Sacco Chief Executive Officer

Co-op Consultancy is a business advisory arm of the Co-operative Bank group. They are recruiting for a Deposit-Taking SACCO based in Western Kenya, regulated by SASRA, which is undergoing significant growth and transformation.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position is crucial for providing visionary leadership, establishing strategic direction, and embodying the institution's culture and values. The role involves spearheading business development and expansion initiatives, and overseeing the SACCO's overall operations, including its subsidiaries, to ensure sustained growth and success. The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors.

1. Provide strategic leadership and translate the SACCO’s vision, mission, and objectives into actionable business and operational plans.
2. Advise the Board of Directors on strategic matters, financial performance, emerging risks, market developments, and opportunities for sustainable growth.
3. Implement Board resolutions, policies, approved budgets, strategic initiatives, and annual business plans.
4. Drive consistent growth in membership, deposits, loan portfolio, revenue, institutional capital, and the adoption of the SACCO’s products and services.
5. Ensure the prudent management and optimal utilization of the SACCO’s financial, human, technological, and physical resources.
6. Participate in Board meetings as an ex-officio member, execute Board decisions effectively, support the Board in defining its mandate and that of its committees and members, and facilitate regular Board performance evaluations.
7. Oversee budgeting processes, liquidity management, capital adequacy, investment management, cost control, and financial reporting.
8. Maintain a high-quality credit portfolio and ensure effective management of various risks, including credit, liquidity, operational, financial, cybersecurity, compliance, strategic, and reputational risks.
9. Ensure consistent adherence to all statutory, legal, and regulatory requirements applicable to the SACCO, such as the Cooperative Societies Act, Sacco Societies Act, and SASRA Act, and provide appropriate advice to the Board.
10. Foster a corporate culture that promotes strong ethical practices, good governance, and high employee productivity.
11. Provide leadership in human resource management, encompassing staffing, performance management, training and development, reward management, and employee retention.
12. Establish and maintain effective internal controls, robust risk management frameworks, disaster recovery arrangements, and comprehensive business continuity plans.
13. Lead the SACCO’s digital transformation agenda, process improvement initiatives, cybersecurity measures, and the effective use of technology to enhance operational efficiency and member experience.
14. Promote innovation and supervise the development of relevant, competitive, and member-centric financial products and services.
15. Build and maintain productive relationships with members, delegates, regulators, government agencies, financial institutions, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
16. Develop, motivate, and retain a competent, ethical, innovative, and performance-driven workforce.
17. Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, teamwork, professionalism, innovation, and excellent member service.
18. Ensure the timely preparation and submission of accurate management, financial, risk, audit, and regulatory reports to the Board and relevant authorities.
19. Support the Board in upholding high standards of corporate governance and implementing recommendations from internal audits, external audits, and regulatory reviews.
20. Serve as the principal spokesperson for the SACCO, safeguarding its brand, reputation, and institutional interests.
21. Perform any other lawful duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.

1. A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, Co-operative Management, Commerce, or a related field from a recognized university.
2. A master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Strategic Management, Co-operative Management, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
3. Registration with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) and any other relevant professional body, with membership in good standing.
4. At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
5. A minimum of ten (10) years in a senior management or executive leadership position.
6. Demonstrated experience within a SACCO, co-operative institution, bank, microfinance institution, or another regulated financial services organization.
7. Proven experience in strategy execution, business growth, financial management, credit administration, risk management, corporate governance, and organizational transformation.
8. Strong knowledge of the SACCO business model and Kenya’s co-operative and financial services regulatory environment.
9. Membership in a relevant professional body, where applicable, and good standing with that body.
10. Proficiency in relevant business, financial management, and digital applications.
11. Ability to meet Chapter Six of the Constitution of Kenya requirements, including submitting a police clearance certificate, KRA tax compliance certificate, EACC clearance certificate, and a Credit Reference Bureau (CRB) clearance certificate.