Managing Director / CEO

About the Role

Dragnet Solutions is recruiting a Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer for a leading client in Nigeria's aviation sector. The client is a publicly listed, market-leading aviation services company, certified to high international safety and quality standards, serving major airports in Nigeria and positioned for expansion across Africa and the Middle East.

The incoming MD/CEO will lead a business that has delivered strong financial performance, with a workforce of more than 2,400 people. This is a growth mandate: scale what is working, enter new markets, and build an institution that defines standards for aviation services on the African continent. The role is based in Lagos, Nigeria (onsite).

Key Responsibilities

• Hold complete executive authority over strategy, operations, finances, regulatory posture, and people, reporting directly to the Board of Directors
• Formulate and execute a multi-year strategic plan that delivers consistent revenue growth, margin improvement, and shareholder value, with accountability to investors on the Nigerian Exchange
• Lead geographic expansion into the UAE and target African markets, from regulatory entry through to live operations
• Sustain internationally recognised safety and quality certifications and embed a safety-first culture
• Own relationships with NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, and IATA; maintain operating licences and help shape regulatory policy in Nigeria's aviation sector
• Build and lead 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
• Win and retain airline client contracts so the company remains the partner of choice for international and domestic carriers in Nigeria
• Drive digital transformation across service lines (cargo management, smart baggage handling, GSE telematics, and real-time operational dashboards)

Requirements

• Experienced, commercially confident Nigerian executive with a genuine passion for aviation; boardroom credibility with operational realism; presence to lead 2,400 people and represent the company to regulators, investors, and airline CEOs
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Business Administration, Aviation Management, Operations, or equivalent); postgraduate qualification (MBA, MSc, or professional certification) is an advantage
• Relevant aviation or logistics professional certification (IATA, ICAO, Institute of Directors Nigeria, or similar) is a plus
• 12+ years senior leadership in aviation, transport, logistics, or infrastructure services
• 4+ years P&L ownership as CEO, MD, COO, or GM of a significant business unit
• 4+ years managing teams of 200 or more people across multiple locations
• Demonstrated direct engagement with government regulators or industry authorities
• Demonstrated aviation / airport / logistics sector operations experience (any function)
• 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) preferred
• Familiarity with NCAA regulations, IATA standards, or international aviation safety management systems preferred
• Ability to win commercial contracts and build long-term C-suite client relationships
• Proven leadership through change (technology adoption, market expansion, or workforce transformation)

Other

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Equal opportunity employer; women and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
• Application deadline: September 20, 2026