airduka.com is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers. Led by a dedicated team of leaders, airduka.com is committed to driving and shaping the future of online business through unmatched results, innovation, investment, state-of-the-art technology, and world-class customer service. Our mission is to digitize the economy by building Kenya's biggest product directory that transcends boundaries while retaining its core ability to generate value for buyers and sellers.

In line with keeping up with our growth and achieving our short-term and long-term goals, we have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, goal-oriented, and customer-focused chief commercial officer. Reporting to the Managing Director, the chief commercial officer will be responsible for developing and implementing the new business and merchant onboarding department and identifying and implementing strategic business development opportunities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Managing Director, the chief commercial officer will be responsible for the following:
• Developing and implementing the new business and merchant onboarding department. 
• Setting the commercial strategy of the department
• Leading and overseeing the activities of new business and merchant onboarding department. 
• Devising and implementing strategies for identifying and securing new strategic business or revenue opportunities for the organization based on customer feedback and market research. 
• Managing a team in charge of vendor acquisition, vendor management, sourcing operations and content management
• Scaling the team and processes to support the growth of the company
• Recruiting adequate profiles to join the team
• Meeting key vendors and suppliers to negotiate partnerships, contracts and service level agreements.
• Ensuring regular and quality reporting of team actions and results
• To facilitate smooth business operations, build lasting, productive relationships and partnerships with key organizational stakeholders, including vendors, management teams, and other partners.
• Pursuing effective collaboration with the marketing department to ensure the availability of relevant tools for vendor management, increasing productivity and maximizing reach, and ensuring their effective and efficient utilization.
• Acting as a liaison between the sales & marketing department and other airduka departments to facilitate the delivery of high-quality products and services.
• Supporting product and service development by identifying customer requirements to boost conversion rates.
• Ensuring the continuous improvement of processes, procedures, reporting and governance structures, and teams to support the company's growth.
• Designing and overseeing the department's implementation of a commercial strategy that addresses activities surrounding sales targets, existing key suppliers, prospective suppliers, and target categories or segments.
• Successfully and tactfully managing the organizational team in charge of vendor acquisition, vendor management, and sourcing.
• Onboarding the right talent to the business and merchant onboarding department, providing them with the necessary coaching and mentorship, and establishing strategies for keeping them motivated to ensure the achievement of sales targets and expansion of the customer base. 
• Meeting key vendors to negotiate partnerships, contracts, and SLAs (service level agreements)
• Designing and executing relevant training and development programs to scale team members' knowledge and skills for effective and smooth future succession.
• Ensuring regular, quality reporting of the actions and results of the team members. 
• Conducting regular financial and operational evaluations of all vendors and buyers to ensure cost-effectiveness and alignment with the company's overall financial goals and to monitor performance against the set objectives.
• Tactfully handling all vendor and buyer complaints in a manner that strengthens vendor/buyer-company relationships.
• Setting the department’s goals aligning with the company's goals and objectives based on its current operations and projections.

• At least five (10) years of commercial experience.
• Solid expertise in handling buyers and vendors. 
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the business environment and the industry. 
• Experience in a leadership role - preferably leading sales teams. 
• Experience in building relationships with vendors, buyers, and other key stakeholders.
• A strong eye for new business opportunities.
• Excellent negotiation and presentation skills.
• Tech Start-up Experience
• Cross-functional project experience
• High threshold for working and thriving in an ambiguous, fast-paced environment – figuring it out and adapting as you go
• Track record of driving results and setting strategy
• Ability to think both strategically and tactically with good attention to detail
• Technical aptitude and agility to learn web-based tools
• Extensive experience in sales of tech, FMCG, and banking products. 
• Outstanding project management skills. 
• Capacity to challenge and improve processes
• Confidence, formidable connections, a natural love for entertaining, wining, and dining, and ability to influence at all levels.
• Admirable understanding of corporate strategy and business drivers. 
• Adequate knowledge of the sales hierarchy - producers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers. 
• Experience successfully coaching and developing others

• Innovative and strong drive and focus on goal achievement.
• Ability to challenge and improve processes and procedures. 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and Advanced Excel.  

• An attractive compensation package will be offered to the successful candidate
• Applications should be submitted by 4th December 2022.
• Shortlisting shall be done on a CV roll-in- basis