Operations Manager, ALUSB

ABOUT ALU

At the African Leadership University (ALU), we're more than just an institution—we're a catalyst for transformation. Our mission is to develop a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders who will shape Africa's future. Through our innovative curriculum, focus on experiential learning, and vibrant pan-African community, we empower students to become changemakers, problem-solvers, and innovators. At ALU, we're not just teaching; we're nurturing the leaders who will drive Africa's progress and prosperity in the 21st century

We are dedicated to fostering an open yet secure environment, balancing the safety of students, staff, and visitors with respect for individual rights and safeguarding responsibilities.

ABOUT THE TEAM

The Operations Team at ALU School of Business (ALUSB) is the backbone of our educational excellence, ensuring that our programs and events run seamlessly. We are a dynamic and collaborative group, committed to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment for our students. Our culture is defined by innovation, efficiency, and a relentless pursuit of operational excellence. Together, we’ve successfully launched and managed multiple postgraduate programs, donor-funded fellowships, and bespoke corporate initiatives, consistently delivering high-quality experiences that align with ALU’s mission and values.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective operational delivery of ALU School of Business programmes and initiatives, including the EMBA, postgraduate programmes, Executive Education, and special initiatives such as the Public Sector Fellowship (PSF). The role ensures programmes, intensive weeks, events, and other activities are planned and delivered efficiently, on time, and to agreed quality and financial standards. Working closely with academic, finance, procurement, marketing, partnerships, campus operations, and other relevant teams, the Operations Manager coordinates resources, logistics, budgets, vendors, systems, and programme requirements to enable seamless delivery. The role drives operational consistency, continuous improvement, learner satisfaction, and efficient resource utilisation, while supporting the School's growth and long-term operational sustainability.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme Operations Management

• Lead the day-to-day operations and logistics of the EMBA, Executive Education, postgraduate programmes, and assigned special initiatives.
• Develop and maintain operational plans, schedules, timelines and delivery requirements, ensuring programmes are delivered efficiently, on time and to agreed quality standards.
• Collaborate with the Academic Team to coordinate faculty logistics, class schedules, intensive arrangements, expert engagements, company visits, online delivery and other academic activities.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure effective communication, alignment and execution across programme activities.
• Track programme deliverables, risks, dependencies and action items, escalating issues and supporting timely resolution.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage budgets for assigned programmes, activities and initiatives, ensuring effective resource allocation, cost optimisation and financial sustainability while safeguarding programme quality.
• Monitor expenditure against approved budgets, analyse variances, coordinate reconciliations and support timely vendor payments.
• Coordinate with Finance and relevant stakeholders on invoicing, collections, financial reporting and programme close-out.
• Ensure programme and operational expenditure is properly documented and compliant with approved budgets and institutional requirements.

Learner Experience and Programme Support

• Ensure a high-quality and responsive learner experience through proactive management of programme logistics, learner communications and support.
• Work with Academic and relevant teams to identify and resolve programme-related issues and emerging learner needs.
• Develop and continuously improve processes for learner communication, support and feedback.
• Ensure operational delivery remains aligned with programme objectives and intended learner outcomes.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Stakeholder Management

• Build strong working relationships with Academic, Finance, Procurement, Marketing, Partnerships, Campus Operations and other relevant teams to ensure effective programme delivery.
• Manage vendors and service providers critical to programme and event delivery, ensuring quality, reliability and value for money.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders against agreed responsibilities, timelines and delivery requirements.
• Represent ALUSB at relevant events, conferences and stakeholder engagements as required, supporting the School's visibility and partnerships.

Programme Innovation and Growth

• Contribute to the development and operationalisation of new postgraduate and Executive Education programmes, ensuring market relevance, measurable impact and operational feasibility.
• Support the development of standardised delivery models and processes that enable long-term programme growth and scalability.
• Ensure assigned programmes and initiatives are operationally aligned with ALUSB and ALU priorities, OKRs and broader mission.

Intensive Weeks, Events & Special Initiatives

• Lead the operational planning and delivery of intensive weeks, coordinating logistics, staffing, technology, venues, accommodation, budgets, timelines and other delivery requirements.
• Plan and coordinate major School events and special initiatives, including graduations, conferences, symposiums, retreats, donor engagements and corporate partner activities.
• Work with academic and cross-functional teams to ensure event and intensive plans are aligned with programme and organisational objectives.
• Evaluate delivery and capture lessons learned to improve future intensives, events and special initiatives.

Operational Excellence and Standardisation

• Develop, implement and maintain standardised playbooks, procedures, templates and operational systems to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability.
• Maintain accurate operational records, prepare programme and activity reports, and track key deliverables and performance indicators.
• Identify and implement process improvements that strengthen programme delivery, learner experience and operational efficiency.
• Support the operational design and implementation of new programmes and initiatives, assessing resource requirements, delivery models, dependencies and operational risks.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree required; a Master's degree or equivalent experience preferred
• 5+ years of professional experience in operations, program management, event management, or a related role. Experience in higher education, edtech, or a learner-focused environment is an advantage
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder programs while delivering high-quality outcomes
• Proven experience managing budgets, optimizing processes, and delivering operational performance at scale
• Strong project management skills with expertise in tools and systems for scheduling, tracking, and delivery (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills
• Experience managing vendors, cross-functional teams, and external partnerships

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Operational Excellence: A proven track record of delivering efficient and effective program operations.
• Customer-Centric Mindset: Deep commitment to creating exceptional learner and stakeholder experiences.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align operations with broader institutional goals and program priorities.
• Budget Management: Proficiency in managing and optimizing program budgets while ensuring high-quality outcomes.
• Leadership: Ability to inspire and develop teams, fostering accountability and collaboration.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.

This role is integral to the success of ALUSB’s programs and initiatives, ensuring that our operations not only meet but exceed the expectations of our students and stakeholders. If you are a strategic and process-oriented leader passionate about delivering exceptional educational experiences, we invite you to join our team.