Campus & Business Operations Manager

Startup Lions is a social enterprise dedicated to building sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, technology, education, and innovation. The organization operates a range of income-generating business units that support its mission and long-term sustainability, including ICT Training, hospitality, cafeteria services, eco-market operations, and rental facilities among others.

We are seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and results-driven Campus & Business Operations Manager to lead and grow these business units while strengthening operational efficiency and revenue generation.

The Business Operations Manager will oversee the performance, growth, and efficiency of Startup Lions’ business units and operational support services. The role focuses on managing income-generating activities, optimizing asset utilization, improving service delivery, and driving business expansion.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Finance Director and Operations Director to strengthen commercial sustainability and operational excellence.

Position Title: Campus & Business Operations Manager

Reports To: Finance Director & Operations Director

Location: Startup Lions Campus, Lake Turkana

Contract Duration: Full-time, 1-year contract – Renewable based on Availability of funds

Key Responsibilities

• Business Unit Management
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of business units including cafeteria, eco-market, hospitality services, rental facilities, transport services, and security operations.
  • Ensure each business unit operates efficiently, profitably, and in line with organizational standards.
  • Develop and implement growth strategies and annual operational plans for each unit.
  • Monitor performance against revenue, cost, and service delivery targets.
• Income Generation and Enterprise Development
  • Lead the growth and expansion of Startup Lions’ income-generating activities.
  • Identify, assess, and develop new business opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
  • Prepare business cases, feasibility studies, and implementation plans for new ventures.
  • Support transition of pilot initiatives into sustainable business models.
  • Establish and monitor revenue targets for all business units.
• Financial and Commercial Performance
  • Work closely with the Finance team to develop and monitor operational budgets.
  • Analyze revenue streams, costs, and profitability across business units.
  • Ensure effective cash flow management and cost optimization.
  • Strengthen financial accountability within all operational units.
  • Track and report key financial and operational KPIs.
• Hospitality, Rentals, and Asset Commercialization
  • Maximize occupancy and revenue from guest houses, training facilities, meeting spaces, and rental properties.
  • Develop pricing strategies and utilization plans for organizational assets.
  • Promote and market facilities to external partners, organizations, and individuals.
  • Improve customer experience and service quality standards.
• Community Hubs and Innovation Centres
  • Oversee the operational and commercial performance of Startup Lions hubs and innovation spaces.
  • Develop sustainable models for co-working spaces, events, training programs, and incubation activities.
  • Work closely with the External Relations & Partnership lead to identify partnership opportunities that increase utilization and income generation.
• Transport and Logistics Oversight
  • Supervise fleet management and transport operations.
  • Ensure efficient vehicle utilization, maintenance, and fuel management.
  • Enforce transport safety standards and compliance protocols.
• Security and Facilities Management
  • Oversee security operations and facility management across all sites.
  • Ensure safe, functional, and well-maintained working environments.
  • Coordinate maintenance schedules and infrastructure improvements.
• Strategic Partnerships and Business Development
  • Build partnerships with private sector actors, government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.
  • Develop proposals and concept notes for commercial collaborations and service contracts.
  • Represent Startup Lions in business development engagements and forums.
• Team Leadership
  • Supervise operational unit team Leads and support staff.
  • Promote a performance-driven, customer-focused organizational culture.
  • Support staff development, coaching, and performance evaluations.

Qualifications: Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Commerce, Operations Management, Entrepreneurship, or related field.
• Master’s Degree (MBA or equivalent) is an added advantage.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in business operations, hospitality, enterprise management, or multi-unit commercial operations.
• Proven experience managing income-generating units or commercial ventures.
• Strong financial management and business development experience.
• Experience in NGO, social enterprise, or blended commercial/nonprofit environments is an advantage.

Deadline: 17th July 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY