“It feels like just yesterday that I joined Hubtel. Over my six years here, I’ve worn many hats, and each role has taught me something new. I feel like I’m learning every day,” shares Alvin Aborjoe, Zonal Manager for Kokomlemle. Since starting as a Customer Relationship Manager in 2018, Alvin has navigated various roles and departments before assuming his current role, overseeing Hubtel’s operations in Kokomlemle. 

How has your role evolved at Hubtel? 

“I began as a Customer Relationship Manager at Hubtel in 2018. My primary task at the time was to promote our service to mobile money vendors. After focusing on that for a while, my main responsibility shifted to selling our POS systems to customers. I did that for some time before my role changed to Retail Relationship Manager. In this new role, my responsibility was to help businesses manage their storefronts. 

During this period, Hubtel was exploring quick commerce. Because of my relationships with retailers as a Retail Relationship Manager, I was moved to join the Quick Commerce team. 

My role changed again to Zonal Manager in the Commercial and New Markets department, which is my current role. This was during the introduction of the Hubtel app, and my task was to onboard retailers and restaurants onto the platform. 

Each role I’ve had at Hubtel has taught me something new and has allowed me to apply my skills and experience in new ways. It’s been an interesting journey, I must say.” 

What does your day-to-day look like? 

“As a Zonal Manager at Hubtel, my day revolves around coordinating the activities of my subordinates. I oversee sales operation executives, retail relationship executives, and riders daily for the Kokomlemle zone. Their activities are interconnected and operate like a conveyor belt. Each role impacts the others, and I ensure everything runs smoothly. 

It begins with Retail Relationship Executives (RREs) bringing the most sought-after restaurants or items in Kokomlemle onto the app. They create awareness and activations to inform customers that they can find their favourite restaurants on the app. Next, Sales Operation Executives (SOEs) ensure that orders from customers are fulfilled. They contact the restaurants to confirm orders and then get in touch with the riders to pick up the orders and deliver them straight to the customers. The riders deliver the orders, verify a code to confirm the delivery, and the cycle continues. 

So, my role is to ensure the conveyor belt moves smoothly without any hitches.” 

How does your role contribute to Hubtel’s success? 

As a Zonal Manager, I ensure smooth operations within my zone, fostering good relations between customers and Hubtel, as well as between partner retailers and Hubtel. Additionally, we gather customer feedback, find popular retailers, and actively onboard them onto our app. This ensures customers at Kokomlemle have a wide selection of restaurants to choose from and can find their everyday essentials on the app, thereby driving profitable growth for Hubtel. 

What excites you most about working at Hubtel? 

“First, I would say the people. At my previous employer, I was just an employee—I can’t quite describe it any other way. But here at Hubtel, it’s different; you’re not just an employee, you’re part of a family. I value the relationships I’ve built here. When you meet a new colleague, it doesn’t take long before you find yourselves working well together. My second favourite thing would be the room for growth it provides.  

My second favourite thing is the room for growth it provides. Currently, as part of my role as a Zonal Manager, I oversee the onboarding of pharmacies and shops. This is another opportunity for me to learn and grow. Let’s see where it takes me from here. ” 

And to wrap things up, what’s your favourite food to order on the app? 

“I’m not being biased, but my favourite dish to order is Banku with oilless okro from Liquid and Grill. Oh my God, if you’re not a fan of palm oil, this combo will amaze you. Just place the order.”