Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) – African Region will play a critical role in shaping the strategic direction, operational efficiency, and overall performance of J-Pay Africa Group’s business across Africa. Reporting directly to the Group CEO & the Group COO. The COO will oversee all regional operations, ensuring the seamless implementation of strategies, alignment with corporate objectives, and the achievement of operational excellence. This leadership role requires a visionary with extensive experience in managing complex operations, driving innovation, and leading diverse teams across multiple countries.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute the operational strategy for the African region, aligned with J-Pay Africa Group’s vision and long-term goals.
- Provide leadership in regional market expansion, product development, and competitive positioning.
- Collaborate with the executive team to define strategic priorities and ensure their implementation across African markets.
- Operational Excellence:
- Design and oversee efficient systems, processes, and structures to optimize performance across all operational areas.
- Ensure compliance with local and international regulations, standards, and company policies.
- Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliver data-driven insights to enhance decision-making.
- Regional Oversight:
- Manage the operations of multiple country offices within africa , ensuring consistency in execution and adherence to regional goals.
- Support Country Directors in achieving their targets, resolving challenges, and fostering collaboration across markets.
- Regularly evaluate and improve the operational efficiency of regional subsidiaries.
- Leadership and Team Development:
- Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing regional operations team.
- Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
- Implement programs for talent development, succession planning, and organizational growth.
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Represent J-Pay Africa Group in key regional forums, industry events, and high-level discussions with government and regulatory bodies.
- Establish and maintain partnerships with financial institutions, technology providers, and other stakeholders critical to regional success.
- Act as a trusted advisor to the Group CEO & Group COO.
- Financial and Risk Management:
- Oversee regional budgets, financial plans, and resource allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and profitability.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks while ensuring business continuity and sustainability.
- Collaborate with finance and legal teams to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements across the region.
Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations Management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years + of experience in senior leadership roles, with at least 5 years+ in regional operations in the fintech, financial services, or technology sector.
- Proven track record in scaling operations across multiple African markets.
- In-depth knowledge of African regulatory environments, market dynamics, and cultural diversity.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, operational efficiency, and team leadership.
Skills and Competencies
- Exceptional leadership and people management skills.
- Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and performance analysis.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
- High adaptability and problem-solving skills in complex, fast-paced environments.
- Proficiency in leveraging technology to drive operational excellence.
Reporting:
The COO – African Region will report directly to the Group CEO & The Group COO of J-Pay Africa Group.
Location:
Main Office in Nairobi, Kenya and flexible within other regional offices in Africa, with frequent travel across regional offices and markets.
