Location: Apapa, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-Time | Executive Management
We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership across the day-to-day operations of a freight forwarding and logistics business. The ideal candidate will combine strong industry knowledge with the ability to lead managers, drive cross-functional execution, strengthen accountability, and translate business priorities into measurable operational results.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership across freight forwarding, clearing, client service, procurement, transport/haulage and related operations.
- Drive effective coordination and handovers across departments to ensure jobs move efficiently from initiation through delivery and closure.
- Hold functional leads accountable for operational KPIs, service quality, timelines, and agreed priorities.
- Take ownership of operational escalations and resolve recurring process bottlenecks.
- Maintain strong relationships with key clients, shipping lines, terminals, regulatory agencies, and other industry stakeholders.
- Strengthen operational reporting, cost awareness, process discipline, and management visibility.
- Lead, coach, and develop commercial managers while building a culture of ownership and performance.
- Provide the Managing Director with clear visibility into performance, material risks, and decisions requiring executive attention.
What We Are Looking For
- 15+ years' experience within freight forwarding, customs clearing, shipping, integrated logistics or a closely related sector.
- Proven experience in a senior operations or general-management role, with responsibility across multiple teams or functions.
- Strong practical understanding of Nigerian import/export operations, customs clearance, air and sea freight, ports, terminals and haulage.
- Demonstrated ability to manage managers and drive accountability across functions.
- Strong client, stakeholder, and regulatory management capability.
- Evidence of measurable improvements in operational efficiency, service delivery, cost control, or process performance.
- Strong commercial judgement, communication, leadership, and decision-making ability.
Academic & Professional Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or HND in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Transport Management, Maritime Studies, International Trade or a related discipline.
- A Master’s degree or MBA is an advantage, particularly in Business, Operations, Supply Chain or Strategy.
- Relevant professional certification or membership, such as CILT, FIATA, CIFFA, NIM, PMP, or an equivalent logistics/management qualification, will be an added advantage.
Candidates whose experience is limited to managing a single clearing or operational unit without broader business leadership exposure may not be suitable for this role.
Compensation: ₦27,000,000 – ₦32,000,000 annual gross, depending on relevant experience accross Industries, and demonstrated leadership capability.
How to Apply
Send your CV to hr@kerildbert.com with the subject:
Application – Chief Operating Officer
In the body of your email, briefly state your years of industry experience, the scale of operations/functions you have managed, and one measurable operational improvement you personally led.