Our client has embarked on establishing Trade Centres in Global Africa. The Trade Centres are meant to provide a suite of trade services, trade finance and business facilities, in order to promote intra and extra-African trade, catalyse value addition and contribute towards the positive economic transformation of the African continent. Construction of the Harare Trade Centre, including a 119-room business hotel and conference centre, is near completion. The Manager, African Trade Centre (Operations) serves as the Chief Operating Officer for Harare and ensures coordinated delivery of trade concierge and front desk services, hotel services, conference services, space leasing services and building management services.
Key Responsibilities
- Representation: Act as the official representative for Harare ATC and represent the trade centre at official events.
- Business Planning: Develop, implement, deliver and monitor the ATC Harare five-year and annual business plans and ensure to meet the bank and ATCG investment and development goals.
- Operational Guidelines: Oversee the creation and implementation of AATC Harare operating policy guidelines.
- Manpower Planning: Develop and execute AATC Harare’s manpower plan to ensure optimal workforce management.
- Budgeting & Finance: Prepare, implement, and monitor AATC Harare’s annual operating and capital budgets.
- Compliance Management: Ensure adherence to statutory requirements, including insurance, operating licenses, taxes, and local/international regulations.
- Protocol Management: Oversee provision of protocol-related services and access to diplomatic privileges and immunities for AATC Harare and its officials.
- Labour Brokerage: Manage the selection, engagement, and performance of a labour brokerage/outsourcing company.
- Outsourced Staff Management: Coordinate recruitment, payroll, benefits, and compliance processes for AATC Harare and ATC Harare Hotel staff through the labour broker.
- Front Desk & Concierge Management: Manage guest services, concierge operations, and referrals within the AATC Harare building complex.
- Marketing & Branding: Develop and execute AATC Harare’s Marketing Plan in collaboration with ATC Harare Hotel, trade services, and leasing managers while ensuring brand compliance.
- Events Management: Lead the planning and execution of the AATC Harare events and activities.
- Networking and partnerships: Cultivate and build a broad network of local and global members of the trade, finance and investment ecosystems and arrange regular networking events.
- Artwork Management: Oversee the selection, acquisition, exhibition, and management of AATC Harare’s art collection through a curator.
- Project Management: Coordinate AATC Harare construction, fitment, furnishing, commissioning and other works.
- Hotel Management: Implement the AATC Harare Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with the hotel operator and liaise closely with the ATC Harare Hotel General Manager for seamless operations.
- Trade Services: Work with Trade Services Manager and other services units to facilitate provision of trade services.
- Property & Facilities Management: Coordinate leasing, security, maintenance, ICT, cleaning, and other facility management services with the Property Manager.
- Financial Management: Establish and manage the AATC Harare’s financial records and reporting systems.
- Procurement Management: Oversee ATC Harare procurement processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.
- Operating Vehicle: Support the setup of an operating special purpose vehicle as may be required and serve as the Corporate Secretary.
- Other Duties: Perform additional management tasks as assigned by the ATCG CEO, including supporting AATC ’s strategic initiatives across the continent.
Skills, Knowledge, and Attributes
- Education: Master’s degree from a leading university in Real Estate, Business Administration, Hotel Management, Trade Services, Human Resources, or related fields.
- Experience: At least 10 years of managerial experience within a globally recognised organisation, with a proven track record in client support environments.
- Technical Expertise: Strong knowledge of organisational management, operations, human resources, office administration, facilities and asset management, vendor and contract management.
- Cross-Cultural Competence: Ability to operate in a diverse, dynamic environment with deep knowledge of administrative practices in Africa.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Experience interacting with senior officials in banking, corporate, and governmental sectors.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Proficiency in French, Arabic, or Portuguese is an advantage.
- Business Acumen: Demonstrated expertise in managing business support services within complex environments.
- Leadership & Strategy: Strong planning, negotiation, organisational, and people management skills.
- Problem-Solving & Innovation: Creative, resourceful, and results-driven approach to business challenges.
- Integrity & Confidentiality: High ethical standards with a commitment to confidentiality.
- Analytical & Presentation Skills: Ability to draft high-quality reports and board-level memorandums.
