General Manager, Operations

Our client is a leading indigenous energy company operating within Nigeria’s downstream oil and gas sector. The organisation has an established presence across petroleum product trading, marketing, storage, distribution, logistics and retail, supported by significant infrastructure and a nationwide distribution network. With a strong focus on operational excellence, innovation, safety and service delivery, the company provides high-quality energy products and solutions to commercial, industrial and retail customers across Nigeria. The organisation continues to strengthen its market presence through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology and its people, positioning itself as a significant player within Nigeria’s evolving energy sector.

Job Summary:

The General Manager, Operations is the senior operational leader responsible for the the end-to-

end downstream operations of the business, including petroleum product supply, marine

discharge (SPM, CBM), terminal storage, and inland distribution. The role is central to aligning operational strategy with trading goals, ensuring HSE compliance, regulatory adherence, and seamless integration of all logistics activities. The GM ensures infrastructure capacity, product integrity, and supply reliability to support commercial success and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Integrated Operations Leadership

• Set overall operational objectives, priorities and performance expectations.
• Direct and supervise the Head of Operations, FZE Terminal Manager, Marine Terminal Manager, and included with Logistics function.
• Establish one integrated operating plan covering product supply/vessel receipt, tank availability, product storage, truck loading and distribution.
• Resolve cross-functional operational bottlenecks and hold managers accountable for agreed KPIs. Conduct regular operational performance reviews and escalate critical operational risks promptly.

Marine Terminal (SPM & CBM) Operations

• Ensure safe and efficient vessel berthing, mooring and discharge operations.
• Ensure SPM/CBM readiness and availability and effective ship/shore interface.
• Optimise vessel turnaround and minimise avoidable delays and demurrage.
• Ensure marine emergency preparedness, surveys, certifications and regulatory compliance.

Terminal & Depot Operations

• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations across depots and terminals, including inventory management, loading operations, and dispatch.
• Optimize product receipt, quality assurance, throughput, and utilization of depot infrastructure.
• Introduce performance enhancement tools and ensure compliance with tank integrity, maintenance standards, and loading efficiency Logistics & Distribution

• Oversee planning and execution of product movement to terminals, depots, bulk buyers,and retail outlets.
• Ensure efficiency in transport management-fleet routing, scheduling, and transporter performance.
• Monitor and enforce delivery KPIs such as OTIF (On Time In Full), turnaround time, fuel loss, and cost-per-litre metrics.
• Leverage ERP systems and logistics dashboards to track operations in real-time and respond proactively.

Marine & Jetty Operations

• Oversee marine operations including ship berthing, lightering, discharging, pipeline

transfer, and interface with tank farms.

• Ensure seamless coordination with Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), NMDPRA, NIWA, Navy, and other maritime stakeholders.
• Reduce demurrage exposure through proactive discharge planning, documentation readiness, and marine logistics optimization.
• Implement marine safety protocols and emergency response procedures.

Compliance, HSE & Risk Management

• Ensure all operational activities meet or exceed industry safety, health, environmental, and quality standards.
• Ensure strict regulatory compliance with MDPRA, NPA, DPR, SON, and other agencies.
• Implement company-wide operational risk assessments, incident investigations, and business continuity plans.
• Drive HSE culture across all teams and terminals through training, audits, and performance tracking.

Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach, and inspire a multidisciplinary team across operations, marine, and logistics functions.
• Promote high performance, accountability, and professional development through KPls, training programs, and feedback loops.
• Foster collaboration between operations, trading, and finance units to ensure aligned business outcomes.

Reporting & Budgeting

• Lead the preparation and implementation of annual operations budgets (CAPEX and OPEX).
• Provide detailed monthly and quarterly performance reports covering trading alignment, logistics efficiency, inventory status, and cost control.
• Analyze data to guide strategic decisions and continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Marine Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Business Administration or related discipline.
• Master's degree/MBA is advantageous.
• Minimum 20 years' relevant industry experience, with at least 7 years in senior operational leadership.
• Strong downstream petroleum experience covering terminals/tank farms, marine operations, SPM/CBM, logistics and/or retail operations.
• Experience managing large multidisciplinary teams and high-value petroleum assets.
• Experience dealing with NMDPRA, NIMASA, NPA, SON, Fire Service and other relevant regulators.

Core Competencies

• End-to-end petroleum operations knowledge
• Marine-terminal, SPM/CBM and tank-farm operations
• Asset utilisation and optimisation
• HSE and process safety leadership
• Commercial and cost awareness
• Data-driven decision making
• Crisis and emergency management
• Performance management and accountability
• Stakeholder management and negotiation
• People leadership and succession planning
• Continuous improvement and operational excellence