7,046 Director Of Global Operations Strategy jobs in Kenya

• Lead the design and implementation of long-term global operations strategies, aligning with overarching business objectives.
• Manage a portfolio of strategic initiatives, ensuring timely and within-budget delivery.
• Develop robust performance metrics and dashboards to track progress and identify key insights.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and communication to ensure seamless program execution.
• Identify risks and challenges, developing mitigation plans to ensure program success.
• Conduct in-depth market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Develop and deliver compelling presentations to senior leadership on program status and recommendations.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts within the operations function.
• Effectively manage stakeholder expectations and build strong working relationships across diverse teams, all within a remote work environment. The successful candidate will operate from their preferred location, with this role based in Kisumu, Kisumu, KE .

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in program management, operations management, or strategic consulting, with a focus on global operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-faceted programs with a significant impact on business outcomes.
• Strong understanding of operational frameworks, process improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma), and strategic planning.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and motivate others.
• Proficiency in project management tools and software.
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and remote work environment.
• Experience working with international teams and understanding global business nuances.

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,500 employees operate a network of 2,500 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Job Description

The position is 12 months fixed term contract and it is renewable.

As the Global Projects Portfolio Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the delivery, governance, and strategic alignment of the finance project portfolio. This includes process improvements, system implementations (e.g., ERP, planning tools), compliance initiatives, and organizational changes. The role ensures that all finance-related projects are prioritized, resourced, executed, and tracked to deliver measurable business value.

Key responsibilities encompass, but are not limited to:

1. Portfolio Management:

• Maintain a central view of all finance initiatives across regions, functions, and programs.
• Prioritize and balance projects based on strategic value, dependencies, and capacity.
• Ensure resource allocation aligns with portfolio priorities and timelines.

2. Governance & Execution oversight:

• Define and manage portfolio governance frameworks, templates, and reporting standards.
• Monitor project status, risks, budgets, and timelines across all finance initiatives.
• Facilitate portfolio review boards and support executive decision-making.

3. Performance Tracking:

• Track KPIs reflecting performance of projects (timeliness, productivity etc.)
• Lead portfolio-level reporting, dashboards, and executive updates.

4. Stakeholders & Change Management:

• Act as key liaison between Finance leadership, project sponsors, PMs, and global functions.
• Drive alignment across Finance, IT, HR, and other supporting functions.
• Support communication plans and organizational change activities for key initiatives.

5. Project Delivery Support:

• Coach and support finance project managers and SMEs to apply best practices.
• Standardize and improve finance project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall).
• Lead or co-lead complex or cross-functional finance transformation initiatives as needed.

6. Reporting & Insights:
Provide timely and insightful reports on project status, KPIs, and interdependencies

7. Methodology Enablement:
Train and support project managers in applying PMO methodologies and agile/hybrid practices

8. Change Management Support:
Partner with change teams to ensure stakeholder readiness and adoption in the region

9. Tool & System Stewardship:
Ensure correct usage of project management tools (e.g. MS Project, Kanbanize, Service Now)

10. Capability Building:
designing, adjusting and deploying PM standard and driving PMO maturity growth leveraging internal and external resources

Qualifications

Mandatory:

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Business, Economics, or related field (MBA or PMP is a plus)
• Minimum 3+ years of experience in project/portfolio management (preferably within Finance) and 5+ years in Project Management with exposure to various functional projects and c-level stakeholders.
• 5+ years in leadership roles or managing a team as Project Manager
• Fluent English speaking and writing
• Experience in multinational corporations (MNCs) or large matrixed organizations ($5B+ revenue)
• Proficient in portfolio/project tools (e.g., MS Project, Smartsheet, Power BI, JIRA)
• Strong stakeholder management skills, including working with senior finance leadership
• Strong understanding of and ability to apply best practice for portfolio governance & reporting
• Resource & capacity planning
• Risk, Issue and dependency management
• Benefits tracking & KPI management
• Ability to present in a comparable way project value to enable prioritization of the pipeline
• Cross functional collaboration and a good team player

Preferred:

• PMP / Prince2 / Agile preferred

Additional Information

• We provide hybrid working environment.
• Opportunity to work with a global leader in inspection, verification, testing, and certification.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• The position is 12 months fixed term contract and it is renewable.

• Develop and execute global procurement strategies for raw materials to meet business needs and cost targets.
• Identify, evaluate, and select qualified suppliers worldwide, conducting thorough due diligence.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and contracts with suppliers to achieve cost savings and ensure supply chain reliability.
• Manage and foster strong, long-term relationships with key raw material suppliers.
• Monitor market trends, commodity prices, and geopolitical factors that may impact supply and cost.
• Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for raw material supply chains.
• Oversee the entire procurement process, from requisition to delivery and payment.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders (e.g., R&D, Manufacturing, Quality) to understand material specifications and requirements.
• Implement best practices in procurement, including e-procurement tools and processes.
• Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as cost savings, supplier performance, and inventory levels.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor a remote team of procurement professionals.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in global procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with a focus on raw materials.
• Proven experience in negotiating complex international contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of commodity markets, pricing mechanisms, and hedging strategies.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience with procurement software and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, adaptable to a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a global procurement function and drive cost savings.
• High level of integrity, ethical conduct, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and travel occasionally if required.
• Familiarity with international trade regulations and logistics is beneficial.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS) are advantageous.

• Develop and execute comprehensive global procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage and nurture relationships with key suppliers, ensuring performance and service level agreements are met.
• Lead negotiation processes for high-value contracts and framework agreements.
• Conduct market analysis to identify sourcing opportunities and cost-saving initiatives.
• Implement robust risk management strategies for the supply chain.
• Oversee procurement operations across multiple regions and business units.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, ethical standards, and relevant regulations.
• Drive the adoption of procurement technologies and best practices.
• Analyze spend data to identify trends and areas for optimization.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and operations teams to support business growth.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Proven experience (5+ years) in strategic procurement, preferably in a global or multinational environment.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex sourcing projects and contract negotiations.
• Strong understanding of procurement principles, category management, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fully remote work setting and manage distributed teams effectively.
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and compliance requirements.