Managing Director - Nigeria

Job Introduction

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.  

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will have full P&L responsibility and lead business strategy, commercial growth and operational performance, with a strong focus on road transport and contract logistics.

Reporting to regional executive leadership, the Managing Director will drive profitable growth, operational excellence and the development of integrated logistics solutions in line with the Group’s strategy.

 

Strategy & Commercial Development

• Define and execute the company’s strategy and business plans for Nigeria.
• Identify new business opportunities, win strategic contracts and expand existing customer relationships.
• Work closely with regional commercial teams to develop competitive pricing, customer solutions and coordinated business development initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with key customers, authorities, regulators and industry stakeholders.
• Leverage the Group’s international capabilities to deliver integrated, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

 

Operations & Financial Performance

• Assume full accountability for the company’s P&L, budgets, profitability, cash flow and working capital.
• Lead road transport and contract logistics operations, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective service delivery.
• Optimise fleet utilisation, cost per kilometre, maintenance expenditure and asset lifecycle performance.
• Oversee capital investment in transport assets, warehouses and logistics infrastructure.
• Establish performance indicators and drive improvements in productivity, service quality and operating margins.
• Lead operational transformation, digitalisation and technology adoption.

 

Leadership, Safety & Governance

• Lead and develop large, multicultural teams, building a culture of accountability, collaboration and performance.
• Drive talent development, succession planning and effective employee relations.
• Champion health, safety and employee wellbeing across all operations.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations, Group policies and corporate governance standards.
• Implement risk management, business continuity and crisis response frameworks.
• Embed sustainability and environmental responsibility into operational decisions.

 

 

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering or a related discipline. An MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in logistics or supply chain, including at least 8 years in senior executive or Managing Director-equivalent positions within 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.
• Strong understanding of fleet economics, asset utilisation, maintenance cost control and logistics profitability. Experience managing fleets of 500 or more vehicles is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in revenue growth, new client acquisition, contract negotiation and key account development.
• Experience leading large, diverse teams of at least 200 employees.
• Proven ability to operate effectively within a multinational matrix organisation.
• Track record in operational transformation, business improvement or turnaround programmes.
• Strong financial acumen, strategic thinking and a practical, hands-on leadership approach.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Resilience and adaptability in complex African operating environments.
• Willingness to be based in Nigeria and undertake frequent regional and international travel.

 

Candidates must demonstrate direct road transport and/or contract logistics experience alongside full commercial P&L ownership.

 

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank all applicants however only those selected will be contacted.