Country Store Manager

Sun King is seeking an experienced and results-driven Country Store Manager to lead field inventory operations, retail store performance, and supply chain governance across Kenya. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring seamless inventory availability, operational compliance, and continuous improvement across a nationwide field network serving thousands of customers with off-grid solar energy solutions.

The successful candidate will own end-to-end field operations — from inventory replenishment and reverse logistics to ERP system governance and team capability building — while driving data-led decision-making and operational excellence across a large, distributed workforce of 25+ direct and indirect reports.

• Oversee retail shop and field inventory operations nationwide, ensuring adherence to defined Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and operational standards.
• Maintain healthy stock availability across the field network, targeting above 90% stock availability with a stock-out rate below 3%.
• Enforce operational SOPs, inventory governance controls, and compliance frameworks across all field locations.
• Ensure field inventory accuracy above 98% through regular reconciliations, audits, and corrective action tracking within ERP and CRM systems.
• Drive FIFO inventory management compliance and minimise aging inventory to below 5% of total units or value exceeding 360 days.
• Coordinate reverse logistics for serialised and unserialized inventory, targeting a turnaround time of under 7 days with above 99% accuracy.
• Lead operational governance and stabilisation of SAP ERP, in-house CRM, and related field operations systems.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Data, Sales, Marketing, Risk, Training, and Operations teams to resolve process gaps.
• Steer User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for system changes and maintain data integrity across operational platforms.
• Develop and execute annual field operations strategy, driving efficiency gains, digital transformation, and process innovation.
• Build and maintain operational dashboards and performance reports to guide management decision-making.
• Lead a team of 25+ staff across inventory control, operations coordination, and administration — managing performance, coaching, and succession planning.
• Identify operational risks and implement controls to protect inventory integrity and regulatory compliance.

• Demonstrate at least 8 years of progressive experience in supply chain, field operations, or inventory management, with at least 3 years in a senior or people management role.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale field inventory networks with measurable KPIs such as stock availability rates, shrinkage control, and reconciliation accuracy.
• Hands-on experience working with ERP systems (preferably SAP) and CRM platforms in an operational context — including UAT participation and data governance.
• Strong analytical capability — able to interpret operational dashboards, identify trends, and translate data into actionable improvements.
• Demonstrated experience managing reverse logistics processes, including returns accuracy, turnaround optimisation, and cost control.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop cross-functional teams of 25+ people across geographically dispersed locations.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills — able to influence and collaborate across Sales, Risk, Technology, and Operations functions.
• Track record of implementing process improvements, SOPs, and operational controls in a field-intensive environment.
• Experience in last-mile distribution, FMCG, off-grid energy, telecom, or fintech operations is a strong advantage.

Sun King offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. The estimated monthly salary for this role ranges from KES 250,000 to KES 400,000, reflecting the seniority and national scope of the position. Additional benefits typical of this level at Sun King may include performance-linked bonuses and professional development opportunities.

Ideal candidate: A seasoned supply chain or operations professional with deep experience managing complex, multi-location inventory networks in Kenya or East Africa. You are comfortable with data systems, confident leading large teams, and passionate about operational excellence in a mission-driven organisation delivering clean energy access.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 8 years of relevant experience, have not managed teams of significant size, or have no hands-on exposure to ERP-driven inventory management. This is not an entry or mid-level role.

Interested and qualified candidates should apply through Sun King's official careers portal or the platform where this vacancy was listed. Prepare an updated CV highlighting your inventory management achievements, team leadership experience, and ERP system proficiency. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — early submission is strongly encouraged.