Chief Operating Officer

On behalf of our client, a leading logistics and transport advisory company offering sales and aftersales services of heavy duty vehicles, we are recruiting for the role of Chief Operating Officer.

Job Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) takes charge of the operational activities of the business and is also responsible for translating the business strategies into actionable goals for performance and growth; helping to implement organization-wide goal setting and annual operating plans of the business. Reporting to the Managing Director, He/she will also direct, administer, and coordinate the internal operational activities of the organisation in line with the policies, goals and objectives established by the business.

Core Responsibilities

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the business and ensuring a seamless synchronization of business operations in all locations, including operational activities within the company’s managed service centers
• Institutes process improvement initiatives aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and profitability across the company’s line of business
• Aggressively manages capital investment and expenses in order to ensure that the company achieves investor targets relative to growth and profitability
• Oversees specific projects as directed by the Managing Director and ensures best operational practice, planning and resource allocation across the business
• Ensures effective internal and external communication to promote a sound understanding of client, staff and other stakeholders’ needs and expectations and to use this information to develop appropriate service and management responses
• Translates the business strategy into actionable operational goals for performance and growth of the business and also engages heads of departments to discuss and resolve operational challenges from time to time
• Oversees the implementation of policies, objectives and activities of the business in a bid to maximize returns on investments and to increase productivity
• Collaborates with the Senor Leadership team to implement plans for the operational infrastructure of the business
• Advises the Managing Director and the Senior Leadership team on key planning issues and make recommendations on important business decisions
• The COO will provide input into budget development for the business and ensures meticulous budget implementation
• Ensures the continued financial viability of the business through sound fiscal management
• Drives communication and coordination of operational objectives across the business; ensuring that all departmental heads are fully informed of operational priorities and initiatives.

Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities

• Supports the Managing Director in providing strategic leadership in the pursuit of corporate objectives and oversees corporate planning, budgeting and effective implementation of policy decisions at both strategic and operational levels.
• Takes the lead in strategizing business operations/projects and directing the activities of the business to ensure achievement of both long and short term business objectives.
• Upholds the corporate image of the company and acts as ambassador of the organisation to shareholders, potential investors, other general stakeholders and external agencies
• Acts as key player in the analysis, development, and implementation of strategic business plans and policies; ensuring organizational growth and targeting maximum profitability
• Provides overall leadership for the business on behalf of the Managing Director

Management of overall COO function including:

Customer Relationship Management

• Develops key business relationships with existing and new clientele
• Projects viability assessment /business model development & validation for projects, including preparation of feasibility studies, business plan, and go to market strategy in order to position organization as #1 in the market.
• Develops and implements the business model to position the business as customer’s clear choice provider

Business Development

• Supports the strategic business heads in managing existing and new commercial opportunities for the business
• Performs comprehensive evaluation to determine market potential based on regulatory, financial, and go-to-market factors; creating the roadmap, garner executive support and integrates new market initiatives into the company’s operating plan
• Performs regular market and business intelligence to identify opportunities for incremental revenue opportunities for the company with existing client base (B2C) and across the industry (B2B).

Business Reporting

• Provides weekly/monthly/quarterly reports on business performance in order to optimize opportunities, outputs and revenue.
• Provides valuable analysis and insightful reviews of the business results and market dynamics; review of value drivers and performance reports in relation to business plans/targets.
• Reviews quarterly audits reports, implements findings and drives the implementation of approved audit reports and measures its impact on operational efficiency and loss reduction targets.

• Good first degree with relevant postgraduate business qualification (MBA or equivalent tertiary qualification)
• Minimum of 12 to 15 years’ experience with the last five years in a strategic management role
• A track record of financial success and effective accountability in a complex and high-profile business contexts.
• A track record of growing a strong corporate performance culture – establishing an innovative and effective performance and service quality evaluation.
• A strong track record of implementing operational strategies at the executive level 
• Possession of Project Management certification (PRINCE2, PMI etc.)
• Membership of recognized professional body
• In-depth knowledge of different business functions such as HR, Finance, Sales, etc.
• Industry experience in automobile business is an added advantage
• Business ethics and business acumen
• Good knowledge of data analysis and KPIs
• Sound knowledge about internal processes and policy execution
• Contract management
• Budget planning & preparation
• Strategic Planning and Project management
• Exceptional Leadership capabilities
• Strong Project Management skills
• Relationship management
• External Stakeholder Management
• Superior analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong strategic and business mindset
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to take decisive decisions amidst competing priorities
• Innovative and visionary business leader with experience in driving organizations to deliver complex operational and financial targets..
• Able to demonstrate a record of achievement in relevant senior posts with exceptional communication, negotiating and influencing skills.
• Ability to deliver results within complex business situation