Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Innovation Park

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 support innovation, entrepreneurship, research commercialization, and industry collaboration.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the park’s vision and strategy 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 collaboration with technical and project teams.
• Support incubation, acceleration, research, and commercialization programs for 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 optimisation across leases, programs, services, events, and sponsorships.
• Ensure compliance with governance, regulatory, safety standards and manage operational, financial, and reputational risks.
• Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams across all operational functions.

Required profile

• Proven ability to provide strategic and operational leadership in a multi‑sector innovation environment.
• Experience overseeing facilities, program delivery, and stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong governance, risk management, and financial oversight capabilities.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape a flagship industrial and innovation hub in Nigeria.
• Leadership role with significant impact on regional economic transformation.
• Collaborative environment with government, academia, and private‑sector partners.