Manager, Operations
Athena US · Nairobi
About Athena
At Athena, we believe that exceptional leadership is built on a foundation of exceptional support.
Our membership provides leaders with a dedicated Executive Partner for daily support, an Executive Coach for growth and clarity, and a proprietary AI platform that enhances it all.
Since 2021, we've supported thousands of leaders—from startup founders to C-suite executives to solopreneurs. Our Kenya hub plays a key role in this mission by training and supporting our Executive Partners, making sure they have the skills, resources, and ongoing development they need to deliver elite support to Athena members. As part of the Athena team, you'll help build and scale the infrastructure that makes these incredible partnerships possible.
Operations Manager
The Role Overview
As an Operations Manager, you'll be the bridge between Athena Members and their Executive Partners. You'll set the foundation for a successful partnership by building relationships with members, understanding what success looks like for them, and making sure their XP has everything they need to deliver exceptional support. When things don't go as planned, you're the one who steps in to keep the partnership on track.
What You'll Do
Build and maintain exceptional partnerships
Get to know members and their Executive Partners well enough to anticipate needs and step in when it matters most
Understand each member's business and personal strategies to determine their priorities and capabilities
Align XP capabilities and resources to help members reach their goals
Identify opportunities to deepen partnerships and drive mutual success
Manage through challenges
Resolve conflicts quickly and diplomatically when partnerships hit rough patches
Ensure members are always covered, even when unforeseen circumstances arise
Prioritize Athena's business interests and profitability while seeking mutually beneficial outcomes
Develop and lead your team
Lead a team of 10-15 Executive Partners with coaching, feedback, and development
Provide resources, training, and support necessary for XPs to consistently deliver world-class service
Set clear goals and track performance metrics
Hold your team accountable for results and foster a culture of collaboration and high performance
Think strategically and operate globally
Blend operational expertise with relationship management to optimize processes and enhance member satisfaction
Navigate cultural nuances across multiple countries and time zones
Drive continuous improvement in how we serve members
What You Bring
Required experience:
At least five (5) years of operations and people management experience
At least three (3) years of experience interfacing with foreign stakeholders, preferably American stakeholders.
A police clearance is required for successful candidates and should be readily available once identified for the role.
Proven ability to manage escalations and resolve conflicts effectively
Experience managing client relationships
Strong coaching skills with experience creating individualized development plans
Experience conducting root cause analysis and creating action plans
Comfort working night shifts and rotating schedules
Required skills:
Excellent English communication (written and verbal)
Strong relationship-building abilities with executives and cross-functional teams
Strategic thinking and business acumen
Performance management and accountability
Adaptability in fast-paced environments
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or related field (MBA is a plus)
You'll excel in this role if you:
Build trust quickly and maintain it over time
Stay calm and solution-oriented under pressure
Balance empathy with accountability
Communicate clearly across cultures and time zones
Lead by example and inspire your team
What Athena Offers
Paid time off, wellness initiatives, and healthcare coverage
Career advancement opportunities in our global organization and ongoing coaching, feedback, and strategic training
Access to our 3,000+ global support network
Metis College: Access a fully sponsored MBA through our exclusive partnership with Woolf University and Oxford.
Why Athena
Athena isn’t just a place to work, it’s a platform to build the career and life you’ve always wanted.
Our Executive Partners grow alongside some of the world’s most ambitious leaders, learning how they think, operate, and succeed. You’ll gain exposure to groundbreaking ideas, elite workflows, and influential networks. The work is dynamic, challenging, and deeply rewarding, with opportunities to contribute meaningfully every day.
We believe your potential is greater than you know, and we’re here to help you realize it.
From day one, you’ll be supported through intensive onboarding, hands-on mentorship, and targeted development programs designed to accelerate your growth. Our high-performance culture is fueled by collaboration, feedback, and a shared commitment to excellence, and we invest deeply in your development because we believe in building careers, not just filling roles.
If you're driven to serve remarkable members, grow your capabilities, and build a future you're proud of, for yourself and the people you care about, you'll find a rare kind of runway here.
Join us and discover what you're truly capable of.