Chief Operating Officer (COO).

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to oversee the company's daily operations, ensure efficiency across departments, and drive operational excellence. The COO will work closely with the CEO and executive team to translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans.

The right candidate is a hands-on leader with deep experience managing complex operations in Nigeria. They are comfortable making difficult decisions, optimising processes, and holding teams accountable for delivery.

This is a critical leadership position for someone who thrives on execution, enjoys solving operational challenges, and has the discipline to maintain high standards across a growing organisation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day operations across departments including logistics, HR, finance, and administration.
• Develop and implement operational policies, systems, and procedures to improve efficiency.
• Translate the company's strategic goals into operational plans with clear milestones and KPIs.
• Lead, mentor, and manage department heads and operational teams.
• Monitor operational performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective measures.
• Manage vendor relationships, procurement processes, and supply chain operations.
• Ensure compliance with Nigerian labour laws, health and safety regulations, and company policies.
• Report on operational metrics to the CEO and board of directors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field; MBA is a plus.
• Strong understanding of operational frameworks, process improvement methodologies, and project management.
• Experience managing multi-departmental teams in a Nigerian business context.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with business management tools and ERP systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience in the same industry as the hiring company (fintech, manufacturing, FMCG, etc.).
• Certification in project management (PMP) or operations (Six Sigma, Lean).
• Prior experience scaling operations across multiple Nigerian cities or African markets.
• Knowledge of ISO standards and quality management systems.