Massive Recruitment at Orb Energy Kenya

Summary: Orb Energy is one of the leading providers of solar energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. We are a fast growing company and currently making inroads countrywide. 


We require Technicians to join our dynamic team and will be in charge of installing solar heating systems.

Job Purpose:
 Reporting to the Technical Manager, this role will be in charge of installing company products within the highest standards of quality and being responsible for offering after-sales services and providing responsive trouble-shooting and maintenance services.

You will be required to achieve an overall positive customer experience.

Key Responsibilities
  • Install systems in line with the company’s quality standards.
  • Ensure preventive maintenance completed in line with company’s quality standards in a timely manner.
  • Trouble-shoot and respond to customer complaints within 48 hours.
  • Report back to branch any customer complaints identified in the field.
  • Effectively sell service packages to existing customers as well as non-Orb customers.
  • Regularly attend training organized by the Company and improve installation/maintenance skills.
  • Complete all company documentation in a clear, consistent and timely manner and return to branch.
  • Respond efficiently and effectively to line manager.
  • Strictly follow the Company’s standard operating procedures (SOP).
Qualifications
  • Diploma certificate in electrical engineering or related field
  • Minimum 1 year working experience
  • House wiring experience an added advantage
  • High level of discipline
  • Organized thinker who is neat in his / her work
  • Self-starter with initiative
  • Able to travel at short notice

Vacancy: Technical Manager

Job Purpose
: Reporting to the Vice President, Africa; this role will oversee the installation of solar water heating systems and PV projects and ensure technical personnel, whether on company or franchisee’s books, are well trained on technical aspects of the company’s products.

Key Responsibilities
  • Design all non-standard systems and support in customer visits / preparation of quotes in cooperation with the technical team in Orb India.
  • Execute larger installations across entire company and report on actual against planned installations.
  • Execute the installation of all non-standard systems, or larger systems sold to commercial clients.
  • Execute preventative maintenance visits across entire company and ensure timely delivery of the same.
  • Work with Customer Care / Operations to ensure all customer complaints closed-out within the agreed timeframe.
  • Establish systems for quality checking and conduct them on site when receiving materials from suppliers before installations.
  • Recruit and train all technical staff deployed at the branch level.
  • Roll-out a program of regular induction and refresher training of technical personnel.
  • Train all non-technicians (e.g. BMs, SEs) in technical aspects of the company’s products.
  • Ensure all branches have required technicians to meet their installation and service obligations.
  • Establish a system of auditing quality of all installations and after sales service.
  • Ensure business performance reviews are systematically done and implemented.
  • Ensure staff training at HQ as per HR guidelines.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or related discipline
  • 7-10 years experience half of it a senior managerial role
  • Knowledge of CAD is necessary
  • Experience in managing a large team of field-level personnel
  • Certified solar technician
  • Display of strong, clear communication skills
  • A real self-starter, able to take initiative and operate independently of regular coaching
  • Strong leader able to motivate and lead the technical team to success
  • Can present himself / herself well and properly represent the company
  • Able to travel frequently and at short notice

Vacancy: Sales Manager, Retail

Summary
: Orb Energy is one of the leading providers of solar energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. We are a fast growing company and currently making inroads countrywide. The incumbent will be responsible for all retail sales throughout our branch network.

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Vice President, Africa the Sales Manager will manage Orb Energy’s direct sales through its network of Business Development Executives who will work with our partnering micro-finance institutions and other sales channels.

He/She will also be required to recruit and manage franchisee partners to run branches.

Key Responsibilities
  • Give strategic direction in the company’s sales efforts - put in place appropriate sales plans, budgets and strategies aligned to overall corporate goals and objectives.
  • Drive delivery of own targets and review and set targets on an annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly basis.
  • Identify market gaps in your area of responsibility and put in place sound plans to proactively address these gaps.
  • Collect and analyze sales trends on a regular basis and provide reports with appropriate recommendations on revenues, market share, pricing, product mix, product availability etc.
  • Monitor competitor activity and put in place effective plans to increase customer base, visibility and market share.
  • Identify new sales opportunities and markets and proactively work with relevant teams to pursue and secure any upcoming opportunities.
  • Provide technical and administrative support to the regional sales teams as may be required.
  • Ensure that sales personnel maintain their diaries, and these align with reporting in BITS (Branch IT System) in terms of sales calla made, prospects, orders, collections, etc.
  • Continuously review the performance of the sales team and address performance gaps through coaching, training and mentoring.
  • Manage financing partners and franchisees nationwide at the local level.
  • Provide training to franchisees and financing partners on how to sell, install and service solar items.
  • Ensure complaints and after-sales service issues and repairs are managed in time and to the satisfaction of the customers.
  • Make regular trade visits and sales calls and ensure relationships with key accounts/ customers are built, sustained and maintained.
  • Prepare and submit reports as may be required.
Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in a business related discipline
  • MBA will be an added advantage
  • 7-10 years of senior managerial experience in sales
  • Experience in managing and succeeding in direct sales a plus
  • Proven ability to manage a large field force over a dispersed geography
  • A leader who knows how to motivate and control a large team
  • Displays strong, clear training, communication and writing skills
  • A real self-starter, able to take initiative and operate independently
  • Willing to travel extensively, including into rural areas
  • Can present himself / herself well and properly represent the company

Vacancy: Operations Manager
 
Summary:
 Orb Energy is one of the leading providers of solar energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. We are a fast growing company and currently making inroads countrywide. The incumbent will be responsible for managing all the operations within the organization and ensure their effective execution.

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Vice President, Africa; this role will ensure effective and consistent implementation of Company Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on a consistent basis by Operations Executives (OE’s) in the areas under supervision and oversee the different functions of the organization for compliance with the same.

Key Responsibilities
  • Ensure effective implementation of all Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) in all branches under supervision and regularly carry out SOP Audits to ensure non conformities are closed.
  • Oversee and plan the branch roll-out throughout Kenya, including site selection, office set up and branding. Once the branch has been set up, you must ensure the effective implementation of Branch IT System (BITS)
  • Oversee processing of purchase orders to ensure they adhere to SOPs before invoicing
  • Track receivables outstanding, and resolve; ensure that any receivables exceeding 30 days are reversed.
  • Track INIs (invoiced not installed) and ensure installations happen within agreed timeframes.
  • Ensure preventative maintenance visits due for the month are administered and properly executed in the month that they become due and that complaints are attended to within 48hours to the satisfaction of the customer
  • Visit branches frequently and verify documents and make the necessary corrections required and report the deviations.
  • Ensure timely return of defective materials.
  • Participate in the recruitment of Operations Executives and ensure they are inducted and continually trained to ensure effective execution of assigned roles.
  • Ensure all Customer Reference Manuals are up-to-date, and that sales personnel all have the relevant marketing material for distribution to potential customers.
  • Ensure that branch maintenance is kept up to standards, and where it is not, organize to be fixed.
  • Work closely with sales teams for most accurate possible forecasting, with the objective to minimize inventory.
  • Work closely with finance for monitoring of good controls at warehouse level, regular stock-takes, accurate COGS accounting, and support with monthly stock reconciliation.
  • Ensure timely delivery of material to branches and offices of financing partners.
  • Manage all warehousing, central or de-centralized, and ensure: no stock losses, organized management of goods for ease of stock-take, and proper book-keeping and accounting of inventory.
  • Work closely with technical department for finalization of all Bill of materials (BOMs) as per the approved product portfolio.
  • Ensure effective sourcing and delivery of all non-standard systems for installation by technical department and for sale through the commercial sales channel.
  • Ensure effective planning and procurement of key materials such as stationery, sales and marketing literature, office equipment and furniture, and other related goods and services.
  • Ensure business performance reviews are systematically done and implemented.
Qualifications
  • A bachelor degree in business or any related field
  • 7-10 years progressive experience in distribution, logistics, accounting roles in a busy environment
  • Strong working knowledge of computers
  • Influential, and able to encourage adoption of SOP
  • Ability to think and act strategically
  • Experience in developing commercial strategy
  • Systematic thinker
  • Reliable, disciplined character

We require Operations Executives to join our dynamic team and will be in charge of daily administrative activities at branch level. 

The Operations Executive will report to the Operations Manager and be responsible for all branch administration activities.
 

Key Responsibilities
  • Administer all SOP (standard operating procedures) and essential paperwork at the branch.
  • Manage and maintain the filing system strictly according to guidelines from the Company.
  • Ensure warranty visits due for the month are administered and properly executed in the month due.
  • Keep logistics costs for delivery to customers to a minimum
  • Track order forms and receipts in line with standard operating procedures and without deviations. In case of deviations, execute administration for invoice reversal and de-installation.
  • Continually review the availability of marketing literature, and sales tools and indent as required.
  • Report necessary sales, collections, etc, on timely basis.
  • Ensure consistent and accurate receivables tracking, and provide updates for weekly meeting.
  • Ensure consistent complaint reporting through active communication with Technical Manager and follow up on responses to complaints to maintain customer satisfaction.
  • Oversee timely and proper bank remittances in line with company SOP.
  • Develop product knowledge and customer skills to handle all walk-ins to generate sales.
  • Ensure branch telephone expenses are kept at a minimum and ensure no abuse of telephone privilege. 
  • Ensure the office is clean and neatly organized at all times.
Qualifications
  • University Graduate/Diploma
  • 3-4 years experience in customer care
  • Strong administrative background with experience in dealing with customers and handling customer complaints
  • Computer literate (capable of using word and excel and the company’s own IT systems)
  • Experience handling basic accounting tasks such as petty cash management, cashiering, banking, etc
  • Strong oral and written communications skills

Vacancy: Human Resource and Administration Manager

Summary:
 Orb Energy is one of the leading providers of solar energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. We are a fast growing company and currently making inroads countrywide. The incumbent will be responsible for all human resources and administration needs in the organization.

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Vice President (VP), Africa; the role is responsible for ensuring that the company and its franchisees have quality staff to run their operations and that there are effective and appropriate systems in place to manage these staff.
 
 
Oversee all administrative functions within the company including office and property management and the supervision of support staff and cleaning contractors. 

Key Responsibilities
  • Put in place HR plans and strategies that are in line with business plans and goals.
  • Develop and revise organization structures to ensure these are aligned to business requirements and ensure that the job descriptions are available and up to date.
  • Develop, implement and communicate HR management policies and procedures, train managers and supervisory staff on their application and revise them as necessary to ensure continued compliance with statutory requirements.
  • Monitor all HR activities and practices to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and company policy.
  • Manage and support recruitment of staff for the company and its franchisees and work closely with the VP Africa line managers to identify and define vacancies and suitably qualified staff to fill these positions.
  • Effectively manage all third parties including agents, consultants, cleaning companies and other services providers to ensure that the company is provided optimal services and value for money.
  • Ensure that all staff are contracted as per company policy and monitor to ensure timely end of probation confirmations and renewals of contracts. Develop and oversee the implementation of a comprehensive induction and orientation programmes for all new staff.
  • Develop effective and competitive compensation and benefits structures to attract and retain staff.
  • Put in place a performance management and appraisal system aligned to business goals, ensure all managers and staff are trained on its use and monitor to identify and effectively manage good and poor performers.
  • Manage all disciplinary issues in line with the provisions of the Employment Act and company policy and ensure fairness and transparency.
  • Manage all grievances and ensure that all issues are addressed in a fair, confidential and transparent manner.
  • Develop training and development programmes, career development plans and succession plans that address the current and future business requirements and offer returns on investment.
  • Put in place effective communication systems and channels that will promote the timely flow of information between and amongst managers, supervisors and staff.
  • Identify training needs against business requirements, develop relevant training calendars, identify internal and external trainers and ensure full participation in and timely execution of training activities.
  • Put in place employee welfare programs that will ensure the general well-being of staff and ensure they are focused and supported to deliver in line with expectation.
  • Maintain personnel records and systems for the company ensuring that they are kept up to date and adhere to relevant statutory and regulatory requirements including personnel files, annual leave and off days, sick leave etc.
  • Take charge of office administration duties including office and property management and the supervision of support staff and cleaning services.
Qualifications
  • A business degree from a recognised university, a Higher Diploma in Human Resources Management from a professional body, and valid membership of a professional human resource institution
  • Minimum 5 years experience in human resource management in a multi-cultural environment that promotes employee diversity
  • Experience in staff recruitment including performance management, training and development, performance appraisal and succession planning.
  • Experience of HR policy and systems development and implementation.
  • Sound knowledge of labour laws
  • Experience in the management of staff welfare, administration of staff compensation and benefits.
  • Strong planning, coordination, influencing and decision making capabilities.
  • Good contacts with labour and statutory agencies and industry HR professionals
  • Strong interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills

Vacancy:Distributions Manager
 
Summary:
 Orb Energy is one of the leading providers of solar energy solutions in Kenya and beyond. We are a fast growing company and currently making inroads countrywide. 

The incumbent will be responsible for effectively managing the company’s channel partners to secure leads for key orders and / or to sell component parts to new markets in Africa.

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Vice President, Africa the holder of this position will take charge of the company’s business development activities which will involve work with in-country channel partners to sell and distribute products, mainly the Solectric Plug and Play systems, but also Water Heating products and Solar Street Lighting. 

The position holder will in due course be responsible for opening up new markets within Africa.
Key Responsibilities


  • Participate in development of quarterly operational plans and monthly and mid-monthly reviews.
  • Carry out market analysis to enhance internal understanding and knowledge of solar markets in the country and Africa for purposes of guiding business development and sales efforts.
  • Identify and visit new or potential markets in various countries, scope out the markets, meet potential channel partners and identify high potential channel partners in each target market.
  • Establish relationships and work with channel partners on implementing sales strategies as well as linking them with financial institutions to create a pipeline of repeat orders.
  • Identify partners in Kenya for distribution of systems and components.
  • Identify and develop bulk sales opportunities with international NGO’s (non-governmental organizations), corporations and multilateral agencies.
  • Coordinate closely with the operations team to ensure that shipments to other African countries arrive on time and are cleared in an expeditious manner to channel partners’ satisfaction.
  • Work with the Marketing department to develop localized marketing, branding and communication strategies (e.g. local language and local faces).
  • Oversee all country specific product testing processes and approvals.
  • Prepare and submit reports as and when required and ensure that all sales activities are updated in the BITS (Branch IT System) on a daily basis.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in business or any related field. MBA will be an added advantage
  • 6-10 years senior managerial sales experience with a track record in exceeding sales targets
  • Previous hands-on experience selling bulk or technical products locally and in various countries across Africa
  • Confident, strong presentation and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a strong and clear manner (verbal and written)
  • Self-starter, able to take initiative and operate independently
  • Commercial focused individual with the strong negotiation, relationship building and customer focus
How to Apply: 
 
Send your application including a cover letter indicating your desire to work with our client; a detailed CV highlighting relevant experience, details of current and expected salary, a daytime phone contact, email address, and the names of three professional referees by close of business Monday 23rd March 2015.

Adept Systems
Management Consultants
P O Box 6416, Nairobi, GPO 00100

Email: recruit@adeptsystems.co.ke

Only short listed candidates will be contacted. 


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