive us forward.

2. Connect the Dots

We continuously identify different customer needs and business problems, building solutions that deliver value.

3. Can-Do Attitude

We dare to do things differently to make things work. Our innovative spirit keeps us ahead in a competitive market.

4. We Have Each Other’s Back

We look out for each other and share high-quality, timely feedback that makes us better. Teamwork is at the heart of our success.

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What Pula Brings to the Table

Growth Potential

Join a company that’s building systems enabling farmers worldwide to access insurance. We work in over 19 countries across Africa and Asia, having facilitated crop insurance cover to over 15.4 million farmers.

Market Leader

Be part of the market leader in agricultural insurance, with a significant and growing global presence.

Solid Backing

Pula is funded by leading venture capital investors and global philanthropic institutions, ensuring stability and continuous growth.

Respected Brand

Our accolades include winning the Singapore FinTech Festival 2019 and features in TED Talks, The New York Times, and The Economist.

Impact and Innovation

This high-impact role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the company’s next level of growth while developing new strategies and ideas.

Leadership

Work under founders and a CEO who foster a culture of transparency, respect, high performance, pragmatism, execution, and personal development.

Purpose

Contribute to the financial stability of smallholder farmers in emerging markets, making a real difference in people’s lives.

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Apply Now for Commercial Operations Manager

Are you ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference? Apply now to become our Commercial Operations Manager and join us in transforming agricultural insurance.

How to Apply

Fill out the form below and upload your resume in English.

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We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Commercial Operations Manager Position

As a recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, here are 10 detailed tips to help you craft a standout application and excel in the selection process for the Commercial Operations Manager role at Pula.

1. Highlight Relevant Experience in Sales Operations and Project Management

• Detail Your Achievements: Clearly outline your experience in managing sales operations and complex projects.
• Example: “Led a sales operations team that improved pipeline accuracy by 30% through the implementation of a new CRM system.”

2. Demonstrate Proficiency with CRM Tools

• Specify the Tools: Mention the specific CRM platforms you have used, such as Salesforce or HubSpot.
• Example: “Managed customer data and sales forecasting using Salesforce, increasing team efficiency by 25%.”

3. Showcase Your Analytical Skills

• Provide Quantifiable Results: Highlight how your analytical abilities have positively impacted previous employers.
• Example: “Analyzed sales data to identify market trends, leading to a 15% increase in revenue.”

4. Emphasize Experience in Proposal Development and Event Organization

• Discuss Specific Projects: Share instances where you’ve successfully developed proposals or organized events.
• Example: “Coordinated a series of client workshops that resulted in securing contracts worth $2 million.”

5. Exhibit Strong Communication Skills

• Include Examples of Effective Communication: Highlight situations where your communication skills made a difference.
• Example: “Developed comprehensive training manuals that enhanced team performance and reduced onboarding time by 40%.”

6. Demonstrate Leadership and Team Management

• Highlight Team Achievements: Discuss how you’ve led teams to success.
• Example: “Managed a team of five associates, achieving 100% of our quarterly OKRs for four consecutive quarters.”

7. Show Proactive and Solutions-Oriented Mindset

• Provide Problem-Solving Examples: Illustrate how you’ve anticipated challenges and addressed them proactively.
• Example: “Identified potential budget overruns and implemented cost-saving measures that saved the company $50,000 annually.”

8. Express Alignment with Pula’s Values

• Connect with Company Culture: Relate your work ethic to Pula’s core values.
• Example: “My can-do attitude aligns with Pula’s value of daring to do things differently to make things work.”

9. Optimize Your Application for the ATS System

• Use Relevant Keywords: Incorporate terms from the job description to pass Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Example: Include keywords like Commercial Operations Manager, CRM Management, Project Management, and Sales Operations throughout your resume.

10. Customize Your Application for Pula

• Research the Company: Show that you understand Pula’s mission and how you can contribute.
• Example: “Inspired by Pula’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers, I’m eager to apply my skills to enhance operational efficiency and drive growth.”

• TELEGRAM CHANNEL

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Additional Advice

• Proofread Thoroughly: Ensure your application is free of errors.
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to highlight your impact.
• Be Professional and Concise: Keep your resume and cover letter focused and relevant.
• Update Your LinkedIn Profile: Ensure it reflects your most recent experience and aligns with your application.

By following these expert tips, you’ll significantly enhance your chances of becoming a successful applicant for the Commercial Operations Manager position at Pula.

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