Cigna is a global health service company dedicated to helping the people we serve improve their health, well-being and sense of security. Within its international division, a dedicated unit focuses on the needs of international business. The Operations Manager will oversee daily operational delivery, serve as a cultural and operational liaison for Nairobi-based teams, and lead high-performance teams.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Oversee daily operational delivery across multiple functions aligned to the GHB Europe organisation.
Ensure productivity, TAT, accuracy, and customer satisfaction metrics are consistently met.
Monitor staffing, capacity, service levels, volume trends, and operational risks, escalating when required.
Drive operational discipline through standard processes, governance frameworks, and continuous improvement practices.
Nairobi Focal Point – Cross Functional Support
Serve as the primary operational and cultural liaison for all GHB Europe staff located in Nairobi, ensuring alignment with EU operational expectations.
Ensure European processes, service standards, and quality frameworks are fully embedded locally.
Act as the bridge between Nairobi teams and Madrid, UK & Bangalore departments (Claims, Eligibility, Partnerships, Client Support, Onboarding, etc.).
Coordinate cross site alignment sessions, sharing best practices and ensuring consistent communication flow.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and empower Senior Supervisors and people leaders to drive high performance across teams.
Oversee performance management, development planning, and succession pipeline for all levels.
Build a positive, inclusive, and engaging team culture that reflects GHB Europe values.
Support recruitment, onboarding, skills development, and talent retention for Nairobi based teams.
Strategic Implementation & Change Support
Translate departmental strategy into clear local delivery plans for Nairobi teams.
Support operational transformation initiatives, piloting improvements and scaling successful solutions.
Identify and implement opportunities to enhance service proposition, efficiency, and end to end workflows.
Encourage innovation and build a culture of continuous improvement.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management
Partner closely with Global functional leaders, ensuring Nairobi teams deliver in line with expectations.
Support cross functional collaboration across Claims, Admin, Partnerships, Comms, Client Support, and other operational areas.
Act as a trusted advisor and escalation point for both Nairobi and Global leadership teams.
Participate in leadership forums, strategic reviews, operational meetings, and planning cycles.
Reporting, Insights & Governance
Produce clear and accurate operational reporting, highlighting trends, risks, insights, and recommended actions.
Ensure adherence to compliance, audit, risk management, and operational control frameworks.
Use data insights to challenge teams, identify improvement areas, and support decision making.
Quantify operational impacts of initiatives and changes to inform leadership discussions.
Requirements
Minimum 5+ years leading large operational teams within a customer centric, serviced riven, or shared services environment.
Experience managing multi-functional teams and working in matrixed global organisations is a key requirement.
Demonstrated success in people leadership, operational performance management, and strategic implementation.
Strong background in driving efficiency, delivering service excellence, and leading continuous improvement.
Bachelor’s degree required. Diploma in insurance is a plus.
Skills & Capabilities
Excellent communicator with the ability to engage multiple stakeholder groups across geography and function.
Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in Excel, dashboards, and data driven decision making.
Skilled in problem solving, process improvement, and change leadership.
Strong organisational planning, workload prioritisation, and operational governance capabilities.
Ability to lead through ambiguity, building clarity and alignment across diverse teams.
Behaviours
Results driven, accountable, and committed to performance excellence.
Customer focused mindset with high attention to service quality.
Collaborative, inclusive, and confident influencing across cultures and functions.
Flexible, adaptable, and resilient in dynamic and evolving environments.
Demonstrates leadership presence and builds trust at all levels.
Key Competencies
Leading Leaders, Operational Excellence, Stakeholder Management, Building Effective Teams, Strategic Execution, Customer Focus, Data Driven Decision Making, Talent Development, Managing Ambiguity, Driving Engagement.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Cigna careers portal at https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/apply-now/1167595. You will be redirected to the Cigna Workday application system to complete your process.