Chief Operating Officer at Whip Smart Service Providers Limited

Salary: N1m-N1.2m 

Reports to: Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Job Summary

Our organization is one of Nigeria's leading technology retail and distribution companies, with over 90 retail stores nationwide. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are transforming from a founder-led business into a professionally managed, technology-driven enterprise positioned for sustainable expansion across Nigeria and West Africa.

We are seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead this transformation.

The Role

The COO will provide executive leadership for the day-to-day operations of the business, driving profitable growth, operational excellence, digital transformation, and regional expansion. Working closely with the Founder/CEO and the Executive Team, the successful candidate will build a high-performance organisation capable of delivering long-term, sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Business Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the company.
• Execute the Board-approved strategic plan.
• Drive sustainable revenue growth and profitability.
• Deliver agreed annual business and financial targets.

Retail Operations

• Oversee nationwide retail operations in collaboration with the Head of Business and other Heads of Department.
• Improve store productivity, customer experience, and profitability.
• Ensure consistent execution of company standards.
• Lead store expansion and network optimisation.

Commercial Growth

• Grow the retail, corporate sales, franchise, and e-commerce businesses.
• Develop strategic partnerships with global technology brands.
• Identify and launch new business opportunities.

Digital Transformation

• Accelerate  omnichannel strategy.
• Enhance ERP, CRM, business intelligence, and data analytics capabilities.
• Leverage technology to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.

People & Culture

• Build a high-performance, accountable culture.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent.
• Strengthen leadership capability across the organisation.
• Implement a merit-based performance management system.

Financial & Operational Excellence

• Improve operational efficiency and cost management.
• Optimise inventory, logistics, and supply chain performance.
• Strengthen governance, internal controls, and enterprise risk management.
• Ensure disciplined execution across all business units.

Regional Expansion

• Develop and execute our West African expansion strategy.
• Evaluate new markets, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities.

Governance

• 8. Work closely with the Founder, Board, and Executive Leadership Team.
• Institutionalise systems and processes that reduce founder dependency.
• Prepare the organisation for long-term institutional success.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Revenue growth
• EBITDA and profitability
• Same-store sales growth
• Market share growth
• Customer satisfaction (NPS)
• Employee engagement
• Inventory turnover
• Operating cost efficiency
• E-commerce growth
• New store profitability
• West African expansion milestones
• Leadership succession and talent development

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and an MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification preferred).
• Minimum of five (5) years' experience in a senior executive leadership role such as COO, CEO, Managing Director, Business Director, or Country Manager.
• Demonstrated success leading large multi-site retail, consumer goods, telecommunications, technology, or FMCG organisations.
• Strong commercial, financial, operational, and digital transformation expertise.
• Proven experience managing organisations with over 500 employees.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking
• Commercial acumen
• Operational excellence
• Financial discipline
• Digital mindset
• People leadership
• Change management
• Execution excellence
• Integrity and professionalism
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Success Profile

The successful candidate will:

• Transform the organization into a world-class retail and technology organisation.
• Build a leadership team capable of scaling the business.
• Drive successful expansion across West Africa.
• Reduce founder dependency by institutionalising systems and processes.
• Position the company for sustainable growth over the next decade.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Attractive executive salary
• Quarterly performance bonus
• Annual performance bonus (13th-month equivalent)
• Company car with driver
• Pension
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Annual leave and leave allowance
• Learning and development support upon confirmation of appointment

How to Apply

Qualified and interested candidates should send their CV and a cover letter to careers4@whip-smart.com.ng with the subject line:

Application – Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.