General Manager - Marine Works Division

Adexen is seeking an experienced General Manager - Marine Works Division for one of the leading civil construction groups in Nigeria. The role is based in Lagos - Nigeria

The General Manager Marine Works Division will be directly involved in the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the Lagos Port, a landmark infrastructure project valued at approximately USD 1.3 billion.

He will lead the full marine works business unit, with responsibility for strategy, operations, project delivery, commercial performance, technical excellence, HSE, stakeholder management and team development.

This is a senior leadership role for a proven marine construction executive able to operate at both strategic and operational level. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering one of West Africa’s most significant port rehabilitation projects, while strengthening the company’s long-term marine works capability in Nigeria and across the region.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Division Management:

• Lead and develop the Marine Works Division as a high-performing business unit within the group.
• Define and implement the division’s strategy, operating model, resources, systems and performance standards.
• Oversee the successful delivery of large-scale marine infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on the Lagos Port rehabilitation project.
• Ensure alignment between project execution, commercial objectives, technical standards and the group’s long-term growth ambitions.
• Support the company’s positioning as a leading contractor for port, maritime and coastal infrastructure projects in Nigeria and West Africa.

Project Delivery and Technical Oversight:

• Oversee all marine works activities including port rehabilitation, quay walls, jetties, dredging, reclamation, piling, breakwaters, coastal protection, marine foundations and related civil works.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget and in line with international quality standards.
• Supervise planning, engineering, procurement, construction, subcontractor management, commissioning and handover.
• Review technical designs, construction methodologies, project schedules, budgets and risk plans.
• Anticipate technical and operational issues and implement practical solutions in challenging site environments.

Commercial and Financial Management:

• Take responsibility for the financial performance of the Marine Works Division.
• Manage budgets, cost control, forecasts, claims, variations and project profitability.
• Support tendering, contract negotiations, commercial strategy and business development for future marine works opportunities.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, cost efficiency, equipment utilisation and subcontractor performance.
• Provide clear and timely reporting to executive management on operational, financial and project performance.

Stakeholder and Client Management:

• Act as a senior representative of the company with clients, port authorities, government agencies, consultants, engineering partners, subcontractors and local communities.
• Build trusted relationships with key stakeholders involved in the Lagos Port rehabilitation project.
• Manage sensitive project interfaces in a complex operating environment.
• Ensure transparent communication on project progress, risks, milestones and key decisions.
• Promote a collaborative approach with internal teams, external partners and public authorities.

Team Leadership and Capability Building:

• Lead a multidisciplinary team including project managers, marine engineers, civil engineers, planners, quantity surveyors, HSE professionals, procurement teams and site operations teams.
• Build technical and managerial capability within the Marine Works Division.
• Set clear objectives, performance standards and accountability across the team.
• Promote a culture of safety, discipline, collaboration, problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Mentor local talent and contribute to the long-term development of Nigerian engineering and construction capabilities.

HSE, Quality and Compliance:

• Ensure strict compliance with HSE standards, environmental requirements, permits, regulations and contractual obligations.
• Promote a strong safety culture across all marine works sites and subcontractor activities.
• Implement robust quality assurance and quality control procedures.
• Ensure that all works comply with international standards for marine construction, port infrastructure and environmental management.
• Identify, monitor and mitigate operational, technical, financial, contractual and reputational risks.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Coastal Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 20 years’ experience in civil engineering, marine construction, port development or major infrastructure projects.
• Proven experience in senior leadership roles such as General Manager, Operations Director, Project Director, Marine Works Director or Business Unit Head.
• Strong track record delivering large-scale marine infrastructure projects, ideally including port rehabilitation, quay walls, dredging, reclamation, piling, breakwaters or coastal protection works.
• Experience managing major projects or divisions with significant budget responsibility.
• Strong technical understanding of marine works execution, engineering interfaces, construction methods, equipment, planning and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects in challenging environments, preferably in Africa or emerging markets.
• Strong commercial acumen, including cost control, claims, variations, subcontractor management and profitability improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage clients, government bodies, port authorities, consultants and local partners.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to lead multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
• High standards of safety, quality, ethics and operational discipline.
• Proficiency in project management tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project and Microsoft Office.
• Professional engineering certification, PMP or equivalent project management qualification would be an advantage.
• Previous experience in Africa would be highly valued.

We thank all applicants however only those selected will be contacted.