Chief Operating Officer at KALTANI

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.