Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) - H. Pierson Associates Limited

H.Pierson Associates Limited - Our client, Abia Industrial Innovation Park (AIIP) is a strategically positioned, multi-sector industrial and innovation hub in Owaza, Abia State, driving sustainable economic transformation through world-class infrastructure, cross-sector collaboration, and a strong commitment to Nigeria's green energy transition.

They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Umuahia, Abia

Job Summary

• The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Innovation Park, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, optimal utilization of infrastructure, and seamless delivery of programs that support innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and industry collaboration.
• The role is critical to scaling the park's impact, sustainability, and global competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Translate the Innovation Parks vision and strategy into executable operational plans and performance targets.
• Oversee daily operations across facilities management, tenant services, programs, partnerships, and shared services.
• Ensure operational excellence, efficiency, and compliance with governance, regulatory, and safety standards.

Infrastructure & Facilities Management:

• Manage the operation and maintenance of physical and digital infrastructure (labs, workspaces, incubation hubs, utilities, smart systems).
• Oversee expansion, upgrades, and capital projects in collaboration with technical and project teams.
• Ensure optimal space utilization, service quality, and cost efficiency.

Ecosystem & Program Management:

• Oversee incubation, acceleration, research, and commercialization programs.
• Support startups, scale-ups, researchers, and corporate tenants through structured operational frameworks.
• Ensure effective delivery of innovation programs aligned with economic and sectoral priorities.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work closely with government agencies, academia, investors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
• Support the CEO in structuring and managing public-private partnerships (PPPs).
• Drive collaboration between tenants, research institutions, and industry players.

Financial & Commercial Oversight:

• Support budgeting, financial planning, cost control, and revenue optimization initiatives.
• Oversee operational revenue streams (leases, programs, services, events, sponsorships).
• Ensure commercial sustainability and efficient resource allocation.

Governance, Risk & Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to corporate governance frameworks, policies, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Establish performance monitoring systems, KPIs, and reporting dashboards.

People & Culture:

• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across operations, facilities, programs, and administration.
• Foster a high-performance, innovation-driven, and service-oriented culture.
• Implement talent development, succession planning, and performance management frameworks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Operational efficiency and cost optimization
• Occupancy and utilization rates
• Program delivery effectiveness and impact metrics
• Tenant/startup satisfaction and retention
• Revenue growth and sustainability
• Compliance, safety, and risk management outcomes

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Management, Economics, or related field; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
• 12–15 years of experience in operations, infrastructure management, innovation ecosystems, technology parks, industrial parks, or complex organizations.
• Proven experience managing large-scale operations, facilities, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of innovation ecosystems, startups, R&D, commercialization, and PPP models.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online