We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Location: Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
About The Role
- We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) with the vision, discipline, and execution strength to scale this transformation nationwide.
- You will drive the end-to-end performance of one of West Africa’s most ambitious sustainability ventures, from collection fleets to recycling parks and engineered landfills, ensuring world-class standards of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
- Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for Kaltani’s multi-siteoperations including collection fleets, transfer stations, material recovery facilities(MRFs), recycling parks, RDF and composting plants, and landfill operations.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve Standard Operating Procedures(SOPs) across logistics, fleet, and facility management.
- Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and operational standards whilemaintaining cost efficiency and service quality.
- Drive data-led decision-making across all operations using dashboards and KPIs.
Scale & Rollout:
- Lead the structured expansion of operations across multiple states, overseeingfeasibility assessments, site development, equipment procurement, commissioning,and operational handover.
- Ensure all projects are delivered within approved timelines, budgets, andspecifications.
- Coordinate inter-departmental support to ensure readiness of new facilities(engineering, logistics, IT, HR, finance).
Health, Safety & Environment (HSE):
- Champion the company’s HSE culture, ensuring full compliance with national andinternational standards across sites.
- Oversee risk assessments, emergency preparedness, waste handling (includinghazardous streams), and safety audits.
- Lead engagement with regulators and stakeholders to sustain regulatory licenses.
KPIs & Performance Management:
- Define and monitor core operational metrics:
- Collection efficiency: % of household coverage and tons collected per month.
- Fleet performance: Uptime, route optimization, and utilization rates.
- Recycling & diversion rates: Volume and percentage improvements.
- Implement a robust performance review system for plant and regional teams.
- Regularly report operational performance to the CEO and Board.
Financial & Commercial Operations:
- Manage operating budgets and capital expenditure plans across the operationsnetwork.
- Partner with the CFO to optimize cost structures, pricing strategies, and revenuegeneration from recyclables and RDF products.
- Oversee vendor selection, procurement, and contract management for operationalassets (trucks, plants, equipment).
- Ensure transparent and efficient billing, collection, and cash flow processes.
People & Culture:
- Build and mentor a high-performing operations leadership team (regional, plant, andfleet managers).
- Introduce KPI-driven performance systems, succession planning, and capacitydevelopment programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence throughout theorganization.
- Collaborate with HR on workforce planning, skills training, and leadershipdevelopment initiatives.
Technology & Innovation:
- Lead the deployment of technology solutions to enhance operational efficiencyincluding route optimization, fleet telematics, ERP, WMS, CMMS, and processautomation.
- Champion digital transformation across operations to enable real-time visibility andperformance analytics.
- Identify and implement innovative waste-to-value technologies aligned with globalbest practices.
Sustainability & Carbon Initiatives:
- Drive sustainability performance and reporting, ensuring alignment withenvironmental and ESG standards.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to operationalize recycling credits,carbon credit generation, and verification programs.
- Support the company’s long-term sustainability roadmap and circular economy strategy.
Stakeholder Relations:
- Represent Kaltani on operational and technical matters with government agencies,development partners, investors, and industry associations.
- Build strong relationships with regulatory bodies to ensure continuous complianceand partnership opportunities.
- Support external communications regarding operational achievements, communityengagement, and sustainability outcomes.
Performance Indicators (First 12 Months)
- Achieve targeted collection coverage (80%) in pilot states (Abia).
- Reduce operational cost/ton by defined percentage versus baseline.
- Maintain fleet uptime above target threshold ( ≥ 90%).
- Increase recycling diversion rate by measurable percentage points.
- Implement route optimization and telematics systems across all major depots.
- Commission the first full recycling park module within agreed timeframe.
Experience & Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- Experience: 10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in industrial operations, logistics, utilities, waste management, or related environmental services.
- Executive experience: Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role (COO, EVP, VP Operations, or equivalent) managing large-scale, multi-site operations.
- Proven achievements: Demonstrated success in scaling operations, improving cost efficiency, and achieving measurable performance targets.
- Regional exposure: Experience in emerging markets (Africa, Southeast Asia, or Latin America) strongly preferred.
- Certifications: HSE or Lean Six Sigma certification is an added advantage.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Strategic operational leadership and strong execution discipline.
- Proven expertise in fleet management, logistics optimization, and plant operations.
- Deep understanding of waste management systems, recycling processes, or heavy industrial operations.
- Financial and analytical acumen with experience managing large-scale OPEX and CAPEX budgets.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
- Proficiency in technology-driven operations management tools (ERP, dashboards, telematics, etc.).
- Strong problem-solving, systems-thinking, and continuous improvement mindset.
- High emotional intelligence and people leadership capability, with the ability to inspire teams across multiple geographies.
- Commitment to sustainability, safety, and ethical business practices.