220 Executive Director jobs in Kenya

Company Overview

Pwani Oil is a leading Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) manufacturer in East Africa, with a strong portfolio of trusted brands in edible oils, soaps, and personal care products. The company is focused on new category growth, customer acquisition, and embedding marketing fundamentals across the organisation. With a strong reputation for quality and community engagement, Pwani Oil is positioned for continued expansion across the region.

About the Board

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Board composition: The board is results-oriented, open-minded, and committed to learning and innovation.

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Expectations: Contribute as a strategist and innovator, providing commercial insight, strong governance oversight, and pragmatic advice.

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Tenure: Current board tenure is two (2) years, with annual review of appointment.

Add to this established board's capabilities by bringing deep marketing expertise, particularly in brand positioning, digital marketing, customer acquisition, and CSR/PR activities.

Responsibilities

The role of Independent Non-Executive Director will include the following:

Board Role

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Attend four (4) board meetings per annum (there is strong preference for in-person attendance).

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Provide strategic input on corporate positioning, customer acquisition, and marketing ROI.

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Contribute to wider board deliberations on governance, risk, and organisational strategy.

Committee Role: Chairperson of the Marketing Committee

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Chair six (6) Marketing Committee meetings per annum, aligned partially with board meetings.

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Mentor and guide the Head of Marketing, and provide both hands-on guidance and high-level strategic direction.

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Review past performance and planned activities, and assist the marketing team in navigating challenges.

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Focus areas for the next 12–24 months include new product launches, customer acquisition, process/structure, and digital marketing execution.

Candidate ProfileSkills and Experience

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Track record of driving growth via new category expansion, from opportunity sizing to launch and scale.

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Minimum of a university degree; a postgraduate diploma or higher is preferred.

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Proven track record in marketing, sales, and/or international trading, ideally in FMCG or related consumer industries.

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Demonstrated expertise in digital and B2C/B2B marketing as well as brand building, international expansion and customer analytics (non-negotiable)

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Strong commercial acumen with experience in strategy, business modelling, and innovation.

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Understanding of customer feedback loops, data mining, and marketing communication.

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Business experience in the African market essential – East Africa strongly preferred.

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A skill set in customer acquisition and creating experiential activity checks with ROI is not essential but is of value.

Personal Qualities

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Independent thinker with integrity and courage of conviction.

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Collaborative, diplomatic, and able to build consensus.

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Open-minded, innovative, and forward-thinking.

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Strong networking ability.

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IT and automation familiarity advantageous.

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Prior NED experience is not mandatory, but candidates must demonstrate success at a senior corporate level and carry a strong reputation.

Practicalities

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Meetings: Four (4) board and six (6) committee meetings annually, held in Mombasa, Kenya.

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Fees: USD 6,000 annual board fee plus USD 600 per meeting attended.

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Travel/accommodation: Covered as part of meeting attendance fees.

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Appointment date: The appointment is expected to commence in November 2025, subject to final board approval.

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Selection process: Three-stage interview, culminating with the board chairperson (in-person).

Applications/Enquiries

Note: Pwani Oil does not accept direct applications for this role. All enquiries/applications are to be sent to

• Develop and champion the company's strategic initiatives and long-term vision.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of new business opportunities and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and successful completion of major strategic projects and programs.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure strategic alignment and drive organizational change.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation for strategic initiatives.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of strategic programs.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and mitigate risks associated with strategic initiatives.
• Communicate strategic plans and progress to the board of directors and senior management.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Represent the company in external forums and discussions related to strategic growth.

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field from a reputable institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in strategic planning, business development, or program management.
• Proven track record of successfully conceiving, launching, and scaling significant strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large budgets.
• Outstanding leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and influence.
• Experience in managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a remote or distributed environment.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex organizational structures and drive change effectively.
• Strong understanding of market dynamics and competitive landscapes.
• Ability to think creatively and drive innovation.

• Develop, articulate, and champion the organization's strategic vision and long-term goals.
• Translate strategic priorities into clear, actionable operational plans with defined metrics and timelines.
• Oversee the strategic planning process, ensuring alignment with market dynamics and organizational capabilities.
• Drive operational efficiency and effectiveness across all departments, identifying areas for improvement and implementing best practices.
• Lead change management initiatives, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Manage key stakeholder relationships, including executive leadership, board members, and external partners.
• Monitor organizational performance, analyze key metrics, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Ensure effective resource allocation and budget management to support strategic objectives.
• Identify and mitigate organizational risks, developing contingency plans as needed.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of operational leaders.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging opportunities to inform strategic direction.

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Strategic Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership experience in strategic planning, operations management, or organizational development.
• Proven experience in developing and executing successful corporate strategies.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire large, diverse teams.
• Strong understanding of financial management and budgeting principles.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience managing complex projects and driving organizational change.
• Proficiency in strategic planning tools and methodologies.
• Ability to thrive in a remote work environment, demonstrating self-discipline and effective remote collaboration.

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to senior executives.
• Manage and coordinate complex meeting schedules, travel arrangements, and event logistics.
• Prepare agendas, minutes, and follow-up actions for key meetings.
• Develop and implement efficient administrative processes and policies.
• Oversee office supplies management, IT support coordination, and vendor relations.
• Manage organizational databases and ensure data integrity.
• Handle confidential information with the utmost discretion.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for internal and external inquiries.
• Support project management activities and track progress on key initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in administrative management or executive support roles.
• Proven experience managing complex calendars and coordinating executive-level meetings.
• Proficiency in office productivity suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and project management software.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of discretion and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and effectively in a remote environment.
• Experience in policy development and implementation is a plus.

• Develop innovative and diverse culinary offerings, creating bespoke menus for various events.
• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, from food preparation and presentation to service delivery and client liaison.
• Manage and mentor a team of chefs, kitchen staff, and service personnel, ensuring high performance and morale.
• Develop and manage catering budgets, controlling costs while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their needs and exceeding expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations in food preparation and service.
• Collaborate with event planners and other vendors to ensure seamless event execution.
• Source high-quality ingredients and manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Develop and implement operational procedures to optimize efficiency and service standards.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends, innovative techniques, and industry best practices.

• Develop and implement the overall catering strategy to achieve business objectives and enhance brand reputation.
• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, including menu engineering, quality control, and service standards.
• Manage a remote team of catering professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Develop and manage the annual catering budget, ensuring profitability and cost-efficiency.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with key suppliers and vendors to secure favorable terms and high-quality products.
• Drive innovation in menu development, embracing current culinary trends and client preferences.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to develop strategies for attracting new clients and growing existing business.
• Analyze market trends and competitor activities to identify new opportunities and potential threats.
• Implement best practices in operational efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable sourcing.
• Oversee the selection, training, and professional development of catering staff.

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in catering management or a senior leadership role within the hospitality industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing large-scale catering operations and P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to lead and manage remote teams effectively.
• Exceptional culinary knowledge and a passion for innovative food and beverage.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene standards, and relevant regulations.
• Excellent strategic thinking, financial acumen, and negotiation skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Business Administration, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant catering management software and virtual collaboration tools.