Head of Supply Chain
M-KOPA
Location
Kenya, Nairobi
Employment Type
Full time
Department
SmartphonesSupply Chain Operations
We are looking for a Head of Supply Chain to join our Phone Assembly Team; as we scale up and drive digital and financial inclusion across our markets.
Job Purpose
The Head of Supply Chain is a key member of the senior management team, responsible for driving operational excellence across demand and supply planning, materials management, product sourcing, logistics, warehousing, retail operations, and repairs across all regions of operation. This role is critical to ensuring team development, cost efficiency, inventory optimization, and seamless product availability to support M-KOPA's growth trajectory. This position reports to the Director of Smartphones.
Key Job Functions
Supply Chain Strategy & Operations
Provide daily oversight of product sourcing, supply base management, manufacturing, and channel disbursements to meet service level agreements (SLAs)
Develop and implement supply chain strategies, processes, and continuous improvement initiatives to support business growth and operational excellence
Manage end-to-end product lifecycle from procurement through to end-user delivery and after-sales support
Supplier Management
Lead negotiations and contracting with OEMs, distributors, and suppliers across the continent to secure competitive terms and pricing
Serve as key stakeholder in large product purchase contracts, ensuring cost-effective and scalable solutions
Manage supplier relationships and performance, driving accountability for quality, delivery, and cost targets
Optimize supplier rebate programs and warranty management processes
Cost & Financial Management
Own cost management for all product-specific services, whether provided internally or externally (including locking software fees, import agency fees, logistics costs, etc.)
Drive initiatives to reduce landed product costs while maintaining quality and service standards
Monitor and report on supply chain financial performance against budget and targets
Planning & Sourcing Leadership
Directly lead the Planning and Sourcing functions, ensuring alignment with demand forecasts and working capital constraints
Optimize inventory levels to balance product availability with working capital efficiency
Implement demand planning processes that support accurate forecasting and minimize stockouts or excess inventory
Logistics, Warehousing & Repair Operations
Provide global leadership and indirect oversight of Warehouse, Logistics, and Repair functions, partnering with country General Managers to ensure operational excellence
Establish performance standards, KPIs, and best practices across all regional supply chain operations
Drive efficiency and quality improvements in repair operations, ensuring adherence to SLAs and customer satisfaction
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Product, Sales, Finance, and Operations teams to align supply chain activities with business priorities
Support market expansion initiatives with scalable supply chain infrastructure and processes
Act as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on supply chain risks, opportunities, and investments
Team Leadership & Development
Build, lead, and develop a high-performing supply chain team across supply chain operations, inventory, warehouse, and logistics functions
Establish clear organizational structure, roles, responsibilities, and career pathways within the supply chain function
Implement employee performance management, setting clear objectives and providing regular feedback and coaching
Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence
Develop leadership capabilities within the team through mentorship, training programs, and succession planning
Champion employee engagement initiatives aligned with M-KOPA transformation objectives
Required Education/Work Experience and Required Skills
Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field
Master's degree preferred will be an added advantage
7+ years of progressive supply chain leadership experience, preferably in consumer electronics, technology, or high-volume manufacturing industries
Proven track record of managing complex, multi-country supply chain operations in Africa or emerging markets
Strong financial acumen with experience in cost management, budget ownership, and P&L impact
Demonstrated success in supplier negotiation, contract management, and relationship building with OEMs and distributors
Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving operational transformation
Willingness to travel up to 25% within Africa and internationally
Preferred:
Professional certifications such as APICS CSCP, CPIM, or equivalent
Experience in fintech, mobile technology, or consumer durables industries
Knowledge of import/export regulations, customs, and trade compliance in African markets
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Familiarity with ERP systems and supply chain management software
Why M-KOPA?
At M-KOPA, we empower our people to own their careers through diverse development programs, coaching partnerships, and on-the-job training. We support individual journeys with family-friendly policies, prioritize well-being, and embrace flexibility.
Join us in shaping the future of M-KOPA as we grow together. Explore more at m-kopa.com.
Recognized four times by the Financial Times as one Africa's fastest growing companies (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025) and by TIME100 Most influential companies in the world 2023 and 2024 , we've served over 6 million customers, unlocking $1.5 billion in cumulative credit for the unbanked across Africa.
Important Notice
M-KOPA is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained staff. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
M-KOPA explicitly prohibits the use of Forced or Child Labour and respects the rights of its employees to agree to terms and conditions of employment voluntarily, without coercion, and freely terminate their employment on appropriate notice. M-KOPA shall ensure that its Employees are of legal working age and shall comply with local laws for youth employment or student work, such as internships or apprenticeships.
M-KOPA does not collect/charge any money as a pre-employment or post-employment requirement. This means that we never ask for ‘recruitment fees’, ‘processing fees’, ‘interview fees’, or any other kind of money in exchange for offer letters or interviews at any time during the hiring process.
Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisting and interviews will take place at any stage during the recruitment process. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is selected before the advertised closing date.
If your application is successful M-KOPA undertakes pre-employment background checks as part of its recruitment process, these include; criminal records, identification verification, academic qualifications, employment dates and employer references.