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Head of Operations

Brites Management

Nairobifull time~KES 350k – 600k/mo1d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Lead daily operations across three waste management units (municipal, commercial, industrial), managing staff, vehicles, budgets, compliance, and customer relationships on an island-based operation.

You Need

5+ years in operations/logistics/waste management, proven multi-unit leadership experience, and strong health & safety compliance expertise.

You Get

Senior leadership role with high impact in a growing waste management company, competitive salary range (KES 350–600k/mo), and strategic growth opportunities in a service-critical business.

Job Description

Role Overview

Brites Management is recruiting a seasoned Head of Operations on behalf of a leading waste management company based in the Seychelles. This is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of operational activities across three distinct business units handling municipal, commercial, and industrial waste collection services. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a diverse workforce in a fast-paced, service-critical environment.

This is an exceptional opportunity for an operations leader with a background in waste management, logistics, or facilities management to take on a high-impact role in a growing island-based operation. The role demands a hands-on, strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operational demands with long-term efficiency and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and coordinate the daily operations of three operational units, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of waste collection services across municipal, commercial, and industrial sectors.
  • Develop and implement operational plans, scheduling frameworks, and resource allocation strategies aligned with business objectives.
  • Monitor and report on operational KPIs and service level agreements, taking corrective action where performance gaps are identified.
  • Supervise, mentor, and develop operational supervisors, drivers, loaders, and support staff through regular reviews, coaching, and training initiatives.
  • Foster a workplace culture anchored in accountability, safety, teamwork, and customer service excellence.
  • Manage workforce planning, attendance tracking, and disciplinary processes in line with company HR policies.
  • Optimise the utilisation of vehicles, machinery, and equipment; coordinate preventive maintenance schedules to minimise downtime and control costs.
  • Monitor vehicle performance, fuel consumption, and operational expenditure, identifying and implementing cost-saving opportunities.
  • Ensure full compliance with health, safety, environmental, and waste management regulations across all operational sites.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections, audits, and risk assessments; investigate incidents and implement corrective measures.
  • Monitor service delivery standards and resolve customer complaints and service disruptions promptly and professionally.
  • Liaise with clients, municipal authorities, and key stakeholders to maintain high service standards and strong working relationships.
  • Assist in preparing and managing operational budgets; monitor expenditures and prepare performance reports for senior management.
  • Prepare weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational performance reports with actionable recommendations for continuous improvement.
  • Support business growth initiatives, operational expansion projects, and process improvement programmes.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Must be able to lead multi-unit operations simultaneously, balancing competing priorities without compromising service quality.
  • Must demonstrate experience managing large, diverse field teams including drivers, loaders, and supervisors in a logistics or waste management environment.
  • Must be able to design and implement operational plans, KPI frameworks, and resource scheduling systems from scratch or improve existing ones.
  • Must have hands-on experience with fleet management including preventive maintenance planning, fuel monitoring, and cost optimisation.
  • Must be capable of conducting health, safety, and environmental audits and ensuring full regulatory compliance across multiple sites.
  • Must be able to prepare and present clear operational reports and budget analyses to senior management and client stakeholders.
  • Must demonstrate strong problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving operational crises and emergencies effectively.
  • Must hold a Diploma or Degree in Operations Management, Waste Management, Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
  • Minimum 7 years of progressive operations management experience, preferably in waste management, logistics, or facilities services.
  • Experience working in island, remote, or international locations is an added advantage.
Salary & Benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and commensurate with the seniority of the position and the cost of living in the Seychelles. Estimated monthly equivalent range is KES 350,000 – 600,000 or its equivalent in Seychellois Rupee. The package is expected to include a relocation allowance, housing support, and other expatriate benefits typical for international placements of this nature. Specific package details will be confirmed during the selection process.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidate: You are a seasoned operations professional with at least 7 years of experience managing large-scale field operations in waste management, logistics, or a closely related sector. You thrive in complex, multi-unit environments, lead by example, and have a strong command of both people management and operational compliance. You are comfortable working in an island or international setting and can adapt quickly to new regulatory environments.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 5 years of relevant operations management experience, have no exposure to fleet management or health and safety compliance, are not open to relocation to the Seychelles, or if your background is purely administrative with no field operations responsibility.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the Brites Management official website or recruitment portal. Prepare and submit an updated CV clearly outlining your operations management experience, team sizes managed, and key achievements. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview followed by a detailed technical interview. Only candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be contacted. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • 5+ years in operations management, logistics, or waste management
  • Proven experience leading multi-unit operations simultaneously
  • Strong background in health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance
  • Experience managing teams of 50+ across supervisory and frontline roles
  • Track record of cost optimisation, KPI management, and operational reporting

Nice to Have

  • Waste management or municipal services background
  • Experience with vehicle fleet management and preventive maintenance coordination
  • Familiarity with island or remote operational environments
  • Certified in health and safety management (IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent)

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive to above-market for Head of Operations in Nairobi; reflects senior multi-unit leadership scope.

KES 350–600k/mo positions this role at the upper-middle to premium range for operations directors in Kenya. Waste management and logistics roles typically command higher salaries due to operational complexity, safety responsibility, and 24/7 service demands. Final offer will depend on candidate experience, Seychelles-based relocation readiness, and proven track record.

About Brites Management

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Brites Management is a professional recruitment and operations consulting firm placing senior leaders in critical infrastructure and service roles across East Africa and the Indian Ocean region. The company specialises in connecting experienced operations professionals with high-impact roles in waste management, logistics, and facilities management. This position represents an opportunity to join a well-established waste management operator in the Seychelles with regional growth ambitions.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Tell us about a time you led operations across multiple sites or business units with conflicting priorities. How did you balance them, and what was the outcome?

  • 2

    Describe your approach to health and safety compliance in a fast-paced, labour-intensive environment. What's the biggest safety challenge you've solved?

  • 3

    How have you reduced operational costs or improved efficiency in a previous role? Can you walk us through a specific initiative?

  • 4

    What's your experience managing large frontline teams (drivers, loaders, supervisors), and how do you foster accountability and safety culture?

  • 5

    This role is based in the Seychelles but reporting to our Nairobi office. How would you handle the relocation, and what experience do you have in island or remote operational environments?

Application Tips

  • Highlight specific multi-unit management wins: mention the number of operational sites you've overseen, team sizes, and measurable improvements (cost savings, safety records, service uptimes).

  • Emphasise compliance and safety credentials: detail any audits you've led, regulatory certifications, incident investigations, or safety improvements that reduced downtime or incidents.

  • Quantify operational metrics: include examples of KPI improvements, fleet utilisation gains, fuel/cost management wins, and customer satisfaction scores to demonstrate analytical rigour.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Operations Manager (single or dual unit)
Logistics Manager or Fleet Operations Manager
Waste Management Supervisor or Regional Operations Coordinator
Facilities or Maintenance Manager (with team leadership)

Where this leads

Regional Operations Director (overseeing multiple territories)
Chief Operations Officer (full P&L responsibility)
Managing Director or General Manager of a waste/logistics subsidiary
Operations Consultant or Business Improvement Lead for holding companies

Skills & Keywords

head of operationsoperations manager seychelleswaste management jobslogistics managementfleet managementmunicipal servicesexpatriate jobs africaoperations director

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear, detailed responsibilities across operations, compliance, people management, and strategic growth—shows a well-defined, high-impact role.
  • Competitive salary range (KES 350–600k) reflects seniority and the operational complexity of the role.
  • Multi-unit leadership and business growth support signal strong career progression and skill-building potential.
  • Emphasis on safety culture, mentoring, and team development suggests a mature, people-focused organisation.

Watch Out

  • Job description cuts off mid-sentence in the 'Required Skills & Experience' section—applicants should clarify full expectations during the interview process.
  • Role is advertised as Nairobi-based but operates in the Seychelles; clarity on relocation requirements, contract duration, and home-base arrangement is essential before committing.
  • No mention of benefits (health insurance, leave, allowances, relocation package) or contract terms—seek these details early in discussions.

A Day in the Life

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Your week begins with a Monday operational standup reviewing KPIs across the three waste units—vehicle downtime, fuel consumption, customer complaints, and safety incidents from the weekend. Tuesday involves site visits to municipal and commercial collection zones to inspect vehicles, observe crew performance, and address maintenance scheduling with your operations supervisors. Mid-week, you're deep in budget forecasting and cost analysis, identifying fuel savings or staffing optimisations, while fielding escalations from a major client unhappy with collection schedules. Thursday brings a safety audit and incident review meeting; you investigate a vehicle accident, coach the supervisor on preventive measures, and update compliance documentation. Fridays are reserved for strategic planning—preparing your monthly performance report for senior management, coordinating with HR on staffing needs, and scoping improvements for Q2 efficiency targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Head of Operations at Brites Management?

You'll need 5+ years in operations, logistics, or waste management with proven multi-unit leadership experience. A background in health & safety compliance, fleet management, and P&L oversight is essential. Relevant certifications (IOSH, NEBOSH) are advantageous but not strictly required if you have strong operational credentials.

Is the Head of Operations role at Brites Management remote or based on-site?

The role is based in the Seychelles and requires on-site presence for daily operations oversight across three units. However, Brites Management is headquartered in Nairobi, so clarify reporting arrangements and whether relocation or a hybrid split is expected during the interview.

How much does a Head of Operations earn at Brites Management?

The posted salary is KES 350,000–600,000 per month, depending on experience and qualifications. This is a competitive rate for senior operations roles in Kenya and reflects the multi-unit leadership scope and Seychelles-based operation.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role?

This is a strong stepping stone to Regional Operations Director or Chief Operations Officer roles, especially given the organisation's focus on business expansion and process improvement. Success here positions you to lead larger portfolios or take on P&L accountability across the company's waste and logistics divisions.

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