Chief Operating Officer

Ardent Universe is an IT solutions and staffing company. We connect businesses to the talent they need while helping job seekers access real opportunities.At Ardent Universe, we power the workforce of multiple global companies by connecting them to the people they need to thrive. We have helped organisations across industries streamline their operations through recruitment, staffing, payroll, HR outsourcing, and business process outsourcing (BPO). From oil rigs to call centres serving millions of customers, Ardent Universe is the trusted partner for companies that need reliable, skilled, and scalable workforce solutions.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Lagos

Description

• We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee business operations, drive organisational performance, and ensure the effective execution of the company's strategic objectives.
• The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO to translate business priorities into actionable plans, strengthen operational processes, improve financial and resource efficiency, and establish clear accountability across teams.
• This role requires a commercially minded leader who can balance business growth with operational discipline, risk management, and service delivery.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, streamline workflows, resolve operational bottlenecks, and ensure effective coordination across business functions.
• Translate strategic objectives into measurable departmental targets, monitor performance, and implement corrective actions where results fall below expectations.
• Work with Finance to monitor operating budgets, expenditure, resource utilisation, financial reporting, and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Strengthen operational controls, identify business risks, address process weaknesses, and ensure appropriate documentation and escalation procedures.
• Establish performance standards, monitor turnaround times and service quality, and address recurring operational issues affecting clients.
• Lead departmental heads, establish accountability frameworks, review team performance, and ensure employees deliver against agreed objectives.

Requirements

• Masters' Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, or a related discipline.
• 7-10 years of relevant professional experience, including substantial experience in operations or business management.
• Previous experience in financial services, fintech, banking, lending, payments, investment services, or a related regulated industry.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams, improve operational performance, and implement effective business processes.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, budgeting, operational risk, and performance management.
• Excellent leadership, analytical, negotiation, communication, and decision-making skills.