Chief Operating Officer

Our client is a leading manufacturing company in Nigeria.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a pivotal leadership role responsible for transforming the operational landscape. This role drives the group’s strategic vision by ensuring operational excellence, fostering innovation, and optimizing cross-functional collaboration across all subsidiaries. The COO oversees a diverse portfolio of functions, including engineering, customer relations, project management, risk management, external relations, IT, supply chain, and administration.

By aligning operational strategies with the group’s long-term objectives, the COO ensures sustainable growth, profitability, and competitive advantage in a dynamic market environment.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Vision and Execution Champion the development and execution of the group’s operational strategy, ensuring alignment with the MD/CEO’s vision and the board’s strategic priorities. Translate the group’s long-term goals into actionable operational plans, driving innovation and efficiency across all functions. Identify emerging market trends and technological advancements to position the group as an industry leader.

Operational Excellence Customer Relations and Communications: Elevate customer experience, strengthen brand equity, and drive customer-centric initiatives. Project Management: Ensure the successful delivery of high-impact projects, from development to execution, within scope, time, and budget. Risk Management: Embed a culture of risk awareness, ensuring compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental standards.

Innovation and Transformation Drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness. Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging cross-functional collaboration and the development of new business models. Lead the group’s digital transformation agenda, leveraging technology to optimize processes and create new revenue streams.

Performance and Accountability Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational functions, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement. Conduct regular performance reviews, providing strategic guidance to operational heads and their teams. Deliver comprehensive operational reports to the MD/CEO and board, highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Leadership Serve as a key ambassador for the group, building strong relationships with government agencies, industry bodies, and strategic partners. Collaborate with the MD/CEO and other executives to align operational strategies with broader business objectives. Inspire and lead a high-performing operational leadership team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation.

Risk Management and Governance Oversee the development and implementation of robust risk management frameworks, ensuring business continuity and resilience. Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies. Mitigate operational risks and proactively address potential challenges to safeguard the group’s interests.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a relevant postgraduate qualification is required Minimum of 15 years of experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role. Proven track record of leading large, complex operational functions in a diversified group.

Experience in the power, agro, solar, mining, or real estate sectors is highly desirable. Professional certification such as PMP, COREN, or equivalent is an added advantage. Membership in relevant professional bodies is preferred.