Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations and ensuring the effective implementation of the company\'s strategic goals.
The COO will manage a broad range of logistics activities, including freight forwarding / port operations (ocean, rail, air), customs brokerage, transportation, warehousing, and general supply chain... management.
This role requires a leader with extensive experience in logistics, a deep understanding of African markets, particularly Nigeria and the ability to drive operational excellence in complex environments.
This role will also have responsibility for new business development.

Key Responsibilities
Overall 

Manage the company’s end to end supply chain operations: Transportation, Warehousing, Freight Forwarding, Customs Brokerage, Port Operations and any new business.
Lead the company’s portfolio growth and expansion to new markets, driving the company’s Africa expansion plans. 
Oversee all asset acquisition projects (including but not limited to trucks).
Grow the company’s barging and VSL, Warehousing, Freight Forwarding (Ocean, Air) and Road Transportation business and operations locally and intercountry. 
Oversee vendor development, vendor negotiation and procurement.
Lead the execution of clients’ logistics / supply chain projects 
Identify and prospect new clients to facilitate the development of the business.
Understand the legal environment and procedures of Port and Customs formalities for cargo flows, in transit shipment between Nigeria / Africa and other countries
Understand political and economic environment of the country and region, identify opportunities and development perspectives in the country and the region
Maintain strong competitive intelligence. 
Liaising and engaging with Shipping lines, Customs, Port Authority, Maritime & Other service providers to deliver strong business results.
Work with the CEO and CFO on investment analysis for new business / project / investment. 
Further strengthen company’s data analysis and operational reporting systems to track performance and develop plans to improve on key performance indicators
Set up / Strengthen SOPs across the supply chain function. 
Lead multiple teams of Managers
Lead negotiations and agreements with new clients, expanding the breadth and depth of business relationships.
Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering reliable and efficient logistics services.
Develop and implement quality assurance programs to enhance service delivery and resolve customer issues promptly.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, ensuring their logistics needs are met.

Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence

Develop and Implement Strategies: Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop operational strategies that align with the company’s vision, focusing on growth, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Process Optimization: Lead initiatives to streamline operations across all logistics functions, including port operations, transportation, warehousing, and inventory management.
Performance Management: Establish KPIs to monitor operational effectiveness, ensuring high levels of service delivery and cost efficiency.
Innovation & Technology: Drive the adoption of technology and best practices to enhance operational capabilities and maintain a competitive edge. This will include the development of proprietary technology as may be needed. 

Port & Terminal Operations / Freight Forwarding Management / Customs Clearance and Brokerage

Oversee all aspects of port and terminal operations, including vessel / barge handling, and cargo management.
Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of international and domestic freight forwarding activities, from pre-shipment, shipping and clearing from the ports.
Manage relationships with carriers, freight forwarders, agents and other key partners to ensure optimal service levels and cost-effectiveness.
Monitor and manage shipping schedules, transit times, and delivery performance to meet client expectations and operational targets.
Ensure the effective management of customs clearance processes, including the preparation and submission of documentation for import and export activities, and develop / implement strategies to streamline customs brokerage operations, reduce delays, and minimize risks associated with customs compliance.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of customs regulations, tariffs, and trade compliance requirements in various jurisdictions.

Transportation / Fleet Management, Warehousing & Inventory Management

Fleet Optimization: Manage the company\'s fleet of vehicles ensuring high availability and optimal performance.
Warehouse Operations: Oversee warehousing activities, ensuring efficient space utilization, inventory accuracy, and timely fulfillment of orders. Implement robust inventory management systems.

Risk Management & Compliance

Risk Mitigation: Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring business continuity and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Health & Safety: Promote a strong safety culture, ensuring all operations adhere to health and safety standards.
Environmental Responsibility: Ensure the company’s operations minimize environmental impact and comply with sustainability initiatives.

Qualification / Education, Competencies & Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is highly preferred.
20+ years of experience in logistics, transportation, port operations, or supply chain management, with a significant portion spent in senior leadership roles.
Extensive Experience in African markets, particularly in West and East Africa, with a proven track record of managing complex logistics operations.
Ability to develop and implement strategies that drive operational excellence and business growth.
Deep understanding of logistics operations, including transportation, warehousing, port management, and supply chain optimization.
Strong financial management skills, with experience in budgeting, P&L management, and cost control.
Proven ability to lead and inspire large teams, fostering a culture of high performance and accountability.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Familiarity with logistics and supply chain technologies, including transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and ERP software. more

Responsibilities

Work as project consultant with clients on warehouse operations optimization projects - deliver value as a strategic business partner to clients on warehousing design and operations
Maintain excellent flow of communication between the company and its clients, as well as the company and its warehousing partners
Coordinate the supply chain process and systems for all shipments... moving in/out of the warehouse and ensure efficient receipt, storage, and dispatch of shipment to all relevant parties
Execute a logistics plan for inbound and outbound cargoes, and plan periodic capacity requirements for warehouse
To effectively manage storage of All RMPM supplies across warehousing network
To implement flexibility and agility in inventory storage, production line servicing to deal with exceptional situations – natural disaster, external disruption, theft and pilferage, stock contamination, fluctuating inventory in RMPM inflow and outflow.
Projection of space requirement both short term and long term.
To ensure zero damage and obsolescence of RMPM stock by ensuring FMFO / FEFO, proper handling and timely communication to concerned stakeholders
Manage the warehouse operating system for effective stock control and record management, and maintain accurate inventory of all shipments
Maintain accurate documentation of shipments and transit records, and ensure operational procedures are followed for activities such as verification of incoming and outgoing shipments.
Lead repackaging of damaged products, and repacking initiatives for brand promotions.
Implement safety procedures and standards in warehouse operations.
Implement proactive controls to mitigate stock risk / shrinkage, capturing errors, and document incompletion.
Implement proactive controls for staff training and development, process speed, overall system integrity, safe, efficient and effective segregation of duties.
Ensure that health and safety policies and procedures are implemented.
Ensure that all goods that are dispatched from the warehouse correctly packed and damage free.
Interface and liaise with all regulatory bodies, and ensure compliance with all Legal and Statutory regulatory agencies including Nigerian Customs for the clearance of all shipments.
Assist in the automation and integration of the warehouse management system into the company’s overall financial management system.
Maintain records of Carriers, importers, and other relevant stakeholders
Oversee the maintenance and operation of warehouse management systems and automated storage and retrieval systems.
Develop strategies to streamline processes and reduce costs.
To draw up and implement the RM PM warehouse management strategy.
Implementation of Best-in-Class warehousing standards & practices for each product class
To implement effective controls and processes in warehouse inventory management
Implementation of storage types to ensure effective balance between maximum space utilization, storage cost and FMFO/FEFO compliance

Qualifications

Cognate 5-10 years’ warehouse management experience. Engineering background will be of advantage
Work Experience in RM PM Warehousing would be an added advantage
Experience in working and implementation of WMS -ERP systems necessary, practical knowledge of WMS procedures
Experience and working in mechanized and sophisticated material handling preferred
High proficiency in Microsoft Office
Extensive understanding of industry regulations
Relevant professional certification in Supply Chain Management is an added advantage
Extensive knowledge of inventory and inventory controls
Mechanical aptitude and analytical skills
Excellent mathematical and numerical skills
Excellent organizational, problem solving and communication skills
Excellent relationship management more

Inbound Freight:

Supervise the loading and offloading of goods into the warehouse by the warehouse loaders.
Count all products, compare to waybill and check all shipments for damage, infestation and production code dates
Report shortages, damages and mis-shipments on appropriate forms, and communicate any discrepancies observed during receipt or release of goods to the Warehouse... Manager.
Record daily transactions in warehouse register.
File warehouse documents online and in physical folders as may be required.
Sign for inbound shipments when / where necessary
Receive and Photocopy Waybills.
Witness Seal Cutting.
Truck arrival, loading and dispatch time tracking.
Conduct truck inspection before loading.
Confront all unsafe behavior.
Confront all quantity deviations and track accordingly.

Storage:

Maximize space usage and safely put away items on the floor or racks
Ensure receiving and loading areas are top notch always.
Maintain housekeeping standard at the loading docks and storage areas.
Conduct daily warehouse tour.

Order Picking & Outbound Freight:

Ensure correct number and type of product is picked
Stencil, tag or mark orders as required
Compare quantity, labelling and address with order to ensure outgoing shipments are complete and correct
Accept signatures for outbound as necessary
Efficiently move product into outbound delivery vehicles

Inventory Management:

Keep accurate records and reports.
Ensure proper stock rotation
Support periodic cycle count as per the standard operating procedure.
Update stock cards for goods in the warehouse.
Participate actively in any Inventory variation troubleshooting.

QUALIFICATIONS

BSc or HND in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Engineering or equivalent in a highly analytical field from a reputable institution.
Must have completed the NYSC program.
2-4 years work experience in warehousing, preferably a similar role.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel and PPT).
Exceptional computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
Supply chain/logistics certification might be an advantage
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Attention to details, and problem solving skills
Strong work ethic, attention to detail and positive attitude
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision more

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Inbound Freight:

Count all products, compare to waybill and check all shipments for damage, infestation and production code dates
Report shortages, damages and mis-shipments on appropriate forms, and communicate any discrepancies observed during receipt or release of goods to the warehouse officer.
Sign for inbound shipments when necessary

Storage:

Maximize space... usage and safely put away items on the floor or racks
Order Picking & Outbound Freight:
Ensure correct number and type of product is picked
Stencil, tag or mark orders as required
Compare quantity, labelling and address with order to ensure outgoing shipments are complete and correct
Accept signatures for outbound as necessary
Efficiently move product into outbound delivery vehicles

Inventory Management:

Keep accurate records and reports. Assist in physical inventories and cycle counts
Ensure proper stock rotation
Support the supervision of loading, offloading the goods into the warehouse by the warehouse loaders.
Support periodic cycle count as per the standard operating procedure.
Record daily transactions in warehouse register.
File warehouse documents online and in physical folders as may be required.
Update stock cards for goods in the warehouse.

Qualifications

BSc or HND in Finance, Accounting, Business, Economics, Engineering or equivalent in a highly analytical field from a reputable institution.
Must have completed the NYSC program
0-2 years work experience. Prior experience working in a warehouse will be an advantage
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Excel and PPT).
Exceptional computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
Supply chain/logistics certification might be an advantage
Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Attention to details, and problem solving skills
Strong work ethic, attention to detail and positive attitude
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision more

Responsibilities

Accounting:

Oversee the operations and finances of the state office.
Manage all fixed assets inventory, and assets register.
Assisting human resources department with payroll and personnel databases, and manage contract staff and casual labour time sheets for payroll processing.
Petty cash Management (preparation of petty cash account, log reconciliation, fund... disbursement and reimbursement).
Preparing expense reports and office budgets.
Cash Request; Assist in the collation of financial needs for the office every month.
Preparing daily, weekly and monthly reports.
Seeing to the daily book keeping functions of the company and promote fiscal discipline and optimum utilization of resources.

Internal Audit / Risk and Compliance:

Adhere to all organisation policies and procedures.
Providing support, education and training to staff to build risk awareness within the organization.
Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures as well as cost savings
Protect against fraud and theft of the organization's assets.
Ensure and monitor compliance with internal and regulatory policies.
Ensuring general compliance of branch office with all company policies, procedures & directives as per the inventory management, returns management policies and any other as may be required from time to time.
Carry out internal control tasks as assigned by the manager.

Admin:

Maintain the day-to-day administration of the Office, as well as finances.
Ensures good house-keeping and janitorial work within the warehouses and the offices.
Monitoring and dispatch of documents to and from company branches.
Manage subscription payments for the office and any apartments.
Ensures that all necessary working tools are available at the warehouse and offices.
Monitoring and maintaining office equipment and inventory supplies; orders replacement supplies as needed
Organize a filing system for important and confidential company documents
Hiring maintenance vendors to repair or replace damaged office equipment.
Coordinating building and maintenance issues for general repair (heating and air conditioning, security, etc.)
Any other task as assigned by the manager.

Qualifications

Minimum academic qualification of ATS / OND / NCE / HND / B.Sc in Accounting.
1 - 3 years of proven experience as an Account/Admin officer.
Knowledge and competency in accounting principles and standards.
Good written, verbal communication and strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent Knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Office, MS Excel and accounting software (Hands-on experience with spreadsheets and financial reports).
Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision.
Good interpersonal and problem solving skills.
Attention to detail and be able to work independently and error-free in a fast-paced environment.
Integrity, and high personal ethical standards.
Flexibility and willingness to work. more