General Manager (Construction) - East Africa

Job Summary

The General Manager will oversee the strategic, commercial, financial, and operational performance of the Electrical Solutions and Construction & Interior Fit-Out divisions. The role involves implementing business strategies, improving profitability, managing project execution, and ensuring effective utilization of resources. The candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, strengthen client relationships, and ensure compliance with applicable technical, regulatory, quality, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth: Translate organizational objectives into actionable business plans, identify new market opportunities, develop strategic partnerships, and implement initiatives to improve growth, profitability, and operational efficiency.

Commercial & Financial Management: Oversee tendering, cost estimation, bid preparation, and contract negotiations. Develop budgets and forecasts, monitor project costs and margins, manage cash flow, and ensure timely invoicing, certification, and collections.

Project & Operations Management: Supervise project planning, execution, and completion across both divisions. Ensure timely delivery within approved budgets and quality standards while coordinating site teams, subcontractors, and resource allocation.

Electrical Solutions Management: Oversee electrical design, installation, testing, and commissioning activities. Review engineering drawings, bills of quantities, and technical specifications to ensure compliance with relevant standards and cost requirements.

Construction & Interior Fit-Out Management: Direct construction and interior fit-out projects, ensuring adherence to project schedules, approved designs, building regulations, quality benchmarks, and health and safety requirements.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management: Oversee purchasing, inventory, logistics, and material planning. Develop strong supplier and subcontractor relationships to ensure timely material availability, competitive pricing, and efficient resource utilization.

People Leadership & Development: Lead and develop high-performing teams, establish clear responsibilities and performance expectations, and promote accountability. Oversee employee performance, training, succession planning, and retention.

Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, internal policies, and safety standards. Identify business and project risks, strengthen internal controls, and maintain appropriate audit and reporting processes.

Client & Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Support major negotiations, address client concerns, and encourage long-term business partnerships.

Experience

Proven experience in electrical engineering solutions, installations, and project execution.

Strong exposure to construction and interior fit-out projects.

Experience managing large-scale commercial, industrial, or government projects.

Knowledge of project costing, tendering, budgeting, contract management, and profitability.

Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Skills And Competencies

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

Electrical Engineering & Construction Project Management

Tendering, Commercial Planning & Contract Negotiation

Financial Management, Budgeting & Cost Control

Project Planning, Execution & Quality Assurance

Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Team Leadership & Performance Management

Client Relationship & Stakeholder Management

Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance & Health and Safety

Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving & Decision-Making

Integrity, Accountability & Results Orientation

Key Performance Indicators

Achievement of revenue growth and project acquisition targets.

Improvement in gross margins and overall project profitability.

Tender conversion rates and growth of key client accounts.

Timely completion of projects within approved budgets and quality standards.

Effective cost control, cash flow management, and timely collection of receivables.

Improved procurement efficiency, material availability, and resource utilization.

Achievement of team performance, employee development, and retention