Role Purpose
The Head of Social Enterprises will spearhead the strategic and operational oversight of the social enterprises within our non-profit organization based in Kenya, including beadwork and beekeeping. This role aims to not only drive the profitability and growth of the social enterprises but also to fulfill the non-profit's mission of creating sustainable, positive social impact within the local community, leveraging beadwork and beekeeping as vehicles for economic empowerment and community development.
Key roles and responsibilities:
Market Development: Together with the Sales and Marketing Officer, identify and pursue opportunities to increase sales, both locally and internationally, fostering existing relationships and establishing new buyers and distribution networks.
Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive business strategies for the beadwork and beekeeping enterprises, aligning them with the organization's overall objectives and long-term vision.
Operational Management: Provide leadership and guidance for day-to-day operations; stock and inventory management and sales to optimise efficiency and profitability.
Production: Together with the Production Manager, oversee end-to-end production, streamlining processes to enhance efficiency and quality, and implementing systems that expand capacity and reduce costs while upholding ethical labour practices.
New product development and innovation: Lead new product development-grounded in market trends, customer feedback, and traditional Maasai artistry-by collaborating with artisans and designers to create offerings that resonate locally and internationally, while identifying opportunities to expand product lines, add value, and innovate.
Experiential Visits & Tourism Integration: Coordinate experiential visits for tourists to HQ and integrate production-center visits into camp itineraries, while also coordinating mobile beadwork shops to visit camps for on-site sales and engagement.
Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, financial planning, and reporting for the social enterprises, ensuring fiscal responsibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable growth. This includes developing and implementing strategies to ensure that the social enterprises become sustainable and self-financing.
Impact Assessment: Together with the M&E Department, establish metrics and frameworks to measure the social, economic, and environmental impact of the enterprises, using data to drive continuous improvement and effectiveness.
Capacity Building: Lead efforts to train and develop the skills of individuals involved in beadwork and beekeeping, ensuring empowerment and fostering entrepreneurship within the local community.
Partnership Development: Forge strategic partnerships with relevant donor funding organizations, governmental bodies, and industry stakeholders to expand opportunities and support for the social enterprises.
Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with legal regulations, ethical standards, and environmental guidelines related to beadwork, beekeeping, and associated business practices.
Reporting and Communication: Provide regular reports and updates to the organization's leadership and stakeholders, effectively communicating the progress, challenges, and future plans of the social enterprises.
Qualifications, Experience and Core Competencies
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Social Enterprise Management, Marketing, or related field. An MBA would be an added advantage.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing a business or social enterprise, preferably with a focus on production/manufacturing, marketing, and sales.
Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, business development, and operational management, with a proven track record of successfully leading and growing business ventures.
Strong financial literacy and budgeting skills, capable of managing budgets, analysing financial data, and making strategic financial decisions to ensure the sustainability and growth of the enterprises.
Ability to identify market opportunities, develop marketing strategies, and establish sales channels for beadwork and honey-related products, both locally and potentially internationally.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey the mission, progress, and impact of the social enterprises to stakeholders, donors, and the wider community.
Effective leadership and management skills to motivate, guide, and inspire a team working within the social enterprises, fostering a positive and productive work environment.