Job Description
Job Purpose
- The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for driving operational excellence, profitability, and growth across the QSR business.
- The role requires a seasoned executive with a proven track record in operational turnaround within QSR, Retail, or FMCG sectors in Africa, preferably in Nigeria.
- The COO will lead strategy execution, streamline operations, and ensure best-in-class customer experience while maintaining strict cost control and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Growth:
- Develop and implement operational strategies that drive revenue growth, profitability, and market share expansion.
- Lead operational turnaround initiatives to improve cost efficiency, supply chain effectiveness, and restaurant performance.
- Ensure alignment between business goals and market dynamics to sustain competitive advantage in the Nigerian QSR sector.
Operations & Performance Management:
- Oversee daily operations across all restaurants, supply chain, and logistics functions to ensure seamless execution.
- Implement data-driven decision-making using KPIs such as sales per store, customer satisfaction scores, operational efficiency, and cost control.
- Improve speed of service, order accuracy, and quality assurance to enhance customer experience.
Supply Chain, Procurement & Cost Optimization:
- Develop and oversee an optimized supply chain model to reduce costs and prevent disruptions.
- Drive local sourcing strategies to mitigate currency risks and improve profitability.
- Work with vendors and partners to ensure quality, competitive pricing, and reliable delivery of raw materials
Financial & Profitability Management:
- Drive P&L accountability, ensuring each outlet contributes positively to the company's bottom line.
- Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality and efficiency.
- Lead initiatives to reduce wastage, optimize inventory, and enhance financial discipline across all operations
People & Leadership Development:
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing operations team that can scale with the business.
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and customer-centricity.
- Ensure best practices in employee training, retention, and motivation across all levels.
Customer Experience & Brand Positioning:
- Enhance the customer experience strategy to improve brand loyalty and market positioning.
- Ensure high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality control.
- Develop and execute innovative menu and service improvement initiatives based on customer feedback and market trends
Technology & Digital Transformation:
- Drive technology adoption in POS systems, online ordering, delivery platforms, and AI-driven analytics to enhance operational efficiency.
- Lead digital transformation strategies to improve operational agility and customer convenience
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field. An MBA or relevant executive leadership certification is highly desirable.
- Membership of the CIPS, CILS, CILCS, CISCOM, Lean Six Sigma or any other related professional qualification is required.
- Experience & Industry Knowledge Minimum 15 years of leadership experience in QSR, FMCG, or Retail, with at least 5 years in a COO or equivalent role.
Knowledge:
- Proven track record of operational turnaround in a QSR/Retail/FMCG business in Africa, preferably Nigeria.
- Strong understanding of the Nigerian business landscape, consumer behaviour, regulatory requirements, and supply chain challenges.
Key Performance Indicators:
- Measure year-over-year growth in revenue, EBITDA, gross profit (GP), and profit after tax (PAT).
- Increase in sales and revenue compared to previous periods or targets.
- Return generated on capital invested in operational improvements, expansion, or new initiatives.
- Track market share growth in the Nigerian QSR sector.
- Successful entry into new regions or countries (e.g., within Nigeria or into neighbouring African markets).
- Monitor average monthly sales per store as a measure of outlet performance
- Use Net Promoter Score (NPS) or Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) to gauge customer experience
- Evaluate labour-to-sales ratio and other operational cost metrics.
- Achievement of the Supply Chain Department’s budget/targets/objectives
- Percentage of strategic initiatives (e.g., process improvements, technology adoption) that are fully executed on time and within budget.