JOB DETAILS:
About The Role
Lori Systems is revolutionizing logistics and technology solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, and we’re seeking a dynamic Global Head of Operations to play a critical role in driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability. Reporting directly to the CEO, this individual will serve as a strategic partner and operational leader, aligning processes, teams, and priorities to ensure Lori achieves its ambitious goals. This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal role at a high-growth company that is shaping the future of transportation logistics in East and West Africa. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operator and strategic thinker who thrives in fast-paced environments and can lead Lori’s operations to profitability and scalability.

What You Will Do:
• Operational Leadership & Strategy
o Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance scalability while meeting profitability goals.
o Optimize operations for regional markets, ensuring strategies are tailored to dynamic market conditions in East and West Africa.
o Build systems and processes to enhance productivity and streamline decision-making across teams.
• Team Leadership & Culture
o Lead and coach regional teams, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, innovation, and results.
o Promote leadership development and effective resource allocation across geographies.
o Build a strong operational culture emphasizing agility, accountability, and alignment with company goals.
• Supply Chain Optimization
o Maximize fleet utilization, reduce empty miles, and expand backhaul opportunities to drive cost efficiency.
o Oversee on-ground clerks to improve cargo visibility, enhance data reliability, and minimize execution times.
• Customer & Transporter Relationships
o Build and maintain trust-based relationships with cargo owners and transporters, focusing on reliability and cost-effectiveness.
o Introduce processes to onboard new customers and transporters efficiently while ensuring compliance.
o Negotiate long-term deals and recurring services to foster sustainable partnerships.
• Technology Integration & Risk Management
o Partner with the product team to leverage technology for process automation, enhanced visibility, and cost savings.
o Establish clear guidelines for mitigating operational risks, including security threats, fraud, and border delays.
o Drive adoption of technological tools across teams to standardize operations and improve reporting accuracy.
• Financial Management
o Implement cost-control measures to optimize working capital and improve cash flow.
o Collaborate with the finance team to align operations with profitability goals while addressing payment timelines for transporters.
o Proactively manage market-driven pricing pressures and identify opportunities for margin improvement.
• Market Expansion & Continuous Improvement
o Monitor market trends and regulatory developments to guide decision-making and identify expansion opportunities.

o Drive initiatives for continuous improvement, identifying inefficiencies and implementing best practices.
o Develop region-specific expansion plans to unlock growth potential in new and existing markets.

What It Takes:
• Preferred Qualifications
o Bachelor’s degree in STEM, Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree is a plus.
o Experience working in multinational or asset-light platform businesses on the continent a major plus
• Experience & Expertise
o 10+ years of experience in operations management, logistics, or technology-driven environments, with a track record of driving results in high-growth businesses.
o Demonstrated success in senior leadership roles (COO, VP of Operations, etc.) overseeing complex operational functions.
o Proven experience managing operations in the African region, with an understanding of cultural, social, and regulatory nuances in East and West Africa.
o Deep knowledge of logistics and supply chain management, including pricing dynamics, working capital challenges, and customer relationship management.
• Leadership & Skills
o Strategic thinker with strong execution capabilities; able to balance long-term vision with day-to-day operational demands.
o Inspirational leader with exceptional people management skills, capable of motivating and aligning teams across geographies.
o Strong problem-solver with analytical skills to identify opportunities, assess risks, and implement effective solutions.
o Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with customers, transporters, and internal teams.
o Adaptable and resilient, thriving in fast-paced environments with competing priorities.

Location
• Hybrid / Remote Optional ( based on region of residence)
• Full-time (must reside +/- 3 hrs from East Africa Time zone)