Managing Director (CEO) Kenya - Quick Service Restaurant

Our client is a fast-growing Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) operator currently running 20 outlets across Kenya under two internationally recognised brands. As part of an ambitious expansion programme into new markets, the company is seeking a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) M/F, based in Nairobi (Housing and company vehicle provided).
• *Responsibilities:**

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for driving the company's strategic vision, operational excellence, and growth agenda. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO oversees all functional areas and ensures the consistent delivery of an outstanding customer experience across all outlets.
Key responsibilities include

Strategic Leadership & Growth
• Develop and execute the company's long-term growth strategy, including expansion into new regions and markets.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for new outlet openings, franchising, partnerships, or acquisitions.
• Build scalable systems and frameworks to support rapid network expansion.

Operational Excellence
• Ensure the consistent delivery of high standards in food quality, service, and hygiene across all outlets.
• Oversee performance metrics, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and operational processes to drive efficiency and brand consistency.
• Deploy modern technologies to enhance operational speed, cost control, and customer experience.

Financial Management
• Own the company's overall financial performance: revenue, profitability, cost management, and annual budgeting.
• Partner with the CFO/Finance team to monitor cash flow, manage risk, and ensure sustainable financial growth.
• Present timely financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors.

Brand Development & Customer Experience
• Strengthen brand positioning across all outlets, ensuring consistent marketing messages and customer engagement strategies.
• Champion innovation in menu design, service models, and market differentiation.
• Embed a customer-centric decision-making culture at every level of the organisation.

People Leadership & Culture
• Build and lead a high-performing executive team aligned with the company's vision and values.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, customer focus, and operational discipline.
• Oversee talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.

Compliance & Risk Management
• Ensure full compliance with food safety standards, health regulations, labour law, and industry requirements.
• Mitigate operational, financial, and reputational risks through robust governance frameworks.
• Uphold ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility commitments.
• *Candidate Profile:**

Education & Mobility
• Bachelor's degree or above in Business Administration, Hospitality Management, or a related field; MBA preferred.
• Willingness to travel regularly across existing and new market locations.

Experience & Industry Knowledge
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience, ideally within the QSR, retail, or hospitality sectors.
• Proven track record of scaling a multi-site operation with strong operational complexity.
• Solid P&L ownership experience, with demonstrated expertise in cost control and commercial development at scale.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and drive organisational change.

Skills & Personal Attributes
• Strong strategic vision and commercial acumen.
• Operational rigour and management discipline.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Inspiring leadership with a strong ability to develop and retain talent.
• Customer-centric mindset, innovation-driven, and agile in a high-growth environment.
• Self-directed, resilient, and comfortable making decisions under pressure.