Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Head of Commercial Operations
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Salary: KES 250,000 – KES 350,000 Monthly
• Category/Department: Commercial
• Reporting To: CEO
• Application Deadline: 03 October 2025

Introduction

A transformative head of commercial operations opportunity awaits an exceptional leader at Jumia Kenya, poised to drive the strategic vision of a leading e-commerce platform in Africa. This role offers the chance to shape customer experiences, optimize product offerings, and lead a high-performing team to deliver unparalleled value to Kenyan consumers. Designed for seasoned professionals with a passion for retail and e-commerce, this head of commercial operations position provides a platform to make a lasting impact on Kenya’s digital marketplace. By leveraging data-driven strategies and innovative merchandising, you’ll position Jumia Kenya as the top shopping destination while advancing your career in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

About Jumia

Jumia is a leading pan-African e-commerce platform committed to improving everyday life in Africa through innovative, convenient, and affordable online services. Operating across multiple African countries, Jumia connects businesses with customers through its robust marketplace, supported by proprietary logistics (Jumia Logistics) and digital payment solutions (Jumia Pay). With over 3,000 employees and a blend of local and international talent, Jumia is backed by high-profile shareholders and made history in April 2019 as the first African tech company listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Dedicated to sustainable impact, Jumia fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence, making it an ideal environment for a head of commercial operations to thrive and drive transformative growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of commercial planners and merchandizers, ensuring proper team structure, motivation, and high performance to achieve business objectives.
• Drive revenue growth by developing proactive turnaround plans, leveraging the marketplace to deliver strategic direction, feedback, and support to the commercial team.
• Ensure all Jumia websites feature the right products at competitive prices, optimally positioned to enhance customer experience and drive sales.
• Champion Jumia’s strategic commercial orientation as a key member of the leadership team, acting as an early adopter and relentless advocate for innovative strategies.
• Analyze market segments, vendors, and customer behaviors to provide data-driven insights and recommendations that support commercial strategies.
• Develop comprehensive performance reports for product categories, delivering actionable recommendations to optimize sales and customer engagement.
• Oversee website merchandising, optimizing product placement to align with Jumia’s strategic goals and enhance user experience.
• Collaborate seamlessly with departments such as Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain to enable effective decision-making and execution.
• Manage large-scale commercial operations and project management initiatives, coordinating cross-functional efforts to achieve business goals.
• Innovate and simplify tools and processes to enhance operational efficiency and team productivity.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track category performance, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop promotional strategies to create engaging campaigns that resonate with Kenyan consumers and drive repeat purchases.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting on sales, inventory, and customer metrics to inform strategic decisions.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging the team to adopt best practices and innovative approaches in commercial operations.
• Coordinate with vendors to secure the best product assortments and pricing for the marketplace.
• Implement data-driven merchandising strategies to optimize product visibility and sales conversions.
• Lead training initiatives to enhance team skills in e-commerce trends, customer behavior, and data analysis.
• Evaluate market trends to anticipate customer needs and align product offerings with demand.
• Streamline internal processes to reduce operational bottlenecks and improve cross-departmental collaboration.
• Drive customer-centric initiatives to enhance the shopping experience and build brand loyalty.
• Oversee budget allocation for commercial activities, ensuring cost-effective strategies that maximize ROI.
• Monitor competitor activities to identify opportunities for differentiation and market leadership.
• Develop partnerships with key vendors to secure exclusive products and promotions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies and industry regulations in all commercial activities.
• Lead the adoption of new technologies and tools to enhance commercial operations efficiency.
• Mentor team members to build a pipeline of future leaders within the commercial department.
• Analyze customer feedback to refine product offerings and improve service delivery.
• Coordinate with the marketing team to align promotional campaigns with commercial goals.
• Optimize supply chain processes to ensure timely product availability and delivery.
• Drive innovation in product presentation to create a seamless and engaging online shopping experience.
• Monitor website analytics to identify opportunities for improving user navigation and conversion rates.
• Develop strategies to increase marketplace traffic and customer retention through targeted campaigns.
• Lead cross-functional projects to launch new product categories or expand market reach.
• Ensure all commercial activities align with Jumia’s mission to deliver value to customers.
• Evaluate team performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and development plans.
• Promote a data-driven culture within the commercial team to enhance decision-making.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure pricing strategies align with profitability goals.
• Oversee the implementation of customer loyalty programs to drive repeat business.
• Lead initiatives to reduce operational costs while maintaining high service standards.
• Ensure all commercial activities reflect Jumia’s commitment to sustainability and community impact.
• Develop long-term commercial strategies to position Jumia as Kenya’s leading e-commerce platform.
• Monitor emerging e-commerce trends to keep Jumia ahead of the competition.
• Lead negotiations with key stakeholders to secure favorable terms for product sourcing.
• Ensure seamless integration of new product categories into the marketplace.
• Drive adoption of advanced analytics tools to enhance commercial decision-making.

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience: 5+ years in Retail or FMCG, with at least 3+ years in e-commerce operations or management.
• Education: Graduate of accredited Top Universities, Engineering, or Business Schools with a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Tools for reporting and data analysis.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and data management skills to interpret complex data and drive strategic decisions.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced head of commercial operations environment.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to influence stakeholders and build consensus across departments.
• Action-Oriented: Performance-driven mindset with a focus on achieving measurable results.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to anticipate, structure, and organize complex projects and workflows.
• Detail-Oriented: Well-organized and very detail-oriented to ensure accuracy in reporting and operations.
• Stress Resilience: Resistant to stress, thriving in a competitive and dynamic environment.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to find simple solutions to complex problems in commercial operations.
• E-commerce Expertise: Deep understanding of e-commerce platforms, merchandising, and customer behavior.
• Market Knowledge: Familiarity with Kenyan market segments, consumer trends, and vendor dynamics.
• Project Management: Experience leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives in a head of commercial operations role.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate strategies and influence stakeholders.
• Customer Focus: Ability to prioritize customer needs and align commercial strategies with user expectations.
• Innovation: Proven ability to drive innovation in merchandising and promotional strategies.
• Team Building: Experience mentoring and developing teams to achieve high performance.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Ability to leverage data to inform commercial strategies and optimize outcomes.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and business priorities.
• Preferred Skills: Experience with e-commerce platforms like Magento, Shopify, or similar is an advantage.
• Cultural Awareness: Understanding of African consumer behaviors and market dynamics to tailor strategies effectively.
• Negotiation Skills: Ability to negotiate favorable terms with vendors and stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding of budgeting and pricing strategies to drive profitability.
• Technology Adoption: Experience integrating new tools and technologies to enhance operational efficiency.

Company Culture and Values

Jumia fosters a dynamic and entrepreneurial work environment that blends innovation with structured processes. Committed to sustainability and community impact, Jumia empowers its employees to drive meaningful change in Africa’s e-commerce landscape. The organization values collaboration, encouraging seamless teamwork across departments to achieve shared goals. With a focus on professional growth, Jumia provides opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, aiming to train the next generation of African leaders. The company promotes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where varied perspectives are valued and respected. As a head of commercial operations, you’ll thrive in a culture that rewards initiative, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

How to Apply

Apply now for the Head of Commercial Operations position. Submit the following documents via the official application portal by 03 October 2025:

• A detailed CV highlighting your education, experience, and relevant skills.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the head of commercial operations role and how your qualifications align with the position.
• An approval/recommendation letter from your direct manager (to be uploaded after submitting the initial application).
  Apply through the official portal: Submit Application. Clearly reference Head of Commercial Operations – JUMIA-HCO-2025-01 in your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Jumia is an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from all qualified individuals, including those from underrepresented groups. Note: Jumia will never charge a fee to apply for a job. Be cautious of websites claiming to assist with applications or charging fees.

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Tags

head of commercial operations, Nairobi jobs, e-commerce jobs Kenya, retail management 2025, leadership careers

Extended Content for Depth and Context

The head of commercial operations role at Jumia Kenya is a pivotal leadership position designed for professionals who thrive in dynamic, high-growth environments. As the head of commercial operations, you will shape the strategic direction of Jumia’s marketplace, ensuring it delivers exceptional value to Kenyan consumers. This role combines leadership, data-driven decision-making, and innovative merchandising to drive growth and position Jumia as Kenya’s most beloved shopping destination.

Why This Role Stands Out

The head of commercial operations position offers a rare opportunity to lead transformative initiatives in Africa’s e-commerce sector. You’ll oversee a team of commercial planners and merchandizers, driving strategies that enhance product offerings, optimize pricing, and create engaging customer experiences. By aligning commercial operations with Jumia’s mission, you’ll contribute to the company’s growth while advancing your career in a high-impact leadership role. This head of commercial operations position is ideal for professionals with a passion for retail, e-commerce, and strategic leadership.

The Impact of E-commerce in Kenya

Kenya’s e-commerce sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing internet access, mobile penetration, and consumer demand for convenient shopping solutions. As the head of commercial operations, you’ll play a critical role in capitalizing on this growth by ensuring Jumia’s platform offers the right products at the best prices. Your ability to analyze market trends, understand customer behaviors, and optimize merchandising will drive sales and customer loyalty, positioning Jumia as a leader in Kenya’s digital marketplace.

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

In the head of commercial operations role, you’ll lead a team responsible for delivering growth and operational excellence. This includes structuring the team effectively, setting clear performance goals, and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. You’ll provide strategic direction, ensuring the commercial team aligns with Jumia’s broader objectives. By mentoring team members and identifying future leaders, you’ll contribute to Jumia’s goal of developing the next generation of African business leaders.

Driving Customer-Centric Strategies

Customer experience is at the core of Jumia’s mission, and the head of commercial operations is responsible for delivering on this promise. You’ll oversee merchandising strategies that ensure products are presented in a way that maximizes visibility and sales. By analyzing customer feedback and behavior, you’ll develop promotions and campaigns that resonate with Kenyan consumers, driving repeat purchases and brand loyalty. This head of commercial operations role requires a deep understanding of customer needs and the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies.

Leveraging Data for Strategic Decisions

Data is a cornerstone of the head of commercial operations role. You’ll build comprehensive reports on category performance, using tools like Google Analytics and Microsoft Excel to analyze sales, inventory, and customer metrics. Your ability to “fly high and dive deep” will ensure that your recommendations are both strategic and actionable, driving measurable results for Jumia’s marketplace. By leveraging data, you’ll identify opportunities to optimize product offerings, improve pricing strategies, and enhance customer engagement.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

The head of commercial operations role requires seamless collaboration with departments such as Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain. You’ll work closely with these teams to align commercial strategies with operational capabilities, ensuring efficient execution and problem-solving. By fostering strong relationships across the organization, you’ll enable decision-making and maintain a laser focus on delivering results. This collaborative approach is essential to the success of the head of commercial operations role.

Innovation and Process Improvement

Jumia is committed to simplifying and improving its tools and processes, and the head of commercial operations will lead efforts to drive innovation. You’ll identify opportunities to streamline workflows, adopt new technologies, and enhance operational efficiency. By staying ahead of industry trends and competitor activities, you’ll ensure Jumia remains a leader in the e-commerce space. This head of commercial operations role is ideal for leaders who thrive on finding simple solutions to complex challenges.

Career Growth Opportunities

The head of commercial operations role offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and professional growth. By leading high-impact initiatives, you’ll build a reputation as a strategic leader in e-commerce. Jumia’s commitment to training future leaders means you’ll have access to mentorship, training, and career advancement opportunities. This head of commercial operations position is a chance to make a meaningful impact on Kenya’s e-commerce sector while advancing your career.

A Day in the Life

A typical day as the head of commercial operations is dynamic and multifaceted. You might start by reviewing sales and category performance reports, identifying trends and opportunities. Next, you could meet with your team to set goals, provide feedback, or brainstorm new promotional strategies. Throughout the day, you’ll collaborate with Marketing, Operations, and Supply Chain teams to align on initiatives and resolve challenges. You’ll also analyze customer feedback and website analytics to optimize product placement and enhance the shopping experience. By the end of the day, you’ll prepare strategic recommendations for senior leadership, ensuring Jumia’s continued success.

Why Nairobi Is the Perfect Location

Nairobi is a hub for innovation and commerce in Africa, making it the ideal location for the head of commercial operations role. The city’s vibrant business ecosystem and growing digital economy provide a dynamic environment for leading e-commerce initiatives. As the head of commercial operations, you’ll engage with diverse stakeholders, from vendors to customers, while contributing to Jumia’s mission to transform everyday life in Kenya.

Preparing for Success

To excel as the head of commercial operations, you’ll need to bring strategic vision, leadership skills, and a passion for e-commerce. Staying organized, managing stress, and maintaining a customer-centric focus are critical to success. By leveraging data, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation, you’ll position Jumia as Kenya’s top shopping destination. This head of commercial operations role is an opportunity to lead with impact and shape the future of e-commerce in Africa.

The Broader Impact

As the head of commercial operations, your work will contribute to the growth of Kenya’s e-commerce sector, creating opportunities for businesses and consumers alike. By delivering innovative solutions and exceptional customer experiences, you’ll help Jumia achieve its mission of improving everyday life in Africa. Your leadership will drive economic growth, support local vendors, and enhance access to affordable products for Kenyan consumers.

Building a Legacy

The head of commercial operations role is a chance to build a lasting legacy in Kenya’s e-commerce sector. By driving strategic initiatives and fostering a high-performing team, you’ll contribute to Jumia’s long-term success. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of online shopping in Kenya, leaving a meaningful impact on the industry and the communities it serves.

Final Thoughts

The head of commercial operations role at Jumia Kenya is a chance to lead transformative initiatives, drive customer-centric innovation, and build a legacy in Africa’s e-commerce sector. With a supportive team, cutting-edge tools, and a commitment to professional growth, Jumia offers the ideal environment for a visionary leader. If you’re ready to take on a challenging and rewarding role, apply for the head of commercial operations position today and join Jumia’s mission to redefine e-commerce in Africa.