Chief Operating Officer (Northern Region)

HRsmartrecruit - Our client, Greengates Specialties Limited, we supply premium flavour and fragrance extracts, raw materials, and specialty chemical ingredients to food, beverage, personal care, and industrial manufacturers across Nigeria. Our core brand theme - "Natural Aroma, Making Real Sense" - drives everything we do, from product quality to how we build lasting commercial partnerships. They are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (Northern Region)

Location: Gwagwalada, Abuja (FCT)

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Managing Director / CEO ​About the Role ​We are looking for a practical, experienced, and results-focused Chief Operating Officer (COO) to take full ownership of our Abuja office and lead our expansion across the Northern region. In this role, you will run daily regional operations, lead our sales and technical teams, keep our warehouse and supply chain moving smoothly, and handle key regulatory relationships with federal agencies based in Abuja. ​What You Will Be Doing Lead the commercial strategy for our core divisions-Food & Flavours (FFID), Fragrance & Cosmetics (FCID), and Bulk Ingredients (BID). You will be responsible for hitting regional revenue targets, opening new markets, and managing the Abuja branch budget. Work directly with warehouse, inventory, and logistics teams to make sure stock levels are tracked accurately, orders are fulfilled without delay, and deliveries reach clients across Northern Nigeria safely and on time. Act as the main representative for Greengates with government regulatory bodies in Abuja, including NAFDAC, SON, the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Investment, and Customs. You'll ensure our product imports, approvals, and regional documentation stay fully compliant. ​Connect with decision-makers at food processing plants, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and personal care companies. You’ll work alongside our sales and technical support teams to recommend the right ingredients for their formulations. Guide, mentor, and build a strong team in our Abuja office. You will work closely with Lagos Head Office HR on recruitment, staff training, performance evaluations, and maintaining a healthy, disciplined work culture. ​What We Are Looking For A Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA or relevant Master’s degree is a clear plus. 10 - 12 years of overall working experience in B2B sales, chemical distribution, FMCG, or food raw materials-including at least 5 years managing teams at a Senior Manager, GM, or Executive level. Strong, direct experience working with NAFDAC, SON, and other federal agencies in Abuja. Practical understanding of supply chain logistics, warehouse management, stock control, and P&L management. ​Strong negotiation skills, clear written and verbal communication, and a grounded, team-first leadership style.