Country Manager

Job title : Country Manager – Cameroon (Yaoundé-based) – Ag-Tech Startup

Location: Yaoundé (with regular travel to Ntui)
Employment Type: Full-time employment or contract-based collaboration (open to discussion)

About Our Client

On behalf of our client an agri-tech startup specializing in source cacao fermentation and transforming the cocoa value chain we are recruiting a Country Manager for Cameroon. As a startup they value strategic thinking entrepreneurial execution and hands-on leadership in dynamic fast-paced environments.

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and operational Country Manager to lead and scale our client's operations in Cameroon. This is a senior leadership role requiring both high-level business strategy and hands-on execution. You will be the key interface between the local operations (Site Manager Supply Chain Manager) and the international leadership team driving business growth ensuring regulatory compliance and expanding market presence.

This role requires a unique combination of business acumen legal/regulatory expertise stakeholder management and startup agility. You will shape the future of the company's Cameroon operations while navigating the complexities of an emerging market in the agribusiness sector.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Lead and manage all company activities in Cameroon serving as the senior representative
• Develop and execute country-level business strategy aligned with global objectives
• Identify and pursue business expansion opportunities: new partnerships customer acquisition market penetration
• Drive revenue growth and operational scaling across the Cameroonian cocoa value chain
• Build strategic relationships with key stakeholders: government agencies industry players financial institutions NGOs

Operations Oversight & Team Coordination

• Oversee and support the Site Manager (Ntui) and Country Supply Chain Manager

• Ensure operational efficiency quality standards and alignment across all local functions
• Act as liaison between Cameroon operations and international headquarters
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives and resolve operational challenges
• Monitor and report on operational KPIs business performance and strategic milestones

Legal Compliance & Contract Management

• Draft review and negotiate contracts (HR agreements customer contracts supplier agreements loan contracts)
• Ensure compliance with Cameroonian tax labor and corporate regulations
• Manage loan declarations statutory filings and regulatory reporting
• Navigate legal complexities in agribusiness rural development and financial services
• Liaise with legal advisors tax authorities and regulatory bodies as needed

Financial & Administrative Management

• Oversee country-level budget management and financial planning
• Track expenditures manage cash flow and ensure fiscal discipline
• Prepare financial reports and business updates for senior leadership
• Support fundraising investor relations and due diligence processes as needed

Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent the company professionally with government officials investors partners and international visitors
• Build trust and credibility within local farming communities and business networks
• Champion the company's mission and values in all external engagements

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• MBA or Master's degree in Economics Business Administration Finance International Business or related field
• Min 7 years of professional experience in operational leadership roles preferably in agro-industrial agribusiness or FMCG sectors
• Proven track record of scaling businesses in emerging markets or startup environments
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder operations in Cameroon or similar contexts

Legal & Regulatory Expertise:

• Solid understanding of Cameroonian tax law labor law and contract law
• Experience drafting and negotiating commercial employment and financial agreements
• Familiarity with compliance requirements for agribusiness operations in Cameroon

Business & Leadership Skills:

• Strategic thinker with strong business development and commercial acumen
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams manage cross-functional operations and drive results
• Experience working in or with startups social enterprises or mission-driven organizations (highly preferred)
• Strong analytical problem-solving and decision-making capabilities

Language & Communication:

• Bilingual (English and French) – non-negotiable
• Excellent communication skills for engaging diverse stakeholders: farmers government officials investors international teams
• Ability to translate complex legal/regulatory topics into clear operational guidance

Personal Attributes:

• Entrepreneurial mindset with hands-on execution capabilities
• Structured and detail-oriented with ability to manage ambiguity
• High integrity and professionalism in handling sensitive business matters
• Comfortable with regular travel between Yaoundé and Ntui

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in rural development agricultural value chains or social impact enterprises
• Knowledge of cocoa/cacao industry dynamics in Cameroon or West/Central Africa
• Existing network within Cameroonian government agribusiness sector or financial institutions
• Prior work with international organizations or development agencies

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package (negotiable based on experience and employment structure)
• Opportunity to lead a high-impact operation in a mission-driven startup
• Direct influence on strategic decisions and business growth
• Exposure to international networks investors and industry leaders
• Professional development in a dynamic entrepreneurial environment
• Employment flexibility: Open to full-time employment or contract-based collaboration for the right candidate

We are looking for a strategic leader who can execute. If you have the business acumen to scale operations the legal expertise to navigate complexity and the entrepreneurial drive to build from the ground up we want to hear from you.

Required Skills:

Strategic Business Development in Emerging Markets Legal & Regulatory Expertise (Cameroon-Specific) Senior Operational Leadership & Cross-Functional Management Financial Acumen & P&L Accountability Stakeholder Diplomacy & Bilingual Executive Communication (EN/FR)