Managing Director - Nigeria (Logistics)

About the role

Adexen has been mandated by a leading international logistics group to recruit an experienced Managing Director to lead and develop its logistics operations in Nigeria. The position is based in Lagos and reports to regional executive leadership. The successful candidate will have full P&L responsibility and will drive profitable growth, operational excellence and integrated logistics solutions, with a strong focus on road transport and contract logistics.

Key responsibilities

• Define and execute the company's strategy and business plans for Nigeria, identify new business opportunities, win strategic contracts and expand customer relationships.
• Work with regional commercial teams on pricing, customer solutions and business development, and build relationships with key customers, authorities, regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Take full accountability for P&L, budgets, profitability, cash flow and working capital.
• Lead road transport and contract logistics operations, optimising fleet utilisation, cost per kilometre, maintenance expenditure and asset lifecycle performance.
• Oversee capital investment in transport assets, warehouses and logistics infrastructure, and lead operational transformation, digitalisation and technology adoption.
• Lead and develop large, multicultural teams, champion health, safety and employee wellbeing, ensure regulatory and governance compliance, implement risk management and business continuity frameworks, and embed sustainability.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline; an MBA or equivalent is an advantage.
• At least 10 years of experience in logistics or supply chain, including at least 8 years in senior executive or Managing Director-equivalent roles in a multinational logistics organisation.
• Proven experience with full commercial P&L accountability at business-unit or operating-company level.
• Direct operational experience in road transport and/or contract logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa is essential; Nigerian market experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams of at least 200 employees and operating in a multinational matrix organisation.
• Track record in revenue growth, new client acquisition, contract negotiation, key account development, operational transformation or turnaround programmes.
• Willingness to be based in Nigeria and undertake frequent regional and international travel.

Required skills

• Fleet economics, asset utilisation, maintenance cost control and logistics profitability.
• Experience managing fleets of 500 or more vehicles is preferred.
• Strong financial acumen, strategic thinking and negotiation and stakeholder management skills.