Head, Development & Strategy (Infrastructure & Logistics) at Dangote

JOB SUMMARY

The Head, Development & Strategy is a critical leadership role responsible for shaping the long-term strategic direction of the Infrastructure & Logistics division of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL). Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the role drives corporate strategy development, infrastructure investment planning, organisational capability building, and transformation initiatives that position the division for sustained competitive advantage. The Head, Development and Strategy leads strategic planning cycles, oversees project development from ideation to sanction commencing with the Olokola Deep Sea Port, manages stakeholder engagement on strategic matters, and ensures that divisional growth initiatives are aligned with Dangote Group's overall vision 2030. This is a thought-leadership role that demands intellectual rigour, a forward-looking mindset, and the ability to translate strategic thinking into operational reality.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the design, development, and annual review of the Infrastructure & Logistics division's corporate strategy, long- term development plans, and investment roadmaps.
• Oversee, manage and coordinate the Olokola Deep Sea Port project development from planning to completion
• Drive the identification and evaluation of strategic infrastructure investment opportunities including greenfield andBbrownfield projects, acquisitions, and public-private partnerships.
• Develop comprehensive business cases, feasibility studies, and project development frameworks for new infrastructure and logistics initiatives.
• Coordinate the strategic planning process across all business units within the division, ensuring alignment between operational plans and the overall corporate strategy.
• Manage relationships with development finance institutions (DFIs), investment banks, government agencies, and international development partners to structure and finance strategic projects. 
• Lead regulatory engagement and advocacy efforts in relation to infrastructure development, port concessions, logistics policies, and investment facilitation.
• Monitor global and regional trends in infrastructure, logistics, supply chain, and technology to identify emerging opportunities and strategic risks.
• Prepare and present strategic performance dashboards, investment pipeline updates, and divisional strategy reports to the MD.
• Oversee the development and management of public-private partnerships (PPPs), concession agreements, and special- purpose vehicles (SPVs) for infrastructure projects.
• Drive organisational transformation and change management initiatives in support of the division's strategic goals.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, Operations, Legal, and HR teams to ensure strategic initiatives are well-resourced and effectively implemented.
• Build and develop the Development & Strategy team, fostering analytical rigour, innovation, and a culture of strategic excellence.
• Represent the division in high-level strategic forums, government engagements, and investor relations activities as directed by the MD.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree (minimum Second Class Upper) in Economics, Business Administration, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• A Master's degree (MBA or MSc in Strategy, Project Management, Project Finance, Development Economics, or related discipline) from a reputable institution is required.
• Professional qualifications in Project Finance, Investment Management, or Strategy (e.g., CFA, ACCA, ACA) are a strong advantage.
• Minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in strategy, infrastructure development, project management, or management consulting.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role with demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing corporate strategies for large organisations.
• Experience with DFIs, multilateral development banks (World Bank, AfDB, IFC), or infrastructure investment firms is highly desirable.
• Prior experience working in the maritime industry or the strategy/consulting environment overseeing multibillion Dollar Infrastructure port development projects is highly desirable.

Functional Competencies:

• Deep expertise in corporate strategy development, infrastructure project development and management, and investment structuring.
• Strong financial modelling, investment analysis, and business case development skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills with ability to interface at board, government, and multilateral levels.
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills with ability to synthesise complex data into clear strategic insights.
• Proficiency in strategic planning frameworks, scenario analysis, and risk assessment methodologies.
• Excellent leadership skills with ability to inspire and develop high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills including executive-level report writing and presentations.
• Deep understanding of infrastructure financing instruments including project bonds, DFI loans, PPPs, and equity structures.
• Knowledge of Nigerian and African infrastructure policy, regulatory environment, and investment landscape.
• Intellectual curiosity, innovative thinking, and the ability to challenge conventional approaches to create transformational