Operations Director - Relocation Opportunity

Operations Director to lead a multi-functional packaging operation. Reporting to senior executive leadership, this role will take full strategic and operational responsibility for the business, overseeing key functions including operations, technical, supply chain, commercial, finance, HR, quality, and continuous improvement. The successful candidate will drive sustainable growth, profitability, and operational excellence, while fostering a high-performance culture and strengthening stakeholder relationships. This is a pivotal leadership opportunity for an experienced executive who can deliver long-term value through strong people leadership, process optimisation, and market development. This role is based in Nigeria and offers an attractive expatriate package to support relocation.

The successful candidate will benefit from a comprehensive package including accommodation, transportation, annual flights, and additional allowances designed to ensure a smooth transition and comfortable living experience. This presents a unique opportunity to gain international leadership exposure, work within a dynamic and fast-growing market, and make a meaningful impact while enjoying the professional and personal benefits of an overseas assignment.

Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, implement, and oversee the company’s strategic plans and annual business objectives. Drive business expansion, diversification, and innovation to ensure competitive advantage. Monitor market trends, competitive landscape, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks.
• Operational Excellence: Provide overall leadership to operations, ensuring productivity, quality, cost control, and safety standards are met or exceeded. Oversee all supply chain activities, from procurement to distribution, to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Champion continuous improvement, digitalisation, and process optimisation across all departments.
• Financial Management: Develop and manage budgets to achieve financial targets, profitability, and return on investment. Monitor financial performance and implement corrective measures where necessary. Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements.
• People Leadership: Build a high-performing leadership team and foster a culture of accountability, innovation and excellence. Oversee talent acquisition, training, development and succession planning in collaboration with HR. Conduct performance reviews for direct reports and ensure effective performance management across the organisation.
• Logistics and Distribution: Oversee the logistics and distribution network to guarantee timely delivery of products. Enhance transportation and warehousing practices to maximise efficiency and reliability in the delivery of goods to customers and between facilities.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with various departments such as Procurement, Operations, Finance, Sales and Execution to develop an integrated supply chain approach. This role serves as a central point of coordination to ensure that all parts of the supply chain are aligned with the broader company goals.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify potential risks in the supply chain, such as supplier failures, logistical delays or regulatory changes. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure continuity and stability in supply chain operations.
• Performance Monitoring: Set up and oversee a system of supply chain metrics and performance indicators. Regularly review these metrics to gauge the effectiveness of supply chain activities and initiate continuous improvement projects based on data-driven insights.
• Sustainability Initiatives: Champion sustainable practices within the supply chain by promoting the use of environmentally friendly technologies and processes. Ensure that supply chain practices adhere to international standards and contribute to the company’s sustainability goals.
• Compliance and Ethics: Ensure that all supply chain activities comply with relevant local and international regulations and ethical standards. Implement compliance controls across the supply chain to maintain legal and ethical integrity.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor and lead a diverse team of supply chain professionals. Foster an environment of continuous learning and development, encouraging innovation and excellence within the team.
• Health & Safety: Take adequate and reasonable care to look after their own health and safety. Safeguard the health and safety of other people affected by their work. Cooperate with their employer's health and safety procedures.

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Minimum 20 years’ leadership experience, including at least 10 years in a senior management role with multi-functional responsibilities.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale manufacturing or industrial operations with a workforce of 500+ employees.
• Strong financial acumen, business development expertise and operational leadership skills.
• Experience in managing across multiple countries/markets preferred.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (preferably Microsoft D365) and business analytics tools.

This is a highly visible leadership role offering the opportunity to shape strategy, drive operational excellence, and lead a significant manufacturing operation through its next phase of growth. The successful candidate will bring strong executive leadership capability, commercial acumen and a hands‑on approach to delivering performance improvements across a complex, multi‑site environment. In return, our client offers a competitive executive package, international exposure and the chance to make a lasting impact within a dynamic and growing organisation.