General Manager Impuls Africa

About Company

Impuls Africa is a Zambian-registered company that specializes in delivering agricultural consultancy and extension services in the SADC region. Owned by a cooperative of over 100 farmers and a seasoned agri-entrepreneur in Zambia, the Impuls team brings more than 75 years of combined expertise in agriculture and livestock services. Impuls has a strong track record of successfully developing and implementing large-scale projects in agriculture, livestock, agroforestry, apiculture, and horticulture value chains. We specialize in providing services to both donors and the private sector, offering everything from one-off consulting assignments to long-term project implementation and management. Our primary focus is on agricultural consulting, in which we excel at delivering a diverse range of short- and long-term assignments. Our services include needs assessments, market assessments, facilitation of market linkages, value chain assessments and development, feasibility studies, capacity assessments, training and development, strategy development, as well as monitoring and quality assurance measures.

In this regard, we are looking for candidates with the following qualifications to join our team:

Purpose of the Role

The General Manager will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction to the Impuls Africa team. This role involves overseeing the overall management of the company, ensuring operational excellence, driving business development, managing projects effectively, and leading a cohesive team to achieve company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

General Management

• Provide visionary leadership and operational oversight to ensure the company meets its strategic objectives.
• Develop and implement policies and strategies aligned with the company’s mission and vision.
• Oversee the financial performance, investments, and other business ventures to ensure profitability.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.

Project Management

• Oversee the planning, execution, and completion of key projects within scope, budget, and timelines.
• Develop and implement project management methodologies and best practices.
• Monitor project progress and make adjustments as necessary to ensure successful completion.
• Liaise with stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met.

Business Development

• Identify and explore new business opportunities to expand the company’s market presence.
• Develop strategic partnerships and networks to enhance business growth.
• Conduct market research to inform business strategies and identify emerging trends.
• Lead the preparation of business proposals, contracts, and negotiations with potential clients.

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• Establish an M&E framework for tracking the performance of company projects and initiatives.
• Analyze project outcomes and assess the impact to drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare and present regular performance reports to the Board of Directors.

Team Management

• Foster a collaborative and high-performance team culture
• Manage staff KPI
• Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of skilled professionals.
• Implement effective performance management systems to assess and enhance team capabilities.
• Provide mentoring, coaching, and professional development opportunities for team members.

Company Operations

• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Implement operational policies, procedures, and standards.
• Optimize resource allocation and manage company assets.
• Ensure the maintenance of high standards in customer service and stakeholder relations.

Key Competencies and Skills

Leadership and Management

• Strong leadership skills with a proven track record in managing a medium company.
• Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team towards common goals.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Project Management

• Extensive experience in project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation.
• Proficiency in project management software and tools.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

M&E Expertise

• Experience in designing and implementing M&E frameworks.
• Ability to analyze data and produce actionable insights.
• Familiarity with M&E software and reporting tools.

Business Acumen

• Knowledge of business development strategies and practices.
• Experience in market analysis, business planning, and contract negotiation.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management role, preferably within a similar industry.
• Experience in SME development, Agriculture and/or Market Systems fields
• Proven experience in general management, project management, M&E, and business development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead a diverse team.
• Bachelor’s or degree in Agriculture, Business Administration, Management, or related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.