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 fields; Master's degree or MBA preferred.
- Minimum 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.
https://www.hotnigerianjobs.com/hotjobs/868298/chief-operating-officer-coo-at-abia-industrial-inn.html