Chief Operating Officer

Our client is seeking a commercially astute, strategic and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership and oversee the company's overall business operations.

Smart Partners Consulting Limited - Our client is an established luxury fashion house with over 11 years of experience in the fashion industry. The company operates in the luxury fashion space, with in-house production and two major business divisions: ceremonial ready-to-wear and bespoke and bridal Atelier services.

With a strong brand reputation and an established clientele, the company is embarking on a strategic transformation focused on improving profitability, strengthening operational efficiency and achieving sustainable business growth.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Summary:

• Our client is seeking a commercially astute, strategic and hands-on Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership and oversee the company's overall business operations.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing the company's current business performance, identifying operational and commercial gaps, developing a comprehensive turnaround and growth strategy, and leading its implementation.
• The COO will have full responsibility for driving operational excellence, improving profitability, strengthening organisational structures and ensuring sustainable business performance. This is a hands-on executive leadership position requiring both strategic thinking and practical operational execution.

Key Responsibilities: Business Assessment and Strategic Planning:

• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the company's financial, commercial, operational and organisational performance.
• Evaluate profitability across business divisions and product categories, including pricing, revenue drivers, profit margins, cost structures and working capital.
• Assess existing business processes, production capacity, workflow efficiency and operational challenges.
• Review sales channels, customer acquisition and retention strategies, marketing effectiveness and overall commercial performance.
• Develop, in collaboration with the CEO, a comprehensive business turnaround and growth strategy with clear objectives, timelines, milestones and performance indicators.

Business Operations and Performance Management:

• Oversee the company's day-to-day operations across production, commercial, finance, human resources and support functions.
• Lead the implementation of approved business strategies and operational improvement initiatives.
• Establish efficient operational processes, systems and performance management structures.
• Improve production efficiency, product quality, inventory management, delivery timelines and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure effective coordination and accountability across all business units.

Financial Management and Profitability:

• Take ownership of the company's overall Profit and Loss (P&L), budgets and financial performance.
• Drive cost optimisation, revenue growth and improved profit margins.
• Strengthen cash flow management, financial controls and working capital management.
• Establish effective management reporting systems, financial forecasts and performance dashboards.
• Monitor business performance against agreed financial and operational targets.

Commercial Growth and Business Development:

• Drive profitable business growth through effective pricing strategies, product assortment and sales performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve customer experience, increase sales and strengthen customer retention.
• Evaluate the performance of existing sales channels and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Work with relevant teams to strengthen the company's market position and commercial competitiveness.

Leadership and Organisational Development:

• Build, develop and manage a competent, performance-driven workforce.
• Establish clear organisational structures, roles, responsibilities and accountability frameworks.
• Drive a culture of ownership, operational discipline, productivity and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership, direction and support to departmental heads and management teams.
• Translate the CEO's strategic and creative vision into actionable business plans and measurable results.

Key Performance Expectations:

• Develop and implement an effective business turnaround and growth strategy.
• Improve organisational efficiency, productivity and accountability.
• Strengthen financial reporting, cash flow forecasting and operational controls.
• Deliver measurable improvements in revenue, profit margins and operating efficiency.
• Establish a sustainable operational structure that supports the company's long-term growth.

Salary: N1,800,000 / Month plus other incentives

Location: Victoria Island, Lagos

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Management, Finance, Economics or any relevant discipline.
• A Master's degree or MBA is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial senior operational or general management responsibility.
• Proven experience as a Chief Operating Officer, General Manager, Business Unit Head or in a similar senior operational leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience in business transformation, operational restructuring, performance improvement and organisational development.
• Proven experience with full Profit and Loss (P&L) accountability.
• Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, budgeting, cash flow, pricing, profit margins and revenue generation.
• Experience in fashion, luxury goods, retail, consumer goods or manufacturing will be an added advantage.
• Experience working within the Nigerian market or comparable emerging markets is highly desirable.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong strategic thinking and business management skills.
• Excellent financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven leadership and people management abilities.
• Strong operational planning and execution skills.
• Business transformation and change management expertise.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse business performance and translate insights into actionable strategies.
• Highly organised, resourceful, decisive and results-oriented.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement.

How to apply Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: (see Apply by email) using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

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