Group Chief Operating Officer

Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO), Lagos Our client, a well-established Lagos-based real estate and property services group, is looking for a proven operator to run the operations of its group of companies. The Group has grown over more than three decades and holds assets of over ₦8 billion across eight companies working in: • Real estate development: residential estates, site-and-services schemes, a business park and a large resort and destination project in Ogun State • Building maintenance, artisan services and vocational training • A member cooperative, now launching self-service laundrettes in Lagos • Estate surveying and valuation • Facility management • A not-for-profit foundation • Procurement and interior decoration With a newly inaugurated Advisory Board and a strong project pipeline, the Group is now appointing a Group Chief Operating Officer. The role The GCOO turns the Group strategy into delivered results across every company in the Group. You will make sure projects are delivered on time and on budget, subsidiaries perform to plan, shared systems work, and people are held to account. This frees the Founder/GMD to focus on vision, investors and partnerships. Reports to Founder/Group Managing Director Direct reports Heads of all subsidiaries and Group shared services Location Lagos head office, with regular site visits in Lagos and Ogun State Type Full-time, executive management Key responsibilities • Lead the annual business planning and budget cycle across all subsidiaries, and run monthly Group performance reviews • Line-manage subsidiary heads, set their KPIs and hold them accountable for results • Take overall accountability for delivering the Group's real estate projects on scope, schedule, cost and quality, including infrastructure, allocations and title documentation • Drive sales velocity, instalment collections and cash discipline with the Group Finance lead • Build standard operating procedures, internal controls and digital systems (CRM, project and estate management, a single Group dashboard) • Grow the service businesses: maintenance and artisan network, facility management contracts, the laundrette rollout and the surveying practice • Drive collaboration and cross-referrals between Group companies • Ensure regulatory, professional and HSE compliance across the Group • Present operating performance to the GMD and the Advisory Board What we are looking for • First degree in Estate Management, Building, Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting or a related field; an MBA or relevant master's is an advantage • Professional membership (NIESV, NIOB, COREN, ICAN, PMP or equivalent) is an advantage • 15+ years' experience, including at least 7 in senior management • A proven record of delivering real estate or construction projects in Nigeria, such as estates, site-and-services schemes or mixed-use developments • Experience running several business units or a group of companies • Sound knowledge of land administration and titling in Lagos and Ogun States, planning approvals, and off-plan or instalment sales • A track record of building systems, SOPs and performance management in a growing organisation • Strong execution, leadership and commercial judgement, with unquestionable integrity What we offer • A competitive executive salary and a performance bonus tied to Group results • The chance to shape the operations of a fast-growing group with a landmark project pipeline • Direct access to the Founder/GMD and an experienced Advisory Board • [Other benefits, e.g. official car, health insurance, pension, leave] How to apply Send your CV and a cover letter (maximum two pages) to hire22107@gmail.com with the subject line "Group Chief Operating Officer – [Your Name]". In your cover letter, describe one project or turnaround you led, with the results in numbers. Closing date: Nov 20, 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Enquiries: +234 916 811 4720 or +44 7727 034439 The ideal candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across the organization. Your Present operational strategy recommendations to the CEO based on your market research Qualifications 10 - 15 years' of executive experience Strategic planning and business development experience Strong written and verbal and presentation skills Strong leadership and organizational skills <