General Manager

Company Description Mekdes Children’s Horizon (locally known in Amharic as መቅደስ የልጆች አድማስ) is an Ethiopian charitable organization.

Role Description This is a full-time, on-site General Manager role based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The General Manager will oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring that all departments meet performance, quality, and customer satisfaction targets. Responsibilities include developing and executing business strategies, setting goals and KPIs, and monitoring financial performance, budgets, and cost controls. The role involves leading and mentoring department heads, coordinating cross-functional activities, and ensuring compliance with company policies and local regulations. The General Manager will also build and maintain supplier and customer relationships, identify growth opportunities, manage risk, and report regularly to ownership or the executive team on business performance and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior management or General Manager role, preferably in a multi-department or multi-unit organization with 3+ years of experience in the field
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including team building, coaching, performance management, and conflict resolution.
• Solid financial and business acumen, with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and interpreting financial reports.
• Excellent operational management capabilities, including process optimization, resource planning, and setting and tracking KPIs.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate goals into actionable plans.
• Clear, professional communication and negotiation skills in English; proficiency in local languages is an advantage.
• Ability to work on-site full time in Addis Ababa, prioritize multiple tasks, and make timely decisions under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, or a related field; a master’s degree (e.g., MBA) is a plus.
• Experience working in Ethiopia or similar markets, with familiarity with local business practices and regulations, is preferred.
• High ethical standards, commitment to inclusive and respectful workplace practices, and a customer-focused mindset.