Role: BuildX LT Lead
Reporting to: Chief Executive & Innovation Ocer (CEIO) & (dotted line reporting to) the Development Director

Contract Type: Full-Time, 18-month renewable employment contract
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

We are a design-build-develop B Corporation incorporated in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016. We leverage our capabilities in architecture, engineering and construction to identify and create real estate projects which set radically better examples for social and environmental impact.

The BuildX LT Initiative

BuildX and partners are pioneering mass timber processing and building, the most promising opportunity for eliminating carbon in buildings on a global scale. This BuildX LT (X = Cross, L = Laminated, T = Timber) initiative is based on a coordinated partnership with organisations operating in the forestry sector, establishing processing facilities for cross-laminated timber as a high value market for sustainable timber, creating the early demand for urban wood buildings, and fostering an enabling environment within which a sustainable and impactful value chain – from forest to frame – can thrive. You can learn more here.

The Role

As the BuildX LT Lead, you will be in charge of and will oversee the development of our BuildX LT initiative. You will be the primary representative and advocate for mass timber, internally and externally, in Kenya and East Africa, focused on building and managing key stakeholder partnerships. Through this, you will steer the long term transformation of the construction market towards a sustainable mass timber economy.

Internally, you will lead the day-to-day project management of the initiative, working collaboratively with the design, impact, and real estate development teams to ensure BuildX delivers on its own goals as it seeks to develop pioneering mass timber buildings in Kenya.

The role will entail:

Strategy & Strategic Planning

Developing a new market is complex and requires a strong grasp of both short and long term goals. You will own the continued development, planning and implementation of the XLT Strategic Plan.

Project Management

You will ensure the overall BuildX LT initiative runs smoothly and remains on budget/schedule.

Project Development

You will drive early-stage Project Development activities for a flagship commercial real estate development using CLT: concept review, stakeholders analysis, land acquisition, and feasibility studies. You will develop our exit strategy and identify, negotiate, and close key offtakers.

Advocacy, Convening, & Partnerships

You will grow industry and public interest in mass timber, as well as BuildX’s profile as a leader in this area. Further, as our primary outward-facing advocate for mass timber, you will develop new strategic and funding partnerships as well as maintaining existing ones.

Candidate Profile

We’re looking for innovators, systems thinkers, good listeners and relationship-builders. We want to hear from people inspired and driven to change the world.

Core Competencies

There are some key skills and qualities that are a must-have for this role:

• A strategic innovator and systems thinker, able to think at both big picture and small detail, to develop and steer a pioneering market transformation strategy.
• Ability to listen, process, and build alignment between various stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Ability to inspire confidence and instil trust both internally and externally.
• A strong negotiator, with a proven ability to secure new opportunities.
• Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively, delegate, and to be able to ask for help.
• An exceptional project manager with the requisite soft and hard skills to manage a complex project, including various internal and external parties.
• Exceptional public speaking and presentation skills, able to craft and deliver a compelling pitch.
• Strong English writing and verbal skills.

Candidate Profile

• Over 8 years of practical experience in leading and building complex projects or programmes, particularly those with systems change or market transformation goals, with relevant graduate degree (e.g. Masters degree, MBA) or equivalent.
• A professional background in the built environment (e.g. real estate, architecture, engineering, construction, etc.) is essential, although specific technical expertise is not required.
• Willing and able to work in Nairobi, Kenya (work permit is not included for this role and, if required, must be obtained by the successful candidate)
• Experienced and passionate about social business, behaviour change, and market transformation
• Diversity, equity and inclusion is of the greatest importance to us. At BuildX we celebrate our diverse team and welcome all applicants warmly.

Our Commitment to You

BuildX Studio is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do not discriminate, and we recognize and embrace that people work in different ways. Join
us and you will find yourself in an environment where innovation, inspiration and creativity are second nature. You will be surrounded by industry leaders and curious, ambitious colleagues – working together to develop the business in line with ever changing end user needs.

Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter to apply@buildxstudio.com. 

In addition to outlining your relevant expertise and experience, please also tell us why you want to work at BuildX Studio.