Business Manager

Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) is seeking a Business Manager to lead the financial and operational foundations of a new school initiative. This role is responsible for overseeing budgeting, infrastructure, procurement, and non-academic human resources to ensure the school is safe, functional, and financially sustainable. The Business Manager will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees to translate strategic priorities into operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Lead all budgeting, forecasting, and short/medium/long-term financial planning.
• Establish and maintain strong financial controls and reporting systems including quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees.
• Prepare for, attend and inform all Board and Board Committee meetings as the lead representative of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Manage cash flow, cost structures, and financial sustainability.
• Provide clear, timely financial insights to support leadership decisions.
• Ensure financial discipline across all functions.
• Identify and manage risks to the schoolʙs financial sustainability.

Operations & School Infrastructure

• Ensure the school is fully registered with the Ministry of Education and meets all necessary requirements.
• Oversee all day-to-day school operations, including facilities, transport, security, extra curricular vendors, and campus services from establishment to ongoing maintenance.
• Ensure the school environment is safe, functional, and consistently high-quality.
• Anticipate and resolve operational issues proactively.
• Support infrastructure planning as the school grows.

Procurement & Vendor Management

• Design and implement procurement systems and policies in tandem with the existing SHOFCO team.
• Identify, negotiate, and manage suppliers and service providers.
• Ensure strong cost control, transparency, and value for money.
• Oversee asset and inventory management.

Human Resources (Non-Academic)

• Recruit, manage, and develop administrative and support staff including performance expectations.
• Oversee contracts, payroll, and HR compliance, in tandem with existing SHOFCO team.
• Build a culture of accountability and professionalism across support functions.

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with Kenyan regulatory requirements and school standards.
• Lead health, safety, and risk management systems.
• Manage audits, insurance, and statutory obligations.
• Maintain strong governance and reporting practices.

Systems Building & Institutional Development

• Design and implement core systems across finance, HR, procurement, and operations.
• Develop policies, processes, and tools required for a high-functioning school.
• Build structures that will scale as the school grows.
• Translate leadership priorities into operational execution.

Team Leadership

• Directly manage a small but growing operations team (2–5 associates initially).
• Build team capacity and structure as the school expands.
• Ensure strong performance, accountability, and clarity across all roles.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• 5–10+ years in operations, finance, or general management roles.
• Prior experience in a top private or international school in Kenya is required.
• Prior experience in launching a new school is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience building systems, processes, and teams—not just managing them.
• Experience operating in complex, multi-function environments (finance, HR, operations, procurement).
• Strong familiarity with Kenyan regulatory, vendor, and operational contexts.

Core Capabilities

• Strong financial management and analytical capability (non-negotiable).
• Ability to build systems from the ground up and make them work in practice.
• Decisive operator who can prioritize and execute in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong procurement and commercial judgment.
• Ability to manage people and hold teams accountable.
• High attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture.