Expansion Project Manager – Kenya – Food for Education (F4E)

Expansion Project Manager – Kenya – Food for Education (F4E)

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• Position: Expansion Project Manager
• Company: Food for Education (F4E)
• Location: Kenya
• Type of Job: Full-Time
• Reporting to: Senior Expansion Manager
• Application Deadline: 05th December 2024

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Introduction

Welcome to Food for Education (F4E), an African-led, women-led social enterprise committed to transforming the educational landscape in Kenya through innovative technology, smart operations, and logistics. Our mission is to provide low-cost, high-quality meals that not only improve nutrition but also enhance education outcomes for primary school children across Kenya.

As we experience rapid growth, we are dedicated to scaling our models that emphasize efficient supply chain management and sustainable sourcing. Since our inception in 2012, we have successfully delivered over 40,000,000 meals and are on a mission to serve at least 1,000,000 public primary school students daily by 2027. Joining F4E means becoming part of a dynamic team that values innovation, excellence, and sustainable impact. Whether you prefer a remote work environment or onsite engagement, F4E offers a fulfilling career path with ample growth opportunities and unique benefits tailored to your professional development.

Key Responsibilities

Expansion Planning

• Scope new kitchen locations and assess the viability of existing structures to ensure they meet F4E’s standards.
• Oversee the design of site-specific structures, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and cost specifications.
• Collaborate closely with consulted architects and quantity surveyors to guarantee that kitchen designs adhere to quality standards and budget constraints.
• Plan, coordinate, and manage all phases of construction projects, including initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout.
• Establish project objectives, scope, and deliverables in collaboration with stakeholders, ensuring alignment with client requirements.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and resource allocations to ensure cost efficiency and timely delivery.
• Liaise with architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to monitor construction progress, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Manage procurement processes, including bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and vendor selection.
• Oversee project budgeting and cost control, managing change orders to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Conduct regular site inspections to assess project progress, identify risks, and ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain effective communication with project team members and stakeholders to provide project updates, address concerns, and foster strong working relationships.

Project Management

• Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocations, and procurement strategies.
• Coordinate and oversee construction activities, ensuring adherence to project schedules and specifications.
• Evaluate and select contractors and subcontractors based on qualifications, experience, and cost-effectiveness.
• Monitor project progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and report on project status to stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and legal requirements, prioritizing a safe working environment for all involved.
• Manage construction project documentation, including contracts, permits, drawings, and change orders.
• Conduct regular meetings to facilitate communication, address challenges, and meet project objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports on project status, including milestones, budget updates, and any significant developments or risks.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and ensure compliance with local building codes and regulations.
• Carry out thorough project evaluations and assessments to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary corrective measures.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the project team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

Team Management

• Provide leadership to the operations team in a manner that fulfills the organization’s objectives and aligns with the code of practice.
• Manage team performance to ensure that the key organizational objectives under business operations are achieved.
• Manage individual performance for direct reports and sub-level reports through appropriate performance management systems and assessments.
• Take leadership in resolving any disciplinary or team dynamics issues that may arise in collaboration with the People Team.
• Ensure effective communication between team members by implementing communication policies and procedures.
• Ensure effective communication between the operations department and other departments.
• Lead recruitment of Associates within the department.
• Actively engage in upskilling the team to foster continuous improvement.

Leadership

• Provide overall leadership of the business unit to ensure that the team is committed to the company’s objectives.
• Regularly update management on operations status and prepare reports and presentations.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to ideation and decision-making to help shape the business direction.
• Ensure that all new builds remain compliant with government, client, regulator, and local authority requirements.
• Ensure compliance with the organization’s policies and procedures, and act as a champion for its culture and values.
• Perform any other duties or roles that may be assigned.

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Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in construction project management, with a track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget.
• Strong knowledge of construction methodologies, building codes, and safety regulations in the Kenyan context.
• Excellent project management skills, including effective planning, organizing, and prioritizing tasks.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical documents, including project blueprints and construction schematics.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage project teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in construction management software, project scheduling tools, and cost estimation software.
• Familiarity with sustainable construction practices and green building certifications.

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Company Culture and Values

At Food for Education, our culture is the cornerstone of our success. We are driven by a set of core values that guide our actions and interactions:

• Build with Excellence and Curiosity: We embrace innovation and are not afraid to try new things. Our iterative approach ensures that we find the best and most efficient ways to achieve results.
• Be the Change You Seek: We believe that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility. Every team member contributes to making positive changes within the organization.
• We Do What We Say; and Say What We Do: We maintain an ownership mentality, ensuring that our actions align with our commitments.
• Ask Why; and Commit: We encourage open communication, respectful questioning, and full commitment to our goals. Understanding the why behind our actions allows us to work with a clear purpose.

Our mission to provide nutritious meals to primary school children is not just a job—it’s a purpose-driven journey that impacts communities and shapes the future of education in Kenya.

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Apply Now for Expansion Project Manager

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact and lead exciting construction projects that transform education in Kenya? Join our team at Food for Education (F4E) and contribute to a mission that matters.

Apply Now

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for the Expansion Project Manager

As a recruiting expert with over 30 years of experience, I understand what it takes to craft a standout application for the Expansion Project Manager position at Food for Education (F4E). Here are 10 expert tips to help you navigate the application process and increase your chances of success:

1. Tailor Your Resume to the Job Description

Example: Highlight your project management experience in construction, emphasizing any projects that involved education facilities or non-profit organizations. Use keywords like “construction methodologies”, “budget management”, and “sustainable practices” to align with the job requirements.

2. Showcase Relevant Certifications

Include any certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), LEED Accreditation, or Certified Construction Manager (CCM). These certifications demonstrate your commitment to the field and your expertise in project management.

3. Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Provide examples of how you have led teams successfully. Describe situations where you managed cross-functional teams, resolved conflicts, or drove project success. Use action verbs like “led”, “coordinated”, and “implemented”.

4. Highlight Your Technical Proficiency

Detail your proficiency with construction management software such as Procore, Buildertrend, or Microsoft Project. Mention specific tools you have used for project scheduling, budget tracking, and resource allocation.

5. Emphasize Your Knowledge of Local Regulations

Showcase your understanding of Kenyan building codes and safety regulations. Explain how you have ensured compliance in previous projects, which is crucial for maintaining project integrity and safety standards.

6. Provide Quantifiable Achievements

Include metrics to demonstrate your impact. For example, “Managed a $2 million construction project that was completed 2 months ahead of schedule and 5% under budget.”

7. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter

Your cover letter should narrate your career journey, passion for the role, and how your skills align with F4E’s mission. Mention specific aspects of the job description and company values that resonate with you.

8. Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)

Use keywords from the job description naturally throughout your resume and cover letter. Avoid images, graphics, or unusual fonts that might confuse the ATS. Stick to a clean, straightforward format.

9. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews

Be ready to discuss how you embody F4E’s values. Prepare STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses to questions about your leadership, problem-solving, and project management experiences.

10. Follow Up After Submission

Send a professional follow-up email a week after submitting your application. Express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application. This demonstrates proactivity and enthusiasm.

By implementing these strategic tips, you can craft a robust application that not only passes through ATS filters but also captures the attention of hiring managers at Food for Education (F4E).

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We Are an Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, colour, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

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Career Growth and Development

At Food for Education (F4E), we foster a strong culture of constant learning and invest in developing our people. As an Expansion Project Manager, you will benefit from:

• Weekly check-ins with your manager to discuss progress and receive feedback.
• Regular performance reviews every six months to assess your growth and set career goals.
• Opportunities to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding, long-term career.
• Access to training programs and professional development resources to enhance your skills.
• A supportive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Join us to take your career to the next level while making a positive impact on education and nutrition in Kenya.

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We aim to contact all our applicants, but due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks, your application might not be successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles, so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.

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