JOB ADVERTISEMENT

PROJECT MANAGER / CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER (COO)

Ultimate Ingenuity Zambia Limited | Ubukule | Full-Time

ABOUT THE ROLE

Ultimate Ingenuity Zambia Limited is seeking an experienced, commercially minded and highly execution-oriented Project Manager / Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the team driving the growth and commercialization of Ubukule — a proudly Zambian digital platform connecting and formalizing participants across the construction and engineering ecosystem.

The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in translating the company’s strategy into measurable results. The role will oversee day-to-day operations, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, drive strategic projects and partnerships, monitor business performance, and support the continued growth and commercialization of Ubukule.

We are looking for a hands-on operator who combines strategic thinking with strong execution, is comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, and can effectively operate across technology, business, institutional and commercial environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day operations of Ubukule.
• Translate management strategy and business objectives into actionable plans and measurable deliverables.
• Lead the planning, implementation and monitoring of strategic projects and initiatives.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear responsibilities, timelines and accountability.
• Develop and monitor project plans, budgets, milestones, risks and deliverables.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions to improve efficiency and performance.
• Drive business growth, commercialization and operational scalability.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with private sector, government, institutions, industry stakeholders and other relevant partners.
• Monitor key business and operational performance indicators and provide regular management reports.
• Support revenue generation, business development and market expansion initiatives.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and maintain strong relationships with key partners.
• Identify new opportunities within the construction, engineering, technology and related ecosystems.
• Support the development and implementation of operational policies, systems and processes.
• Ensure projects and business initiatives are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Identify and manage operational and project risks.
• Lead, motivate and hold team members accountable for performance and results.
• Represent the company and Ubukule in selected stakeholder, institutional and commercial engagements.
• Provide management with insights, recommendations and data-driven solutions to support decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Operations Management, Engineering, ICT, Economics, Commerce or a related field.
• At least five (5) years of relevant professional experience, preferably in project management, operations, business development or a similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects, teams, partnerships and business initiatives.
• Strong understanding of business operations, performance management and commercial execution.
• Experience working with budgets, project plans, KPIs and performance reporting.
• PMP, PRINCE2 or an equivalent project management qualification is an added advantage.

DESIRABLE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

• Technology-enabled businesses and digital platforms
• Construction and engineering
• Institutional and strategic partnerships
• Donor-funded programmes and development projects
• Digital marketplaces or platform businesses
• Mining and local-content initiatives
• Business development and commercialization
• Growth-stage or entrepreneurial businesses
• Public-private partnerships and stakeholder engagement

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic and commercial thinking
• Strong project and operational management skills
• Excellent leadership and team coordination abilities
• Strong business development and partnership-building skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Financial and budget management awareness
• Strong planning, organization and time-management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under pressure
• High level of accountability and ownership
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions
• Strong negotiation and relationship-management skills
• Technology and digital business awareness
• A results-oriented and execution-focused mindset

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a problem solver, disciplined executor, strong communicator and natural leader who is able to move seamlessly between strategy and execution.

You should be comfortable taking ownership, building systems, coordinating people, solving problems and ensuring that ideas are converted into measurable business outcomes.

This is an opportunity for an ambitious professional who wants to play a significant role in building and scaling a Zambian digital platform with the potential to transform participation and formalization within the construction and engineering ecosystem.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements should submit:

• Application Letter
• Updated CV
• Copies of relevant academic and professional qualifications

Applications should be submitted to:

Apply Now

CLOSING DATE

10 September 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Ultimate Ingenuity Zambia Limited is an equal opportunity employer.