Chief Operating Officer

Client Summary

Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) is a strategically positioned, multi-sector industrial and innovation hub in Owaza, Abia State, driving sustainable economic transformation through world-class infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and a strong commitment to Nigeria's green energy transition.

Job Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Innovation Park, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, optimal utilization of infrastructure, and seamless delivery of programs that support innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and industry collaboration. The role is critical to scaling the park's impact, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• • Translate the Innovation Parks vision and strategy into executable operational plans and performance targets.
  • Oversee daily operations across facilities management, tenant services, programs, partnerships, and shared services.
  • Ensure operational excellence, efficiency, and compliance with governance, regulatory, and safety standards.

Infrastructure & Facilities Management

• • Manage the operation and maintenance of physical and digital infrastructure (labs, workspaces, incubation hubs, utilities, smart systems).
  • Oversee expansion, upgrades, and capital projects in collaboration with technical and project teams.
  • Ensure optimal space utilization, service quality, and cost efficiency.

Ecosystem & Program Management

• • Oversee incubation, acceleration, research, and commercialization programs.
  • Support startups, scale-ups, researchers, and corporate tenants through structured operational frameworks.
  • Ensure effective delivery of innovation programs aligned with economic and sectoral priorities.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• • Work closely with government agencies, academia, investors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
  • Support the CEO in structuring and managing public-private partnerships (PPPs).
  • Drive collaboration between tenants, research institutions, and industry players.

Financial & Commercial Oversight

• • Support budgeting, financial planning, cost control, and revenue optimization initiatives.
  • Oversee operational revenue streams (leases, programs, services, events, sponsorships).
  • Ensure commercial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• • Ensure adherence to corporate governance frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks.
  • Establish performance monitoring systems, KPIs, and reporting dashboards.

People & Culture

• • Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across operations, facilities, programs, and administration.
  • Foster a high-performance, innovation-driven, and service-oriented culture.
  • Implement talent development, succession planning, and performance management frameworks.

Qualifications & Experience

• • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
  • Minimum 12–15 years of experience in operations, infrastructure management, innovation ecosystems, technology parks, industrial parks, or complex organizations.
  • Proven experience managing large-scale operations, facilities, and multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, startups, R&D, commercialization, and PPP models.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• • Operational efficiency and cost optimization
  • Occupancy and utilization rates
  • Program delivery effectiveness and impact metrics
  • Tenant/startup satisfaction and retention
  • Revenue growth and sustainability
  • Compliance, safety, and risk management outcomes