Branch Manager -MOZAMBIQUE

Remit: Full responsibility for the Mozambique branch operation (yard, crane and maintenance base) based in Pemba, commercial representation of the company in Maputo, and the local team of approximately 60 staff, with functional and technical support from, and reporting to, the regional base in Mombasa, Kenya.

CONTEXT & ENVIRONMENT

Our client is a marine logistics and engineering support services provider with over 20 years of experience across East and Southern Africa. Strategically headquartered in the Mombasa port area, the company operates its own private port facility together with an extensive fleet of vessels and heavy plant equipment, supporting major infrastructure, oil & gas, and government projects throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Uganda and Somalia.

As part of its regional footprint, our client operates a dedicated branch in Mozambique, based in Pemba and built around a yard and heavy-lift crane base (275T and 150T capacity) and an on-site maintenance facility supporting the full range of the company's equipment. The Mozambique branch employs a team of approximately 60 staff, including 4 expatriates, and is functionally supported by, and reports into, the company's regional base in Mombasa.

As part of its continued regional growth strategy, and in the context of a confirmed 5-year project, our client is looking to appoint a Branch Manager, based in Pemba, Mozambique, to take full ownership of day-to-day branch operations — leading yard, crane and maintenance activities, managing the local team, and representing the company commercially in the Maputo market, in close coordination with regional leadership in Mombasa.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Branch Leadership & Management

• Hold full accountability for the day-to-day running of the Mozambique branch, acting as the company's senior representative and most senior on-the-ground authority in-country.

• Execute the branch business plan and operational objectives set for the 5-year project, in close alignment with regional leadership in Mombasa.

• Act as the key decision-maker for day-to-day matters at branch level, using sound judgement and initiative to resolve issues independently given the remote nature of the assignment.

• Ensure the branch runs efficiently, safely and profitably, balancing operational, commercial and financial priorities.

Operations Oversight (Yard, Crane & Maintenance)

• Oversee the overall management of the yard, ensuring safe, efficient and organised handling, storage and movement of equipment and cargo.

• Ensure the safe and compliant operation of the 275T and 150T cranes, in line with lifting plans, technical specifications and safety standards.

• Oversee the on-site maintenance base responsible for the upkeep of all company equipment, including cranes and yard machinery, ensuring an effective preventive maintenance programme.

• Ensure all operational activities are carried out in strict accordance with HSE standards and applicable local regulations.

Commercial & Stakeholder Management (Maputo)

• Represent the company's commercial interests in Maputo, acting as the primary local point of contact for clients, port authorities and government agencies.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders, clients and business partners to support ongoing and future business.

• Identify, develop and report on new business opportunities within the Mozambique market, in coordination with the regional team in Mombasa.

• Manage client relationships and ensure a high standard of service delivery across the branch.

Financial & Compliance Management

• Manage the branch's budget, costs and financial performance, reporting regularly to the regional base in Mombasa.

• Ensure full compliance with Mozambican labour, tax, customs and port regulations, as well as group-wide policies and standards.

• Oversee contracts, permits, licences and any other legal or regulatory requirements applicable to the branch.

People & Team Management

• Manage, lead and develop the full branch team of approximately 60 staff, including 4 expatriates, fostering a strong culture of safety, accountability and performance.

• Recruit, train and supervise local and expatriate personnel in line with company standards and local labour regulations.

• Organise resourcing, workforce planning and performance management across all functions of the branch.

Regional Coordination & Reporting (Mombasa)

• Report into and coordinate closely with regional management in Mombasa on strategy, standards, budgets and resource planning.

• Ensure alignment of the Mozambique branch with group-wide HSE, technical, financial and quality standards.

• Provide regular operational, financial, commercial and HSE reporting to the Mombasa regional management team.

General Responsibilities

• Act as a strong ambassador for the company, demonstrating its values and professionalism at all times, both locally and with the regional team.

• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the smooth running and continued development of the Mozambique branch.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education

• A relevant tertiary qualification in Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, Mechanical/Marine Engineering or a related field.

Experience

• 5 to 10 years of relevant professional experience in Africa within logistics, yard/crane operations or the marine and infrastructure sector, including experience in a branch management, site management or senior operations leadership role.

• Proven experience overseeing heavy-lift crane operations (150T–275T class), yard management and equipment maintenance activities, either directly or through a management team.

• Prior experience managing multicultural teams, including both local staff and expatriate personnel, and holding overall accountability for a site, branch or country operation.

• Experience engaging with clients, government agencies and port authorities, with a track record of representing a company credibly at a senior level.

Technical & Leadership Skills

• Strong general management skills, with the ability to oversee operations, commercial activity, finance and compliance for a branch.

• Solid understanding of yard management, heavy-lift crane operations and equipment maintenance planning, sufficient to direct and hold operational teams accountable.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, able to build and motivate diverse, multicultural teams.

• Good commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and represent the company credibly with clients and local authorities.

• Strong HSE awareness and commitment to embedding a robust safety culture across the operation.

Languages

• Fluency in English and Portuguese (oral and written) is required, given the operational and commercial links between Mozambique, the Mombasa regional base and the wider group.

• French is an advantage.

Qualities

• Highly resourceful and hands-on, with strong practical judgement and the ability to find solutions independently in a remote operating environment.

• Autonomous and self-reliant, comfortable operating with limited day-to-day supervision.

• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage competing operational and commercial priorities.

• Strong sense of ownership and accountability, with a pragmatic, get-it-done mindset.

• Comfortable and motivated by working and living in a coastal, maritime environment.

Job Conditions

• Based in Pemba, Mozambique, for the duration of a 5-year project, with regular coordination with the regional base in Mombasa, Kenya.

• Single-status expatriate position; company-provided housing and vehicle included.

• Package includes a monthly salary of USD 7,500, fully furnished housing, a company vehicle, and one annual flight (home leave).

• Suited to a candidate available for a long-term overseas assignment without dependants accompanying them on post.