Role: Managing Director – Downstream Operations
Location: Lagos (Nigeria)
Reports to: CEO
Industry: Oil & Gas

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.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategic Direction:

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s downstream strategy, with a focus on growth in lubricant sales, retail petrol stations and expanding market share.

• Develop and implement innovative strategies to drive sales, improve market penetration, and enhance profitability in the downstream sector.

• Lead and inspire senior management and operational teams across sales, marketing, supply chain and retail operations to achieve business objectives and align with corporate goals.

• Represent the company in high-level external engagements, including partnerships, industry forums, regulatory bodies and media, ensuring alignment with the company’s interests and values.

Lubricants Business Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of the lubricants business, including product development, marketing, sales, distribution and customer service.

• Drive brand positioning and marketing efforts to establish and maintain a competitive edge in the lubricants market.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key distributors, wholesalers and retailers to drive penetration and expand the company’s reach in both domestic and regional markets.

• Optimize the product mix and pricing strategies to maximize revenue and market share while maintaining competitive advantage.

• Monitor customer feedback and market trends to continuously improve product offerings and customer experience.

Retail & Petrol Stations Management:

• Oversee the operations of a network of retail petrol stations across Nigeria, ensuring that all stations meet the company’s standards for quality, safety and customer service.

• Implement strategies to drive fuel and non-fuel sales, improving profitability at each station while maintaining brand integrity and customer loyalty.

Sales & Distribution:

• Oversee the nationwide distribution network for lubricants and fuel, ensuring timely and efficient delivery to customers while minimizing operational costs.

• Drive sales targets for lubricants and fuel, with a particular focus on expanding the retail network and increasing the company’s share of the market.

• Monitor sales performance, analyse data and adjust strategies to meet changing market conditions and consumer behaviour.

• Manage the logistics and supply chain for fuel and lubricant distribution, ensuring that inventory levels are optimally managed and demand forecasts are accurately met.

Qualifications & Experience:

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 15 years of experience in the downstream oil and gas industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Experience in managing lubricants sales, retail petrol station operations and FMCG distribution is essential.
Industry Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of downstream oil and gas operations, including fuel retail, lubricants product management and distribution networks.
FMCG Expertise: Proven experience in the FMCG sector, with expertise in brand management, customer relations, retail operations and sales distribution.