Chief Operating Officer (COO)

We are an emerging healthcare company focused on identifying and partnering with reputable international manufacturers to develop and supply high-quality own-label products for the Nigerian market.

Our product portfolio will include over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, personal care products, skincare products, and dermatological products.

The company will source products from qualified overseas and local manufacturers, manage product registration and regulatory compliance in Nigeria, and establish effective marketing, sales, and distribution channels to achieve rapid market entry, strong brand positioning, and sustainable business growth.

As a new business, the company requires a commercially astute and entrepreneurial executive who can help shape its strategy, lead its initial establishment and launch, and assume responsibility for its day-to-day management and overall business performance.

2. Role Purpose

The Chief Operations Officer will be responsible for translating the company’s strategic vision into an executable business plan and leading the establishment, launch, and subsequent management of the business.

Reporting directly to the Executive Chairman, the COO will have overall responsibility for day-to-day business operations, commercial execution, regulatory coordination, supply chain management, marketing, sales, distribution, financial performance, and organizational development.

The successful candidate will be expected to build the company’s operational infrastructure, establish relationships with international manufacturing partners and Nigerian distribution channels, recruit and develop a competent team, and deliver aggressive revenue growth while maintaining regulatory compliance, product quality, and profitability.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Strategy Development and Business Establishment

• Participate in the development and refinement of the company’s corporate strategy, business model, market-entry strategy, and medium-term growth objectives.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify attractive product categories, customer segments, market opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Develop a phased business launch plan covering product selection, regulatory registration, sourcing, importation, marketing, distribution, staffing, and commercial rollout.
• Prepare annual operating plans, budgets, revenue forecasts, cash-flow projections, and performance targets for approval by the Executive Chairman.
• Establish the company’s operating structure, business processes, management systems, and reporting frameworks.
• Identify strategic partnerships and business development opportunities that can accelerate market penetration and growth.

B. International Sourcing and Manufacturer Partnerships

• Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with reputable overseas manufacturers of OTC medicines, personal care products, skincare products, and dermatological products.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering pricing, minimum order quantities, product specifications, private-label arrangements, packaging, exclusivity, payment terms, delivery schedules, and quality standards.
• Establish a pipeline of competitive, differentiated products that meet Nigerian market needs and the company’s profitability objectives.
• Coordinate supplier due diligence, manufacturer qualification, quality documentation, and the assessment of relevant manufacturing certifications.
• Develop reliable supplier relationships and alternative sourcing arrangements to minimize supply disruptions and manage costs.
• Ensure that proposed products and manufacturers undergo the necessary regulatory and quality assessments before commercial commitments are made.

C. Regulatory Affairs and Product Registration

• Oversee the company’s regulatory strategy and ensure that products are registered with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as applicable, before being marketed or distributed.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of product registration dossiers, product samples, labeling documentation, manufacturing certificates, and other required regulatory documents.
• Monitor registration timelines and ensure that regulatory requirements are integrated into the company’s product launch plans.
• Establish effective working relationships with qualified regulatory affairs professionals, consultants, and relevant regulatory authorities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Nigerian laws and requirements governing product registration, importation, advertising, labeling, storage, distribution, and post-market obligations.
• Establish processes for product complaints, adverse-event reporting, recalls, and other product safety matters, where applicable.

The COO will oversee regulatory performance and accountability. Specialized regulatory/ Pharmaceutical submissions and authorizations can be supported by external consultants.

D. Marketing, Sales and Market Penetration

• Develop and implement an aggressive go-to-market strategy for the company’s product portfolio.
• Establish brand positioning, pricing strategies, product value propositions, promotional plans, and customer acquisition strategies.
• Lead the development of marketing campaigns that build awareness, credibility, product acceptance, and repeat purchases.
• Establish sales and distribution channels across Nigeria, including pharmaceutical wholesalers, pharmacies, patent and proprietary medicine vendors where legally permitted, supermarkets, personal care retailers, distributors, and other appropriate outlets.
• Develop and manage relationships with key accounts, distributors, retail chains, healthcare professionals, and other relevant business partners.
• Set sales targets by product, channel, territory, and customer segment.
• Build an effective sales and marketing team, with appropriate incentives, performance measures, and accountability.
• Monitor market intelligence, competitor activity, sales performance, customer feedback, and changing consumer preferences.
• Ensure that marketing claims and promotional activities comply with applicable product-specific regulatory requirements.

E. Importation, Supply Chain and Distribution

• Develop and manage an efficient end-to-end supply chain covering supplier orders, international shipping, customs clearance, warehousing, inventory management, and domestic distribution.
• Coordinate with licensed customs agents, freight forwarders, shipping companies, and other service providers.
• Establish appropriate inventory policies to balance product availability, working capital, expiry risk, and stock obsolescence.
• Implement systems for demand forecasting, order planning, stock replenishment, batch traceability, and product expiry monitoring.
• Establish suitable warehousing and distribution arrangements that preserve product quality and meet applicable storage conditions.
• Develop reliable nationwide distribution capabilities to support the company’s market-entry and growth objectives.
• Identify opportunities to optimize procurement costs, freight expenses, landed product costs, and distribution margins.

F. Financial and Commercial Performance Management

• Take responsibility for the company’s operating performance and achievement of approved financial and commercial targets.
• Develop and manage operating budgets, revenue forecasts, cash-flow projections, and working capital requirements.
• Monitor gross margins, operating expenses, inventory turnover, receivables, product profitability, and cash conversion.
• Establish pricing and discount structures that support competitive positioning without compromising sustainable profitability.
• Ensure that all product launches and commercial initiatives are evaluated against expected returns, investment requirements, and risk.
• Implement effective internal controls and ensure accurate, timely management reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, operating efficiency, and the utilization of company resources.
• Provide regular performance reports and recommendations to the Executive Chairman.

G. Organization Building and People Management

• Design the company’s initial organizational structure and recommend appropriate staffing levels, roles, and reporting relationships.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a competent management and operating team across sales, marketing, supply chain, finance, regulatory affairs, and administration.
• Establish clear job descriptions, performance targets, accountability frameworks, and performance review systems.
• Promote a culture of integrity, commercial discipline, customer focus, innovation, and high performance.
• Ensure that employees receive appropriate training and operate in accordance with company policies and applicable legal requirements.
• Build a collaborative and results-oriented organization capable of scaling with the company’s growth.

H. Governance, Risk Management and Reporting

• Ensure that the company’s operations comply with applicable Nigerian laws, regulations, tax obligations, employment requirements, and corporate governance policies.
• Establish appropriate controls for procurement, payments, inventory, sales transactions, credit management, and third-party relationships.
• Identify and manage key business risks, including regulatory delays, supplier failure, foreign exchange exposure, product quality issues, counterfeiting, and working capital constraints.
• Establish systems for monitoring product quality, customer complaints, recalls, and product safety concerns.
• Maintain high standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability.
• Submit regular management reports to the Executive Chairman covering business performance, launch milestones, risks, cash flow, and strategic priorities.

4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The COO will be evaluated against agreed business objectives, with specific targets established in the approved annual business plan.

5. Qualifications and Experience

Essential requirements

• A first degree in Pharmacy or a relevant biological science from a recognized university.
• A minimum of 15 years’ relevant professional experience.
• At least 8 years in management-level positions, preferably in marketing, commercial strategy, business development, sales leadership, or general management.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing business strategies and translating them into measurable commercial results.
• Strong understanding of the Nigerian consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, personal care, or related FMCG market.
• Proven ability to develop distribution channels, manage commercial relationships, and drive revenue growth.
• Experience in business planning, budgeting, financial performance management, and organizational leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to build teams, establish operating systems, and manage competing business priorities.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, communication, and decision-making skills.
• High standards of integrity, accountability, professionalism, and ethical conduct.

Preferred qualifications and experience

• Experience in launching new products, brands, or business operations in Nigeria.
• Exposure to international sourcing, private-label manufacturing, product importation, and supply chain management.
• Practical experience working with NAFDAC registration processes and relevant pharmaceutical or consumer product regulations.
• Experience managing distributors, wholesalers, pharmacy channels, retail outlets, or nationwide sales operations.
• Experience in a start-up, new business division, or fast-growing consumer healthcare or FMCG organization.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification, MBA, or professional management qualification will be an advantage.

6. Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• An entrepreneurial mindset and strong commercial instincts.
• Strategic thinking combined with the ability to execute and deliver results.
• A hands-on leadership style appropriate for a new business.
• Strong planning, problem-solving, negotiation, and decision-making abilities.
• A high level of personal integrity and financial discipline.
• The ability to work independently while maintaining close alignment with the Executive Chairman.
• Resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of ownership.
• The ability to build productive relationships with international suppliers, Nigerian business partners, regulators, and employees.

7. Age Requirement

The preferred candidate age range is 35–50 years, reflecting the desired combination of leadership maturity, professional experience, and the capacity to drive an ambitious growth agenda.

8. Reporting Relationship and Authority

The COO will report directly to the Executive Chairman and will be accountable for the overall day-to-day management and operating performance of the company.

The COO will have responsibility for executing the approved strategy, managing employees and business operations, implementing approved budgets, and making operational decisions within the authority delegated by the Executive Chairman.

Major strategic decisions, significant capital expenditure, material contractual commitments, financing arrangements, and other reserved matters will require approval in accordance with the company’s governance and delegated-authority framework.

The COO will provide the Executive Chairman with regular reports on business performance, strategic progress, financial results, operational risks, and major decisions requiring approval.

9. Remuneration and Benefits

• Monthly gross salary: ₦1,000,000–₦2,000,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated capability.
• Pension: Employer pension contributions in accordance with applicable Nigerian law.
• Health insurance: HMO coverage
• Company’s approved incentive package based on agreed performance criteria.
• profit sharing opportunity

The final remuneration package will reflect the candidate’s experience, suitability for the role, and ability to deliver the company’s business objectives.

Work Location: In person