CEO & Academy Director

Confidential recruitment document | Board-approved role profile

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Commercial Growth & Business Development|Engineering & Technical Training |Kenya

REPORTS TO Board of Directors

EMPLOYMENT Full-time executive

SCOPE  Strategy | Commercial | Academic | Operations

Role purpose

Lead the Academy as a commercially sustainable, technically credible and industry-aligned centre for advanced manufacturing, CNC machining and precision engineering skills. The role is accountable for strategy execution, revenue growth, student outcomes, partnerships, quality, people, compliance and operational performance.

Key responsibilities

Translate Board strategy into annual plans, budgets, dashboards and accountable execution.

Grow enrolment and revenue through student recruitment, corporate training, institutional contracts, sponsored cohorts and approved industrial services.

Maintain industry-relevant curricula, competent trainers, credible assessment, certification controls and measurable learner outcomes.

Lead strategic relationships with DMG MORI and other technology partners, manufacturers, government, universities, TVET institutions and development partners.

Deliver approved revenue, margin, cash-flow and cost targets; safeguard assets and provide timely management and Board reporting.

Ensure safe, reliable and efficient use of CNC machines, software, tooling, laboratories and facilities.

Build a high-performance team and maintain compliance, risk management, data protection, safety and institutional reputation.

Qualification and experience requirements

Mandatory

Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial technology, mechatronics, business, education management or a closely related field.

At least 10 years' progressive experience, including 5 years in senior leadership with responsibility for budgets, people and organisational performance.

Demonstrated success growing revenue, securing institutional/corporate business or building a sustainable training, technology or industrial-services operation.

Working knowledge of technical education, workforce development, manufacturing, CNC machining, precision engineering or industrial technology markets.

Strong financial literacy, executive communication, negotiation, partnership development and stakeholder-management capability.

Demonstrable integrity, satisfactory references and eligibility to serve as a company officer in Kenya.

Strongly preferred

Master's degree; engineering/technology background; leadership in a TVET, technical academy, OEM, machine-tool, manufacturing or industrial-training organisation; knowledge of Kenyan accreditation and competency-based training; exposure to CNC, CAD/CAM, automation or Industry 4.0; established East African industry and government networks.

Leadership competencies

Commercial leadership | Technical credibility | Strategic judgement | Institution building | People leadership | Governance and integrity | Stakeholder influence | Execution discipline

First-year performance measures

Revenue and margin | Enrolment, conversion and completion | Corporate contracts | Training quality and equipment availability | Graduate placement and internships | Active partnerships | Safety and compliance | Management-team effectiveness

Hiring and appointment requirements

Require a structured panel interview, evidence of three measurable achievements, a Board presentation on the first 12 months, a commercial/operational case exercise, credential and employment verification, three senior references, integrity and conflict checks, and police clearance. Recommended appointment: renewable three-year performance contract, six-month probation, agreed 100-day plan and Board-approved performance scorecard.

Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted..