Chief Operating Officer (COO)

JOB SUMMARY

Our client is seeking a commercially astute, strategic and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership and oversee the company's overall business operations.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing the company's current business performance, identifying operational and commercial gaps, developing a comprehensive turnaround and growth strategy, and leading its implementation.

The COO will have full responsibility for driving operational excellence, improving profitability, strengthening organisational structures and ensuring sustainable business performance. This is a hands-on executive leadership position requiring both strategic thinking and practical operational execution.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Assessment and Strategic Planning

Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the company's financial, commercial, operational and organisational performance.

Evaluate profitability across business divisions and product categories, including pricing, revenue drivers, profit margins, cost structures and working capital.

Assess existing business processes, production capacity, workflow efficiency and operational challenges.

Review sales channels, customer acquisition and retention strategies, marketing effectiveness and overall commercial performance.

Develop, in collaboration with the CEO, a comprehensive business turnaround and growth strategy with clear objectives, timelines, milestones and performance indicators.

Business Operations and Performance Management

Oversee the company's day-to-day operations across production, commercial, finance, human resources and support functions.

Lead the implementation of approved business strategies and operational improvement initiatives.

Establish efficient operational processes, systems and performance management structures.

Improve production efficiency, product quality, inventory management, delivery timelines and cost effectiveness.

Ensure effective coordination and accountability across all business units.

Financial Management and Profitability

Take ownership of the company's overall Profit and Loss (P&L), budgets and financial performance.

Drive cost optimisation, revenue growth and improved profit margins.

Strengthen cash flow management, financial controls and working capital management.

Establish effective management reporting systems, financial forecasts and performance dashboards.

Monitor business performance against agreed financial and operational targets.

Commercial Growth and Business Development

Drive profitable business growth through effective pricing strategies, product assortment and sales performance.

Identify opportunities to improve customer experience, increase sales and strengthen customer retention.

Evaluate the performance of existing sales channels and recommend strategies for improvement.

Work with relevant teams to strengthen the company's market position and commercial competitiveness.

Leadership and Organisational Development

Build, develop and manage a competent, performance-driven workforce.

Establish clear organisational structures, roles, responsibilities and accountability frameworks.

Drive a culture of ownership, operational discipline, productivity and continuous improvement.

Provide leadership, direction and support to departmental heads and management teams.

Translate the CEO's strategic and creative vision into actionable business plans and measurable results.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics or any relevant discipline.

A Master's degree or MBA is an added advantage.

Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial senior operational or general management responsibility.

Proven experience as a Chief Operating Officer, General Manager, Business Unit Head or in a similar senior operational leadership position.

Demonstrated experience in business transformation, operational restructuring, performance improvement and organisational development.

Proven experience with full Profit and Loss (P&L) accountability.

Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, budgeting, cash flow, pricing, profit margins and revenue generation.

Experience in fashion, luxury goods, retail, consumer goods or manufacturing will be an added advantage.

Experience working within the Nigerian market or comparable emerging markets is highly desirable.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

Strong strategic thinking and business management skills.

Excellent financial and commercial acumen.

Proven leadership and people management abilities.

Strong operational planning and execution skills.

Business transformation and change management expertise.

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to analyse business performance and translate insights into actionable strategies.

Highly organised, resourceful, decisive and results-oriented.

Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement.

KEY PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Develop and implement an effective business turnaround and growth strategy.

Improve organisational efficiency, productivity and accountability.

Strengthen financial reporting, cash flow forecasting and operational controls.

Deliver measurable improvements in revenue, profit margins and operating efficiency.

Establish a sustainable operational structure that supports the company's long-term growth.

REMUNERATION

Competitive remuneration package comprising a base salary and performance-linked incentives, aligned with agreed business outcomes.

Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should send their updated CV to: talent@smartpartnersng.com Subject: Application – Chief Operating Officer (COO)

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