Position: Zonal Manager
Location : Karnataka, Bangalore (Raichur and Mysore zone)
About Buzz Women: Imagine a balanced world where women have found their voice, express it freely, believe in their abilities, come together in sisterhood to craft their lives and nurture their communities. A world that is prosperous not just in terms of economic wealth but psychological strength, social capital and ecological resilience. That's the world we are building through Buzz Women, a global ripple movement of women finding their inner strength and then creating unstoppable waves of transformation in their families and communities. To begin this transformational journey for the women, we enable them with critical knowledge, skills and inspiring opportunities at their doorstep which will enhance their capabilities and leadership. We understand that poverty is not uni-dimensional and not just about financial scarcity - it is multi-dimensional and for women, it is deeply rooted in the mental models of ‘lack’ - a lack of self-confidence and self-belief. Our holistic training and hand-holding programs address various dimensions of poverty through the 5 Cs—Cash, Care, Climate, Community, and Confidence. Our interventions are tailored to be context-specific and impactful, ensuring they meet the real needs of the communities we serve.
Since 2012, we have impacted over 900000 women across 16 districts in Karnataka and built a network of 22,000 volunteer Community Anchors. Our work has also expanded globally to The Gambia, Kenya, the Netherlands, Georgia, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Ukraine. The impact is clear: Women have increased their savings by 125%, business income increased by 75% for entrepreneurs, 80% of the women participate in household decision making, 51% of the Beehives have taken a community action in past one year, 86% of the women have mobilized women in her community for a green goal.
Our Values - Our starting point is dignity, treating every human being with respect and grace. We bring opportunity to the doorstep of women in a relevant and accessible way. We have an unwavering belief in the power within women to transform their lives and be responsible for the growth of myself, my family and my community. At Buzz we are dreamers and do-ers. We make things happen, learn from our mistakes and give our best every single day.
Our destination is a lasting impact: enabling women to become future makers.
Overview of the role : The Zonal Manager is responsible for leading the planning, implementation, monitoring, and overall performance of Buzz Women's programmes across assigned districts. The role ensures effective programme execution, operational excellence, quality assurance, team leadership, stakeholder engagement, and optimal resource utilization while supporting organizational growth. The Zonal Manager works closely with Operations Managers, Programme Managers, and cross-functional teams to achieve programme targets, strengthen district performance, and ensure compliance with organizational standards and donor requirements.
The responsibilities would include:
1. Programme Management & Execution
- Project implementation plan; organise and oversee the implementation of zonal programmes in alignment with the organization's mission, strategic objectives, and project plans.
- Ensure smooth programme execution across assigned districts by monitoring progress, identifying operational gaps, and implementing corrective actions.
- Monitor project timelines, deliverables, budgets, and quality standards to ensure successful programme implementation.
- Support the implementation of new initiatives, pilot projects, and programme expansion activities.
2. Operations Review & Planning
- Conduct regular weekly and monthly reviews with Operations Managers and district teams to monitor programme performance and achievement of targets.
- Develop and implement strategic action plans to improve programme delivery, operational efficiency, and district performance.
- Monitor district-level implementation and provide timely guidance and support to address operational challenges.
- Ensure programme activities are completed within approved timelines and organizational standards.
3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Quality Assurance
- Oversee timely and accurate collection, validation, and analysis of programme data to support monitoring and evaluation.
- Monitor programme quality through regular field visits, reviews, and quality assessments across assigned districts.
- Track programme performance, resource utilisation, and key performance indicators through MIS, the Buzz Staff App, and other reporting systems.
- Coordinate with the Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Learning & Development ( L&D ) team to ensure data quality and evidence-based decision-making.
- Ensure regular field visits and quality assurance by the operations and L&D team
4. Reporting & Documentation
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of, monthly, quarterly, and annual progress donor reports.
- Maintain accurate programme documentation, records, and supporting evidence in accordance with organisational SOPs.
- Ensure programme data is consistently updated and reconciled across MIS, the Buzz Staff App, and other reporting platforms.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation for programme activities and compliance requirements.
5. Stakeholder & Team Management
- Lead, mentor, and support Operations Managers and district teams to achieve programme goals and strengthen overall team performance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments, local officials, NGOs, donors, CSR partners, and other key stakeholders.
- Foster collaboration, teamwork, knowledge sharing, and a positive work culture across districts.
- Maintain and update stakeholder databases and strengthen partnerships to improve programme implementation.
6.Training & Capacity Building
- Identify learning needs and facilitate capacity-building initiatives for Operations Managers and district teams.
- Conduct mentoring, coaching, refresher sessions, and peer-learning activities to strengthen programme implementation and leadership capabilities.
- Support succession planning by identifying and developing high-potential team members.
- Periodically review and ensure the Operations and L&D collaborations in Operations team capacity building activities.
7. Infrastructure & Resource Management
- Ensure adequate infrastructure, logistics, training materials, and operational resources are available across assigned districts.
- Monitor utilisation of financial, human, and operational resources to maximise programme efficiency and impact.
- Support budget monitoring and ensure effective utilisation of project resources.
8. Communication & Coordination
- Ensure effective communication and coordination between district teams, programme leadership, and cross-functional departments.
- Share field insights, implementation challenges, and recommendations with senior management to strengthen programme delivery.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and successful programme implementation.
9. Compliance & Organisational Support
- Ensure programme implementation complies with organisational SOPs, donor requirements, and project guidelines.
- Support the Programme Manager in developing new initiatives, organisational strategies, and programme expansion plans.
- Ensure timely escalation of risks, operational issues, and implementation challenges.
- Undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the Programme Manager to support organizational priorities and growth.
We’d like you to have:
- Holds a Graduate or Post-Graduate degree.
- Brings 7–10 years of proven experience in program and team management roles.
- Experience in leading large field teams, mentoring managers, and managing multi-location programmes.
- Offers in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in operations management.
- Maintains a robust network of experts and partners, combined with strong leadership and team management skills.
- Applies a strategic mindset to translate complex challenges into practical actions that can be implemented by women themselves.
- Experience working with government departments, NGOs, donors, and community stakeholders.
- Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient in English and Kannada is mandatory.
- Able to work independently, take ownership of activities, and lead initiatives effectively.
- Willing to travel regularly within assigned districts as required.
What we offer isa platform for you to make a tangible impact in creating a more gender just world. Your contribution can help change lives for the better. If you feel this is the job you would want to do, write to us and let us discuss.
Essentials for applying:
1. Email us your resume and answer these questions in the email:
- How does this job and organization interest you?
- What makes you the right person for this position?
2. Please provide two professional references with their names, professional relationship and contact details
Email us: careers@buzzwomen.org with subject line
“Application for Zonal Manager – [Candidate Name]”. If you are interested and agree with the compensation range, Please do fill out the
Googleform
Compensation: The annual remuneration for this position ranges between INR 6.0 to 7.7 lakhs (CTC), depending on work experience and organisation standards.
Note: As our work location is in Bangalore, Karnataka, we strongly prefer candidates who can speak Kannada fluently, as it will be essential for our field interactions and also the role involves frequent travel, so candidates who are comfortable with travel are preferred.