EA to Chairman / Chief of Staff

at  Saaki Argus Averil Consulting

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Our client is a prominent Oil and Gas exploration and production and marketing company headquartered in Nigeria, seeking a dynamic and results-driven Managing Director to oversee and lead their Downstream operations. This role involves managing the sales and distribution of lubricants, overseeing a network of petrol stations and driving customer-focused initiatives that ensure market leadership in the industry. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in managing downstream operations, particularly in the FMCG sector, with a deep understanding of retail, brand management, distribution networks and customer relations.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a strategic and experienced Executive Assistant to the Chairman who will also act as Chief of Staff. This role is critical to supporting the Chairman’s office and ensuring alignment across the organization to drive key business initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong strategic mindset, with experience in managing cross-functional teams, overseeing key projects, and driving operational efficiency. A deep understanding of the oil and gas industry is a significant advantage, as the role involves working closely with senior leadership to navigate complex business challenges within this sector.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strategic Leadership Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a strategic or senior operations role, such as Chief of Staff, Senior Project Manager, or Operations Manager.
• Cross-functional Management: Proven ability to lead and align multiple business functions across the organization, ensuring strategic goals are met.
• Oil & Gas Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of the oil and gas industry and its key business operations, challenges, and regulatory environment. Previous experience in the industry is a significant advantage.
• Project Management: Expertise in managing large, cross-functional projects, including the ability to drive change and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess data, identify trends, and make strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.
• Cultural Awareness: Familiarity with the Nigerian or broader African business landscape is highly preferred, with an understanding of local operational and regulatory challenges.

EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field is required.
• 15+ years of experience as an Executive Assistant / Chief of Staff.
• Understanding of Oil and Gas industry is a plus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Support: Collaborate closely with the Chairman to execute the company’s strategic vision, ensuring alignment across departments and supporting key initiatives.
• Cross-functional Coordination: Work with department heads to monitor progress on critical projects and ensure business functions (operations, finance, HR, etc.) are aligned with corporate goals.
• Internal Communications: Serve as the main liaison between the Chairman’s office and the senior leadership team, facilitating effective and timely communication across the organization.
• Project Leadership: Lead and manage high-priority cross-functional projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives. Provide ongoing updates to the Chairman and leadership team.
• Decision Support: Provide actionable insights and recommendations based on business data, industry trends, and operational performance. Prepare key materials for decision-making, including reports, presentations, and strategic reviews.
• Operational Improvement: Analyse and optimize internal processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness across functions. Lead change management initiatives and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.