Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Abia Industrial Innovation Park, ensuring efficient day‑to‑day operations, optimal use of infrastructure, and seamless delivery of programs that foster innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and industry collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the park’s vision into executable operational plans and performance targets.
• Oversee daily operations across facilities management, tenant services, programs, partnerships, and shared services.
• Manage physical and digital infrastructure, including labs, workspaces, incubation hubs, utilities, and smart systems.
• Lead expansion, upgrades, and capital projects in coordination with technical and project teams.
• Supervise incubation, acceleration, research, and commercialization programs, supporting startups, scale‑ups, researchers, and corporate tenants.
• Engage with government agencies, academia, investors, development partners, and private‑sector stakeholders to structure and manage public‑private partnerships.
• Support budgeting, financial planning, cost control, and revenue optimization for operational streams such as leases, programs, services, events, and sponsorships.
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, safety standards, and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, foster a high‑performance culture, and implement talent development and succession planning.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Extensive senior‑level experience in operations management, preferably within an industrial, innovation, or multi‑sector hub environment.
• Proven track record of leading large teams, managing complex facilities, and delivering strategic programs.
• Strong understanding of public‑private partnership models and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and revenue generation.

Required skills