Chief Operating Officer

Cerba Lancet Africa Pty Ltd stands at the forefront of clinical pathology and medical diagnosis networks in Africa. With a presence in more than 14 countries across the continent, we deliver top-tier pathology and biomedical services to patients and medical communities, maintaining the highest standards of quality and professionalism.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Location: Office based; Milpark, Johannesburg, South Africa
Direct Report:

1. IT Manager
2. Lab Efficiency Manager
3. QA Manager
4. Supply Chain and Purchasing Manager

Out of Scope: Shareholders, HR, Marketing and Finance

General description

This Chief Operating Officer will be based in the Cerba Lancet Africa offices in Johannesburg and will be responsible for the smooth operations of the Business Units within Africa. The position reports into the Chief Executive Officer and contributes as a member of senior management in each country.

The Business Units in Africa includes but is not limited to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Mozambique, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Gabon.

The Chief Operating Officer will be required to travel to the Business Units regularly.

Position Overview:
Compliance

• Comply with the Cerba Lancet Africa company policies and procedures.
• Follow the Health, Safety and Environmental regulations.
• Drive the Cerba Lancet Africa values.
• Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements including ISO requirements, audits, finance, and accounting management requirements.
• Drive good governance and compliance within the operations in all business aspects

Operational Excellence

• Budgeting and optimisation - review and summit annual budgets and proposals
• Manage and report on cost of sales budget
• Attend and present at Board meetings as a non-voting member
• Drive quality of services and execute budget
• Provide guidance on the roadmap e.g. lab efficiency, QA, projects etc.
• Business plan/case review assess and validate with the CEOs
• Review and approve the CAPEX for all countries in alignment with the budget and cash flow
• Provide monthly reports on business progress, procurement performance, projects and risk- assessments
• Work closely with the BU teams to define, monitor KPIs on turnover, TAT etc
• Set up key indicators and dashboards to measure the performance of the actions carried out in this area (budget, performance indicators, etc.).
• Analyse indicators, identify, and share malfunctions, provide solutions and reporting to internal customers and management.
• Maintain strong relationships with healthcare providers, government agencies, and other key stakeholders in each country to ensure trust and satisfaction with laboratory services.

Project Management

• Manage operational projects in their entirety, from budgeting to delivery.
• Allocate the right resources to each project to maximise efficiency, costs, and quality of service.
• Monitor the performance of the projects versus budget during the deployment, and up to the end of each project.
• Maintain the agreed timelines as per the project management schedule.
• Lead large supply chain and procurement projects, including the design and deployment of new supply chain and procurement systems and services.
• For each project, communicate to the steering committee with all milestones, achievements, delays, and costs evolution.

Technology & Innovation:

• Lead initiatives to implement advanced laboratory technologies and automation systems across all Business Units in Africa, ensuring global consistency in service delivery.
• Oversee the integration and management of laboratory information systems (LIS) and data analytics tools for operational reporting and decision-making.
• Ensure the adoption of innovative testing technologies and services to maintain the company’s competitive edge.

Procurement

• Analysing business requirements by partnering with key stakeholders across the organization to develop solutions for supply chain and procurement needs.
• Identifying and acting on opportunities to improve and update Supply Chain and Procurement systems.
• Help define Supply Chain and Procurement strategy, architecture, and processes.
• Contribute to the sourcing of new suppliers with local and global purchasing and operational teams (in CLA countries) by expressing an opinion on procurement performance.
• Set up with selected suppliers a sourcing plan based on the constraints expressed by internal customers (central and local operations department).

Supply Chain and Logistics

• Oversee the global supply chain for laboratory equipment, consumables, and reagents, ensuring timely procurement and distribution to all locations.
• Work with global and local vendors to optimize supply agreements and maintain equipment, adhering to high standards of quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Implement systems for managing inventory, logistics, and vendor relationships at each location.
• Is responsible for compliance with national and international regulations regarding the transport of potentially infectious risk materials.
• Participate in the implementation of a logistics route optimization management tool (picking transport).
• Plan and coordinate the transport of products or goods (stock management, coherent organization of flows, shipment management).
• Ensure that regulatory obligations are properly understood and applied.
• Implementation of tools on the logistics, transport, and supply side.
• Active role in the implementation of electronic procurement tools (automation and implementation of procurement function processes).
• Plan and coordinate the transport of products or goods (stock management, coherent organization of flows, shipment management).
• Follow-up of supply, transport, and logistics operations.
• Monitor performance of supply chain and procurement systems to determine cost and productivity levels, and to make recommendations for improving the supply chain and procurement organization.
• Assess vendors and proposals.

Strategic Planning & Global Expansion

• Collaborate with the executive team to create and execute the operational strategy for global growth, including the opening of new laboratory locations and expansion into new markets.
• Analyze international market trends and develop strategies to enhance the competitive position of the company’s laboratories in each region.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation across multiple locations, balancing cost control with service delivery.

Human Resource

• Conduct and complete the Performance Appraisals for your direct reports.
• Ensure time and attendance in strict accordance with the CLA policies.
• Review and approve annual salary reviews and bonus reviews as per the approved budget for the region.
• Assist with the recruitment of direct line reports
• Ensure training is conducted for new staff and coach and mentor direct reports
• Ensure that all company policies are being implemented, adhered to, and appropriate disciplinary measures instituted against violations of such policies.
• Dissemination of information and general communication
• Employee Separation (Termination/Redundancy) – review exit interviews and make recommendations for improvement.

EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master's degree in medical technology, healthcare management, business administration, or a related field
• Experience: 8-10 years of experience in laboratory or healthcare operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multiple locations or international operations.
• International Experience: Proven track record in managing cross-border operations, including understanding of various healthcare systems, regulatory frameworks, and cultural nuances.
• Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of global healthcare and laboratory systems, laboratory standards, and country-specific regulations.
• Financial Expertise: Strong experience in budgeting, financial planning, and cost control for international operations.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated ability to lead large, diverse teams across multiple countries and work collaboratively in a global environment.
• Expert skills in Microsoft Office skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Fluent in oral and written English. French will be advantageous.
• Availability to travel within the African content.

Application Details

Interested candidates should submit their applications to clrsajobs@cerbalancetafrica.com, no later than the
08 November 2024.
Applications must include the following information:
Copy of CV and qualifications, contact details, references, bio data, and expected salary package.
Shortlisted candidates will undergo an Assessment test.
Thank you for expressing interest in Cerba Lancet Africa. While we value all applications received, only candidates chosen for an interview will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 30 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Rest assured; your information will be retained for future recruitment opportunities within the company.