Country General Manager
Our client (HQ in Abuja, Nigeria) is part of a European group of investors with a strong expertise in energy infrastructure and logistics for semi-solid and liquefied hydrocarbon products in Africa. The family owned company develops and operates state-of-the-art production facilities, complex distribution models and a highly specialized logistic network to service demanding industrial customers in Africa. Its mission is to establish reliable, competitive and sustainable energy solutions in regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking, thereby supporting both industrial development and socio-economic growth. To establish and scale its operations in other West- & Central African countries such as Cameroon, Ghana and Ivory Coast, the company is seeking to appoint experienced and entrepreneurial : Country Start-Up Managers West- & Central Africa Oil & Gas Industry Your Mission : • Lead the market entry and operational rollout of the company’s LNG-based energy solutions in your assigned country. • Identify, develop and secure locations for LNG import terminals, storage facilities, regasification units and refueling stations. • Manage permitting and regulatory processes with authorities, ensuring compliance and timely approvals. • Establish the local legal entity, governance and operational framework. • Build and lead the initial local organization (project, logistics, operations, commercial support). • Design and implement the “virtual pipeline” logistics model, including LNG supply via trucks and/or vessels, storage, inland distribution and delivery to industrial clients. • Develop partnerships with key stakeholders: suppliers, port authorities, transport partners, industrial off-takers and energy-intensive customers. • Oversee development, installation and commissioning of terminals, regasification systems and downstream infrastructure. • Ensure operational readiness and ramp-up, including safety, reliability and service continuity. • Manage budgets, CapEx deployment and risk, ensuring disciplined execution and reporting to Group HQ. • Act as the company’s representative and ambassador in-country, ensuring compliance, credibility and long-term positioning. Your Profile : • To qualify for this position you have a proven successful Senior Leadership experience, preferably in the Oil & Gas, Energy, Infrastructure, Logistics, Construction or related industries. • An existing and active network of relevant industrial, business and institutional stakeholders in one or more target countries in West & Central Africa (e.g. Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali).• Deep knowledge of the West- & Central African business landscape, including political, regulatory, and logistical realities. • Experience in site selection, permitting, and regulatory compliance, preferably in energy, oil & gas, logistics or industrial infrastructure projects. • Proven senior leadership experience in establishing new country operations or industrial projects in frontier/emerging markets. • Ability to build organizations from scratch: legal setup, governance, HR, operations. • High level of autonomy, pioneering mentality and entrepreneurial drive. • Financial and operational acumen: ability to manage budgets, CapEx deployment, and deliver against milestones. • Strong communication and negotiation skills, with proficiency in both English and French, depending on the country of operation. • Cultural fluency, resilience, and diplomatic tact to operate effectively in complex political and socio-economic contexts. • Willing and able to live and work in the country of assignment, with flexibility to travel across West- & Central Africa. Offer : A unique opportunity to lead a high-profile, long-term market entry project in Africa. The company offers an attractive income package with benefits and incentives, reflecting the strategic impact of this role.