Managing Director-Real Estate/ Publishing

About the Organisation

Our client is a long-standing Nigerian conglomerate with deep roots in printing, publishing, book retail, real estate, and emerging ventures, driven by a clear purpose to deliver service to humanity through profitable and sustainable enterprises. Once known as a household name in its sector, the organisation is now entering a pivotal phase of renewal—modernising operations, strengthening governance, and building a future-ready business ecosystem.

After several decades of operation, the Group is repositioning itself to reclaim market leadership, drive innovation, and unlock the full potential of its multi-vertical businesses. To lead this mandate, the organisation is seeking a transformational Managing Director.

The Role

The Managing Director will serve as the strategic leader responsible for delivering a full business turnaround, strengthening profitability, enhancing operational excellence, improving governance, and rebuilding the Group for sustainable long-term growth.

This position requires a visionary executive with the courage to lead change, the discipline to execute at scale, and the ability to manage diverse business segments including Printing, Publishing, Book Retail, Real Estate, and new ventures.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Group’s transformation agenda, ensuring all subsidiaries align with the long-term strategic vision.
• Drive operational restructuring, cost optimisation, and organisation-wide performance improvements.
• Strengthen corporate governance, regulatory compliance, risk oversight, and internal control frameworks.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, capital allocation, and investment decisions.
• Deliver large-scale projects and business initiatives with precision and financial discipline.
• Build a high-performance culture and provide leadership to General Managers and departmental Heads.
• Manage critical relationships with regulators, investors, partners, suppliers, and major stakeholders.
• Serve as the chief ambassador for the Group’s brand, values, and transformation agenda.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Success in this role will be measured using clear, realistic, and transformation-oriented KPIs:

1. Financial Performance & Business Turnaround

• Revenue growth of 10–20% YoY across targeted business units (or as aligned to Board-approved targets).
• Achieve Group profitability within agreed timelines (e.g., 12–24 months for turnaround targets).
• EBITDA margin improvement by 3–7 percentage points through cost optimisation and operational efficiency.
• Minimum X% reduction in operating expenses within the first 12 months, without compromising business continuity.

2. Operational Excellence & Efficiency

• Implementation of a full operating model redesign within 6–12 months.
• Reduction in process cycle times across major operational workflows (e.g., production, fulfilment, project delivery).
• Achievement of service-level standards across subsidiaries (e.g., production uptime, customer fulfilment, lead times).
• At least 3–5 major process improvements executed annually.

3. Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Zero regulatory penalties and consistent compliance across all business units.
• Full establishment or strengthening of governance structures (Board committees, reporting frameworks, internal audit).
• Quarterly risk assessments completed with clear mitigation plans executed.

4. Strategic Projects & Capital Investments

• On-time, on-budget delivery of major capital projects (e.g., printing upgrades, real estate developments, technology deployments).
• Minimum ROI benchmarks met for major investment decisions within 12–24 months.
• Clear project dashboard reporting to the Board every month or quarter.

5. People, Culture & Leadership

• Establishment of a high-performance culture, evidenced by improved internal performance ratings.
• Reduced staff turnover among critical roles and improved engagement scores.
• Succession plans and capability development programmes implemented in all key functions.
• Strengthened leadership bench through coaching, restructuring, and targeted recruitment.

6. Stakeholder, Brand & Market Positioning

Improved stakeholder satisfaction ratings, including from regulators, partners, and investors.

Enhanced brand visibility through strategic partnerships, improved service delivery, and market repositioning.

Reactivation of dormant business opportunities and exploration of new revenue streams.

Requirements

• Minimum 15 years senior-level leadership experience, with at least 7 years in GM, Director, or MD roles.
• Proven track record leading business turnarounds or large-scale organisational transformations.
• Experience managing multi-location, multi-business operations.
• Strong financial, commercial, and operational management capability.
• Demonstrated success in delivering large, complex, multi-billion-naira projects.
• Deep governance, compliance, and risk management orientation.
• Executive presence, sound judgement, resilience, and strong stakeholder management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MBA required.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead one of Nigeria’s most recognisable legacy groups into a new era of stability, performance, and growth.
• Work directly with the Board to reshape the organisation’s structure, systems, and future direction.
• Drive a transformation agenda that blends heritage with innovation.
• Influence multiple sectors through an integrated holding-company model.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is ideal for a business builder, turnaround expert, or corporate leader who thrives in environments requiring strategic clarity, operational discipline, and cultural transformation. Someone who is excited by the challenge of reviving legacy businesses, building from the ground up, and delivering measurable results.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should attach their CV and a short statement of suitability.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.