Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer At Dragnet Nigeria
full-time
Description
The incoming Managing Director will inherit a business that has just delivered its strongest financial performance in its history, with a workforce of more than 2,400 people.
This is not a turnaround mandate it is a growth mandate.
The Board is looking for a leader who can scale what is already working, take the company into new markets, and build an institution that defines standards for aviation services on the African continent.
The Role
As MD/CEO, you will have complete executive authority over the company's strategy, operations, finances, regulatory posture, and people reporting directly to the Board of Directors. Your principal accountabilities will include:
Formulating and executing a multi-year strategic plan that delivers consistent revenue growth, margin improvement, and shareholder value as a listed company, you will be accountable to institutional and retail investors on the Nigerian Exchange.
Leading the company's geographic expansion into the UAE and target African markets from regulatory entry strategy through to live operations.
Sustaining the company's internationally recognised safety and quality certifications, and embedding a safety-first culture that is non-negotiable at every level of the organisation.
Owning all relationships with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), FAAN, NAMA, and IATA maintaining the company's operating licences and shaping regulatory policy in Nigeria's aviation sector.
Building and leading a high-performing executive team across eight direct reports, including COO, CFO, Chief Commercial Officer, and General Managers for Human Capital, HSSE, IT, Cargo Operations, and Legal/Company Secretary.
Winning and retaining airline client contracts ensuring the company remains the partner of choice for international and domestic carriers operating in Nigeria.
Driving digital transformation across all service lines from cargo management systems and smart baggage handling to GSE telematics and real-time operational dashboards.
Qualifications
A good Bachelor's Degree in any relevant discipline Engineering, Business Administration, Aviation Management, Operations, or equivalent.
A postgraduate qualification (MBA, MSc, or professional certification) is an advantage but not a barrier to application.
Any relevant aviation or logistics professional certification IATA, ICAO, Institute of Directors (IoD Nigeria), or similar is a plus.
Experience:
What We Need
Years
Senior leadership in aviation, transport, logistics, or infrastructure services
12+ yrs
P&L ownership as CEO, MD, COO, or GM of a significant business unit
4+ yrs
Managing teams of 200 or more people across multiple locations
4+ yrs
Direct engagement with government regulators or industry authorities
Demonstrated
Aviation / airport / logistics sector operations (any function)
Demonstrated
What Will Set You Apart:
A track record of building or scaling an operations-intensive service business in Nigeria or Africa.
Experience with a listed company investor relations, Board reporting, or NGX/SEC governance obligations.
Familiarity with NCAA regulations, IATA standards, or international aviation safety management systems.
A demonstrated ability to win commercial contracts and build long-term client relationships at the C-suite level.
Proven leadership through change technology adoption, market expansion, or workforce transformation.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for an experienced, commercially confident Nigerian executive with a genuine passion for aviation someone who combines boardroom credibility with operational realism, and who has the leadership presence to inspire 2,400 people while representing the company to regulators, investors, and airline CEOs.