Head Of Operations

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ 

MPHUNZITSI SAVINGS & CREDIT COOPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD

POSITION: HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Location: Head Office, Blantyre

OVERVIEW 

Mphunzitsi Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) Ltd is one of Malawi’s leading member-owned financial cooperatives with an asset base exceeding MWK 8 Billion, serving over 15,000 membersthrough an expanding branch network across Malawi. Guided by a commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, operational excellence and sound corporate governance, the SACCO continues to strengthen its position as a trusted provider of quality financial services. As part of its strategic growth agenda, applications are invited from suitably qualified, experienced and results-oriented professionals to fill the position of Head of Operations.

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Operations is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight of the Operations Division comprising the Credit Department and the Regional Operations Network. The position is accountable for driving membership growth, loan portfolio expansion, operational excellence, member retention, service delivery and regulatory compliance while ensuring effective implementation of the SACCO’s Strategic Plan.

The successful candidate will lead operational planning, strengthen business growth initiatives, oversee lending operations, develop strategic partnerships, promote product innovation, and ensure the achievement of organisational performance targets through effective leadership and sound governance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Business Growth

• Develop and implement operational strategies, annual work plans, budgets and performance targets aligned with the SACCO’s Strategic Plan.

• Drive sustainable growth in active membership, loan portfolio, profitability and operational efficiency across all regions.

• Translate Board and CEO directives into measurable operational objectives and monitor performance against agreed targets.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, service quality and member satisfaction.

Operations, Credit and Regional Management

Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision to the Credit Manager and the four Regional Operations Managers, ensuring effective management of lending operations, branch performance, member mobilisation and service delivery across the SACCO. Monitor operational performance, portfolio quality and service standards while ensuring consistent implementation of policies, procedures and operational controls throughout the branch network.

Member Growth, Retention and Service Excellence

Lead the development and implementation of strategies that promote member acquisition, retention and loyalty. Oversee the entire member lifecycle, including onboarding, mandatory member education, loan servicing and withdrawal management. Ensure timely delivery of member services, compliance with withdrawal procedures and continuous improvement in member satisfaction.

Governance, Risk Management and Board Engagement

Provide strategic oversight of operational governance, regulatory compliance and riskmanagement, ensuring adherence to Reserve Bank of Malawi regulations, SACCO policies and internal controls. Maintain portfolio quality within approved limits, minimise operational risks and strengthen collaboration with Finance, Risk and Internal Audit functions.

Serve as Management’s principal representative to the Credit Committee and Member Education Committee by preparing and presenting timely reports on portfolio performance, delinquency trends, member education, retention, operational performance and emerging risks together with appropriate recommendations.

Strategic Partnerships, Product Development and Financial Collaboration

Identify and develop strategic partnerships that support business growth and secured lending opportunities. Lead market research, competitor analysis and affordability studies to inform product development and innovation. Promote digital financial services and collaborate closely with the Head of Finance and Portfolio Manager to monitor loan portfolio quality, provisioning requirements, recovery performance and operational reporting.

Leadership and Performance Management

Provide effective leadership, coaching and performance management to direct reports while fostering a culture of accountability, integrity, teamwork, innovation and continuous improvement. Build a high-performing Operations Division capable of delivering sustainable organisational growth and exceptional member service.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field.

• Master’s Degree (MBA or equivalent) will be an added advantage.

• Professional qualifications such as CIM, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent will be an added advantage.

Experience

Applicants should possess:

• A minimum of 10 years’ senior management experience in a financial institution or similar organisation.

• At least 5 years’ experience managing credit operations together with a multi-branch or regional network.

• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, business development, operational leadership, member growth and organisational transformation.

• Experience engaging Boards, Board Committees, regulators and other senior stakeholders.

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Comprehensive knowledge of SACCO operations, credit management, financial services and Reserve Bank of Malawi regulatory requirements.

• Strong strategic leadership, commercial acumen and business development capability.

• Excellent analytical, communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

• Proven ability to lead organisational change, develop high-performing teams and make data-driven decisions.

• High levels of integrity, professionalism, innovation and sound judgement.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The position is based at Head Office in Blantyre and requires extensive travel to regional offices, branches, service centres and strategic partner locations.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Permanent Contract (Renewable based on satisfactory performance).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit an application letter, detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of academic and professional qualifications, and the names and contact details of three traceable referees.

All application documents should be combined into one PDF document and submitted to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Mphunzitsi Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd

Stansfield House, First Floor, P.O. Box 1692

BLANTYRE

Email: vacancy@mphunzitsisacco.mw; Copy: hr@mphunzitsisacco.mw

Closing Date: 24th July 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Mphunzitsi Savings and Credit Cooperative Society Ltd is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining talented professionals who share our values of integrity, professionalism, innovation and excellence in member service.