Head of Operations (Industrial Engineer)

Nile Fresh (Pty) Ltd; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Nile.ag is seeking a Head of Operations to report to the Managing Director and serve as a member of EXCO, with the potential to grow into a COO role as the business evolves.

You will own the design of operational processes, leverage AI to optimize workflows, oversee daily activities, lead cross-functional teams, and develop metrics for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in people management (direct or indirect) is preferred.
• Experience with high-volume operations and scalable processes.
• Proven ability to design and implement operational systems.

Responsibilities

• Process and System Design: Designing and implementing operational processes and systems to support the growth of new business ventures.
• Innovation: Leveraging technology and AI applications to optimize operational workflows.
• Oversight: Overseeing daily activities across the core business to ensure efficiency and scalability.
• Team Leadership: Managing cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Performance Management: Developing and monitoring key operational metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Team Leadership

Process Design

Strategic Thinking

Cross-functional

AI Applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering

Job description

About Nile.ag

Nile’s mission is to enhance the livelihoods of both farmers and consumers throughout Africa. By providing a digital ecosystem that streamlines trading and transactions, we help farmers improve their economic viability while ensuring food remains affordable for consumers. Our all-in-one application allows farmers to sell produce, access funds, and manage input procurement and financing.

We are a high-growth company backed by institutional investors, including Naspers and the Dutch Development Bank (FMO). Our founding team brings together experience from world-class organizations such as Amazon, J.P. Morgan, and Luno. Learn more about us at www.nile.ag/about

Our Team & Culture

We are committed to building a high-performing team that is passionate about fundamentally transforming Africa’s food systems. Nile’s work environment is fast-paced, modern, and fun, reflecting the nature of our high-growth business. We operate daily based on our core values, which form the foundation of all our decisions.

The role

At Nile, we view roles as opportunities for personal development; as our business evolves, so will your role. We are currently seeking a Head of Operations to report directly to our Managing Director and serve as a member of our Exco. Given the rapid evolution of our business, this position has the potential to grow into a COO role over time.

The successful applicant will take ownership of the following:

• Process and System Design: Designing and implementing operational processes and systems to support the growth of new business ventures.
• Innovation: Leveraging technology and AI applications to optimize operational workflows.
• Oversight: Overseeing daily activities across the core business to ensure efficiency and scalability.
• Team Leadership: Managing cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Performance Management: Developing and monitoring key operational metrics to drive continuous improvement.

• Education: Degree in Industrial Engineering from a top-tier university.
• Experience: 3–10 years of experience in a relevant function, including project management, process and system scoping/implementation, and resource management.
• Leadership: Experience in people management (direct or indirect) is preferred.
• Operational Exposure: Familiarity with high-volume operational environments, such as warehousing, retail, wholesale, or agrifood.
• Adaptability: An open-minded approach to embracing new ways of working, including the application of AI to drive efficiency.

• Nile offers competitive remuneration, with opportunities to advance your career within a fast-growing company.
• We offer a vibrant work environment where you get to collaborate with highly motivative team members.