General Manager

Department: Executive Management
Reporting To: Managing Director / Board of Directors
Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda, with some travel when required

Job Purpose
The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, strategic direction, and operational performance of the business. The role oversees two business arms:
• Telecom franchise focused on mobile money float management, agent/dealer support, and new customer connections within designated territories
• Financial services business offering logbook-secured loans.
The role ensures the efficient execution of sales and distribution strategies, operational efficiency and process optimisation, regulatory compliance, financial performance, and sustainable business growth.

Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic Leadership and Business Growth
• Develop and implement business strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Drive revenue growth across telecom franchise and loan portfolios.
• Identify new market opportunities, partnerships, and expansion strategies.
• Provide strategic guidance to enhance competitiveness and market positioning.

2. Telecom Franchise Operations Management
• Oversee mobile money float distribution and liquidity management systems.
• Ensure efficient onboarding and support for agents/dealers in assigned territories.
• Monitor activation of new telecom connections and service uptake.
• Maintain strong relationships with telecom partner stakeholders and ensure SLA compliance.

3. Financial Services Business Oversight (Logbook Loans)
• Oversee loan origination, appraisal, approval coordination, and disbursement.
• Ensure sound credit risk management and portfolio quality.
• Monitor loan recovery rates and enforce effective collections strategies.
• Ensure proper valuation and security management of logbook collateral.

4. Sales and Distribution Leadership
Lead sales teams to achieve monthly and annual targets.
Develop and monitor territory sales plans and performance dashboards.
Ensure optimal coverage and productivity across the distribution network.
Drive customer acquisition and retention strategies.

5. Financial and Operational Performance Management
• Analyse financial statements, KPIs, and operational reports to guide decision-making.
• Drive cost-efficiency and process-optimisation initiatives.
• Monitor cash flow, profitability, and business unit performance.
• Prepare and present periodic performance reports to senior leadership.
• Recommend corrective actions when required.

6. People and Performance Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop departmental managers and staff.
• Set performance targets and conduct regular performance reviews.
• Promote a high-performance, accountable, and ethical work culture.
• Ensure adequate staffing and capability development across teams.

7. Compliance and Risk Management
• Ensure compliance with telecom partner requirements, financial regulations, and lending policies.
• Oversee internal controls and audit readiness.
• Manage operational, credit, and reputational risks across both business arms.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
KPI Performance Targets
Revenue growth Achieve quarterly and annual revenue targets across both
business arms.

Sales performance Increase dealer connections and mobile money float
transactions by set percentages.

Quality of loan portfolio Maintain non-performing loans (NPLs) below agreed threshold
(e.g., 85% satisfaction rating from dealers and loan clients.

Team performance
Ensure 90% of staff meet or exceed individual performance
targets.

Compliance and risk processes
Zero regulatory breaches and timely resolution of audit findings.
Process improvement Implement at least 2 major process optimizations annually.

Qualifications and Experience
a) Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or related field.
b) Minimum of 4 years’ experience in sales, operations, distribution and team leadership.
c) Demonstrated experience in leading multi-unit operations and sales teams.
d) Proven experience in telecom distribution, micro-lending, or FMCG or distribution businesses is an added advantage.
e) Strong understanding of credit risk management and field operations is an added advantage
f) We especially welcome candidates with strong ties to/experience within the South Asian business community in Uganda, including language skills in Hindi, Gujarati or Punjabi

Key Competencies
• Strategic thinking and execution
• Financial and analytical acumen
• Leadership and team management
• Sales and distribution management
• Risk and compliance awareness
• Decision-making under pressure
• Stakeholder management and negotiation
• Operational excellence mindset