OPERATIONS MANAGER

Position based in Accra, Ghana (West Africa)

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Company description

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Ethical Apparel Africa is a sourcing company that provides international apparel brands with ethical, cost competitive and quality manufacturing solutions in West Africa. Our vision is to demonstrate that ethical manufacturing can and should be done at scale, not just associated with luxury or expensive product. Based in Ghana and Benin, EAA has a dynamic team bringing decades of experience from around the world in product development, quality assurance, account management, social impact, operations and finance. We work with West African factories to build technical and ethical standards to international standards. Our clients are international brands mostly from Europe and the USA interested in growing a manufacturing base in Africa with a positive social and environmental impact.

 

To date EAA has supported three African-owned factories to complete their first exports to 10+ brands in the US, UK, and Australia. By 2027 we aim to support 15 factories and create 5,000 worthwhile jobs. In addition to growing our core business EAA is also launching several new projects in the near to medium term: the development of a "Model Factory": a lean, sustainable and ethical factory that sets the standard for garment manufacturing in a West African context; and a Technical Center of Excellence for management skill training, in partnership with GIZ and private-sector partners. This is an exciting time to join EAA as we contribute to the sustainable development of the rapidly growing and high potential apparel industry in West Africa.

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Position overview

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We have a great opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to join our team. This is the perfect role for someone willing to broaden and challenge their expertise by developing the apparel industry in West Africa and shaping the path of the next frontier.

 

The following shall constitute the “Responsibilities”:

 

Financial analysis & management:

• Ensure accurate and comprehensive financial records for Ghana operations

• Execute monthly financial processes, including verifying monthly expenses with receipts

• Oversee petty cash processes and reconciliations

• Analyze monthly P&L outcomes against budgeted expenses and forecast future expenses, suggesting areas to optimize and save

• Support with external cheque payments at various banks & institutions such as DHL, Logistics partners, GRA, SSNIT, etc.

• Oversee the Company’s online accounting system (Xero) for reconciliation, bookkeeping, order profitability analysis, and invoicing accountability

 

Company administration

• Manage relationship with local service providers such as bank, DHL, insurance, and legal support, while continuously optimizing for service and cost

• Support with tax and national insurance administration and relationships

• Deeply understand the logic of organization of the EAA team “drive” (cloud server) and ensure that this logic is understood and followed across the organization; Flag when ‘out of system’ documents or folders are created and resolve to ensure consistency in our information systems

• Create and improve tools and trackers to improve our information systems

• Support in general office administrative processes and upkeep, e.g. procurement of office utilities, stationary, internet system, electricity, water etc.

• Support the EAA Brand Partnerships Associate to devise and keep up an accurate and efficient inventory system for sampling fabric and trims

 

Logistics

• Support logistics process from order completion to shipment by air and sea, including – liaising with EAA technical team and factory to finalize packing list / commercial invoice, working with freight forwarders to ensure requirements met, and ensuring shipment is completed in a timely manner

• Work with Brand Partnerships Team to ensure all Critical Path timeline planning and deadlines associated with logistics are met and escalate if any issues

• Own package tracking for all incoming and outgoing materials and samples including proactive communication regarding material arrival timelines to factory partners

 

Team leadership

• Oversee the onboarding of new team members including orientation to Accra and to team systems

• Contribute to the development of an entrepreneurial, passionate, high energy, can-do culture within EAA; Act as a resource for team members to resolve challenges and constantly endeavor to strengthen morale and team spirit

• Organize internal team programs and activities
   

Qualifications and attributes required

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• At least 4 years’ experience in finance and business administration management

• Strong knowledge of Microsoft office especially Excel (accounting systems experience is a plus)

• Ability to work in a fast paced environment with flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the business and an entrepreneurial attitude

• Exceptional cross cultural communication and presentation skills

• Passion for working in a company with a social mission and building local capacity

• Evidence of  the following characteristics: humble, self-aware, resilient, adaptable, poised, proactive, persistent, resourceful, able to work under pressure and respect deadlines, strong at building relationships and resolving problems, an active listener, a team player who is fun to work with, and full of integrity

• Fluency in English

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Benefits

 

• Salary level dependent on candidate experience and profile

• Health insurance

• 25 days’ annual leave

• Dynamic working environment with an opportunity to rapidly gain experience and contribute to the shaping of a new frontier of industry

 

How to apply

 

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

• Please send a resume and specific cover letter for the position to talent@ethicalapparelafrica.com with the subject line “OPS MANAGER 2019”

• Only completed applications with accurate references will be considered and only the most qualified candidates shortlisted for interview

For more information: www.ethicalapparelafrica.com

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