Director of Operations

Rainbo Supplies & Services; Crawley; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic SME procurement company is seeking an Operations Director to lead the Procurement and Supply Chain departments. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial acumen and international experience. Responsibilities include driving efficiency and compliance, managing relationships with partners, and overseeing operational excellence. This role offers an opportunity to influence sustainable development across projects in Africa.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and effective management of Procurement and Supply Chain departments.
• Drive efficiency, profitability, and compliance across all related functions.
• Manage relationships with customers, suppliers, and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Commercial acumen

Project management

Supply chain management

Customer relationship management

Team motivation

Job description

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR - Rainbo is a dynamic SME procurement company specialising in supporting infrastructure, mining, and energy projects across Africa. With a strong track record of working with international clients, Rainbo delivers end-to-end solution from assisting with loan applications and sourcing specialised equipment to managing procurement, supply chain and freight forwarding logistics. Our proactive team plays a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, navigating complex cross border supply chains with precision and agility. We are currently seeking a motivated professional with international experience and strong commercial acumen to join our growing team and contribute to our mission of enabling sustainable development across the continent.

Line Management Responsibilities: Project Managers; Procurement Manager; Procurement Team; Supply Chain; Commercial Delivery Manager

Management Roles: Senior Management Team

Job Purpose: To provide strategic leadership and effective management of the Procurement and Supply Chain departments within Rainbo Group, ensuring operational excellence, sustainable growth, and alignment with the company’s overall business objectives. This role is accountable for driving efficiency, profitability, and compliance across all related functions to support the company’s long-term success.

Main Tasks:

·Inspire, motivate, and mentor the operations team, promoting professional development and maintaining high engagement levels.

·Ensure each department and business unit operates efficiently and achieves profitability from an operational standpoint.

·Manage and enhance relationships with customers, suppliers, and third-party partners, driving continuous improvement in service quality and customer satisfaction.

·Participate actively in operational and executive management meetings, providing insightful updates and strategic input to support decision-making processes.

·Oversee the Loan applications (application process, ensuring timely submission, compliance, and effective project management throughout the lifecycle.

·Monitor, analyse, and report on progress against business objectives, ensuring targets are realistic, profitable, compliant with regulations, and aligned with sustainability goals.

·Establish, track, and evaluate performance metrics and KPIs, providing regular feedback and driving initiatives to optimize business performance.

·Analyse and optimize customer conversion ratios to improve sales effectiveness and overall business growth.

·Ensure seamless coordination and communication between all business departments and managers, facilitating efficient daily operations and cross-functional integration.

·Provide strategic direction on procurement sourcing, margin management, quotation processes, tender submissions, and approvals in accordance with the company’s Authority Matrix.

·Collaborate with direct reports to define clear objectives and performance targets, implementing robust systems, processes, and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.

·Cultivate and maintain strong professional relationships with industry bodies, regulatory agencies, and key stakeholders, staying abreast of emerging industry trends and technological advancements.

·Represent Rainbo Group at the executive level in engagements with markets, government ministries, regulatory bodies, and key clients, upholding a high company profile consistent with corporate values.

·Undertake domestic and international business travel as required to support company objectives and market expansion.

Personal Attributes

·Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and capitalise on business opportunities.

·Agile thinker with the capacity to make informed decisions under pressure.

·Adaptable and flexible in a dynamic business environment.

·Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.

·Proven leadership and management capabilities.

·Articulate with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

·Collaborative team player who nurtures a positive work environment.

·Proactive “can-do” attitude with a hands-on approach to problem-solving and execution