54gene was founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong to address the significant gap in the global genomics market; Nearly 90% of genetic material used in pharmaceutical research is Caucasian. Only 2% is African, despite the fact that Africans and people of African ancestry are more genetically diverse than all other world populations combined.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Operations Manager, West Africa
Location: Lagos
Department: Operations
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: Head of Pan-African Expansion & Strategic Execution
Industry: Biotechnology
Position Summary
54gene is continually evaluating new opportunities and regions where we can host our business to serve current and future markets. The Operations Manager will implement the plans of the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution in the country. The Operations Manger is responsible for driving key operational activities in our new geographies. S/he would be on ground to support decision making and recommendations of the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution.
The ideal candidate is expected to support many different aspects of the 54gene’s business in their assigned geographies. S/he will be expected to serve as 1st contact for the in-country stakeholders; oversee on-site activities and report potential challenges to the Head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution.
Requirements
Essential Functions:
Serve as the primary contact for all in-country expansion activities
Coordinate vendor relationship from primary engagement to contract signing and deployment on construction sites
Serve as the Quality Control agent of 54gene on site, by ensuring that expansion activities are conducted according to project specifications and standards
Coordinate physical development and deployment of infrastructure in country including physical building and equipment
Track operational expenses and report back to the leadership team on a consistent basis
On an ongoing basis, liaise with project managers and internal operations team to provide regular feedback on project constrains or potential changes
Keep close contact with regulatory and accreditation bodies in country to ensure up-to-date information is escalated to the planning team
Track and follow-up to obtain all required in-country permits and business authorizations
Report country efficiency performance to the Project Manager and senior leadership and consistently look for strategies to improve the metrics deployment of the project
Develop efficiency strategies in partnership with the Project manager on an ongoing basis
Oversee and monitor on-site activities and report potential challenges to the head of Pan-African Expansion and Strategic Execution
Work closely with project management departments to make sure activities remain compliant with 54gene’s SOPs in all areas of the business
Ensure operational activities remain on time and within a defined budget
Organize and plan in-market visits for the leadership as required
Stakeholder Management:
Develop stakeholder management plan with associated CRM
On an ongoing basis, map stakeholder’s predisposition to 54gene and other associated businesses
Establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders with a mindset of long-term relationship building
Assess 54gene’s membership to local organizations and make recommendations to the leadership
Keep stakeholders informed on all crucial changes that occur during the project
Hold stakeholders accountable in an emotionally intelligent manner
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Strong presentation skills, proven ability to communicate with diverse audiences internally and externally
Ability to interface effectively with all levels of staff across differing functional expertise within the organization, including commercial, legal, medical/science and finance.
Excellent interpersonal skills with emphasis on relationship building and networking
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Impressive partner management, business communication and relationship building skills
Ability to manage projects and deadlines with autonomy
Ability to thrive in a complex, cross-functional and science-driven environment
Cross-cultural competency: ability to work with a diverse, global team
Fluency in English; French, and Swahili is a plus
Knowledge of general business software and aptitude to learn new applications; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)