General Manager - West Africa (French Speaking)
With a strong footprint across Africa and the Middle East, OBT continues to grow its regional operations, supported by robust governance, disciplined financial control, and a hands‑on leadership approach.
As General Manager, you will be permanently based in West Africa where you will lead and develop OBT’s overall business in the assigned country in a sustainable, compliant, and profitable manner. The role holds full accountability for financial results, operational excellence, people leadership, customer relationships, and regulatory compliance, ensuring strong alignment with group strategy and local market dynamics.
As the senior country leader, the General Manager drives strategic execution, organizational performance, and scalable growth while strengthening OBT’s market position and reputation in the region.
Qualifications & Experience
- Academic degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s), preferably in business, economics, logistics, or a related field.
- Experience working in Africa and/or multicultural, fast‑paced, and complex emerging‑market environments
- Proven senior management experience with P&L responsibility, in logistics, supply chain, freight forwarding, or related service industries.
- Strong understanding of end-to-end business operations, including commercial, financial, and operational management.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing multi‑functional teams in a complex operating environment.
- Strong commercial, financial, and business acumen with the ability to drive profitable growth.
- Strong operational discipline, risk awareness, and structured problem‑solving capabilities.
- Strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to translate strategy into execution.
- Proven leadership skills with a focus on people’s development and organizational effectiveness.
- Strong change management capabilities and a continuous improvement mindset.
Job Responsibilities
- Own full country P&L performance, including revenue growth, profitability, EBITDA, and cash flow.
- Develop and execute country strategy, budgets, and business plans aligned with group objectives.
- Monitor pricing, margins, cost structures, working capital, and local cash flow (AR/AP, DSO).
- Identify and mitigate financial, commercial, and operational risks.
- Identify market opportunities and develop competitive commercial advantages.
- Maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, authorities, and regulators.
- Act as escalation point for critical customer and operational issues.
- Ensure high‑quality operational performance across all functions by ensuring standards for service quality, efficiency, compliance, and risk management.
- Ensure effective use of group systems (ERP, Gatship, reporting, and digital tools).
- Maintain full compliance with local regulations and group governance requirements.
- Support HSQE implementation and ensure efficiency across Shipping and Logistics functions.
- Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing country organization.
- Establish clear objectives, KPIs, accountability structures, and performance reviews.
- Attract, retain, and develop key talent and ensure succession planning.
- Opportunity to work with a well‑established pan‑African maritime & logistics company with strong regional presence.
- Exposure to diverse projects across maritime, oil & gas, heavy‑lift, warehousing and supply‑chain sectors.
- Collaboration with experienced international team and opportunity for career growth within OBT.
- Competitive Net Salary with company‑provided accommodation and a dedicated vehicle
- International health insurance.
- Relocation smoothly with company‑funded international flights and extra luggage for personal belongings.