Head, Business Operations (HBO) at Smart Partners

ROLE OVERVIEW

• We are seeking an experienced Head, Business Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across the company\'s technical and business development functions, including Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) services, manpower sourcing, and CNG retail operations.
• The successful candidate will oversee EPC projects from bidding and tender preparation through execution, commissioning, and handover. The role also involves providing manpower solutions for upstream, midstream, and downstream oil and gas operations, driving business growth, ensuring regulatory compliance, and strengthening client relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND STRATEGY

• Develop and implement the company\'s technical strategy in alignment with business objectives.
• Provide technical direction for engineering design, procurement, construction, and commissioning of EPC projects.
• Drive innovation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement across technical operations.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND EXECUTION

• Oversee EPC bidding, tender preparation, negotiation, and submission of technical proposals.
• Lead the end-to-end EPC project lifecycle, including design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Ensure project delivery within agreed scope, budget, timelines, and quality standards.
• Oversee contract administration, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

MANPOWER SOURCING AND DEPLOYMENT

• Direct the recruitment, training, certification, and deployment of technical personnel.
• Maintain competency management frameworks that meet client and industry requirements.
• Build strong client relationships through reliable manpower solutions.

CNG REFUELLING AND CONVERSION OPERATIONS

• Lead the establishment, operation, optimization, and expansion of CNG refuelling stations.
• Oversee CNG vehicle conversion operations in line with national and international safety standards.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant operations.
• Drive innovation and business expansion within the CNG business line.

ENGINEERING, PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN

• Supervise multidisciplinary engineering teams delivering FEED, detailed design, and technical studies.
• Oversee procurement strategy, vendor qualification, and supply chain management.
• Ensure compliance with technical specifications, quality standards, and delivery timelines.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND ACQUISITION

• Lead technical contributions to business development, proposals, and contract negotiations.
• Identify new opportunities in oil and gas operations and EPC services.
• Develop partnerships, alliances, and joint ventures in collaboration with commercial and business development teams.
• Represent the company in client engagements, industry forums, and technical discussions.
• Ensure technical and commercial alignment to improve tender and contract win rates.

LEADERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Maintain productive relationships with clients, regulators, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Provide regular performance reports and strategic recommendations to the Board.

GOVERNANCE, HSE AND COMPLIANCE

• Enforce compliance with HSE, QA/QC, and applicable international and local standards, including API, ASME, ISO, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and SON requirements.
• Implement risk management and technical governance frameworks.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, and environmental responsibility.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Petroleum, Civil, or a related discipline).
• A master\'s degree, MBA, or equivalent advanced qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum of 12 years of experience in EPC project delivery, technical operations, or the oil and gas sector, including at least 5 years in a senior management role.
• Proven track record in technical leadership, business development, and contract acquisition across manpower supply, engineering, procurement, and construction services.
• Strong knowledge of local and international oil and gas codes, standards, and regulations.
• Professional certifications such as COREN, PMP, or CEng are highly desirable.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Strong technical leadership and project management skills.
• Proven business development capability and the ability to secure new oil and gas contracts.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Strong HSE, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance orientation.
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical teams.