Director of Operations at Workforce Africa

The Operations Director is responsible for overseeing and managing all facets of the  Operations division, which includes the drilling, construction, engineering, technical, and fabrication departments. This leadership role requires a strategic thinker with strong experience in construction, project management, and team leadership. The ideal  candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and foster innovation within the department. The Operations  Director will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of drilling technicians, including engineers, technicians, hydrogeologists, project & regional managers and  support staff.
• Foster a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement within the department.
• Set clear performance objectives, monitor progress, and provide regular updates and reports on departmental activities and performance.
• Provide leadership, direction, guidance, constructive challenge, and  coaching to Managers and the broader team in relation to project approach, activities, risks, issues, and general management, while fostering an environment where team members can develop.

Operational Oversight:

• Plan, coordinate, and oversee all drilling, technical, engineering, construction, survey operations to ensure they are completed on time, within  budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies, budgets, policies, and procedures to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure all operational activities comply with relevant health, safety, and  environmental regulations.
• Ensure that all drilling projects undertaken with donor partnerships are  completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
• Manage and direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of  short and long-term plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve  annual goals, objectives, and work standards focused on achieving the  division's mission and assigned priorities.
• Participate in the development of and monitoring of performance against the department's annual budget; negotiate contracts and agreements for program operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a Master's degree or MBA with at least 5 years of experience in a  leadership role, or a Bachelor's degree (Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, 
• Environmental Engineering, Geology, or a related field is highly desirable) with 8  years of experience in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale projects.
• Good knowledge of drilling techniques, equipment, and safety regulations will be an 
• advantage.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Financial acumen and experience in budget management.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Significant experience in the NGO sector.
• Must be fluent in English both written and spoken. Fluency in French and/or Kirundi 

would be a plus.