Head of Operations & Administration

Afro-Reach Clinical Research Organization (Afro-Reach CRO) is a clinical research organization dedicated to delivering high-quality clinical research and regulatory solutions. We support clinical trials through strong operational execution, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with sponsors and research partners, contributing to the advancement of healthcare and improved patient outcomes. We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Operations & Administration

Location: Wuse Zone 5, Abuja (FCT) - ARO Office, Nigeria

Employment Type: Full-time

Department: Operations & Administration

Work Arrangement: On-site Monday–Thursday; Remote Fridays

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Supervisory Responsibility: Designated administrative and office personnel Position Summary Afro-REACH Research Organization (ARO) is seeking an experienced, proactive, and results-driven Head of Operations & Administration to provide leadership and oversight of daily office operations, administrative functions, and designated personnel. This position will serve as the primary point of contact for internal operational and administrative matters, ensuring that the organization maintains a structured, accountable, professional, and productive working environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for establishing effective administrative processes, supervising personnel, coordinating cross-functional activities, addressing workplace challenges, and ensuring operational continuity when executive leadership is unavailable. The role requires an experienced people manager who can exercise independent judgment, maintain objectivity, manage workplace relationships professionally, and implement practical improvements in a growing organization. The Head of Operations & Administration will work closely with the CEO and functional department leads to ensure efficient daily operations while allowing executive leadership to focus on strategic priorities and business development.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership and Office Management: Provide overall leadership and coordination of ARO's day-to-day office and administrative operations. Serve as the primary point of contact and escalation for routine operational, administrative, and office-related matters. Establish and maintain clear administrative workflows, responsibilities, reporting structures, and accountability mechanisms. Oversee office facilities, supplies, equipment, administrative resources, and general workplace needs. Identify operational inefficiencies, implement corrective improvements, and monitor their effectiveness. Ensure timely completion of administrative activities and follow-up on outstanding responsibilities. Maintain continuity of office leadership and routine operational decision-making during the CEO's absence. Support the development of a structured, professional, and collaborative workplace environment. Personnel Supervision and Accountability: Directly supervise designated administrative and office personnel, with clear reporting relationships established by leadership. Establish performance expectations, monitor assigned responsibilities, and provide timely, constructive feedback. Conduct regular staff check-ins and support performance evaluations in coordination with HR. Address workplace conflicts, employee concerns, and interpersonal challenges objectively, professionally, and confidentially. Promote fair and consistent application of organizational policies and workplace expectations. Identify performance or conduct concerns and work with HR to implement appropriate corrective or developmental actions. Support employee coaching, professional development, and improved team effectiveness. Foster a culture of accountability, mutual respect, professionalism, and effective communication. Administrative Management and Process Improvement: Oversee the execution of administrative processes, office scheduling, internal coordination, and general business support activities. Develop, standardize, and improve administrative workflows to enhance efficiency and accountability. Coordinate administrative procurement, office expenditures, and resource needs in collaboration with Finance and within approved authority. Ensure administrative documentation, operational records, and internal reports are appropriately maintained. Monitor administrative deliverables and follow up on delays or outstanding actions. Support implementation of approved organizational policies and procedures. Identify opportunities to improve internal communication, resource utilization, and administrative effectiveness. Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate with HR, Finance, Project Management, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, IT, and other functional teams. Facilitate coordination between departments to address shared operational and administrative needs. Monitor cross-functional administrative commitments and support timely resolution of operational bottlenecks. Organize internal operational meetings, track assigned action items, and follow up on completion. Support functional leaders in addressing administrative challenges affecting team productivity. Ensure relevant operational information is communicated to appropriate stakeholders. Organizational Governance and Compliance: Promote consistent implementation of ARO's approved policies, procedures, and workplace standards. Collaborate with HR and QA to support administrative compliance and organizational readiness. Ensure significant operational concerns and potential compliance risks are appropriately documented and escalated. Support internal reviews, audits, and inspections relating to office administration and operational processes. Mainta