Chief Operating Officer

Job title : Chief Operating Officer

Our client in the automobile and logistics industry is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO)  to lead and oversee the organisation's operational activities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for translating business strategies into actionable plans that drive performance, growth, and operational excellence. The role will also involve implementing organisation-wide goals, overseeing business operations, and ensuring the successful execution of annual operating plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the business and ensures a seamless synchronization of business operations in all locations, including operational activities within Company-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 
• Ensures the continued financial viability of the business through sound fiscal management 
• 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. 
• Develops key business relationships with existing and new clientele.
• Develops and implements the business model to position the business as the customer’s clear choice provider. 
• Performs comprehensive evaluation to determine market potential based on regulatory, financial, and go-to-market factors; creates the roadmap, garners executive support, and integrates new market initiatives into the company’s operating plan 
• 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. 

Key Requirements

• BSC 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 
• Possession of Project Management certification (PRINCE2, PMI etc.) 
• Membership of a recognised professional body. 
• In-depth knowledge of different business functions such as HR, Finance, Sales, etc. 
• Industry experience in the automobile business is an added advantage 
• A track record of financial success and effective accountability in 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 
• Exceptional Leadership capabilities 
• Strong Project Management skills 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to take decisive decisions amidst competing priorities