Head of Operations & Administration at Afro-Reach Clinical Research Organization – Abuja

Afro-Reach Clinical Research Organization is recruiting a Head of Operations and Administration for its office in Wuse Zone 5, Abuja. This senior operational role reports to the CEO and is responsible for daily administration, office coordination, supervision of designated personnel and business continuity.

Responsibilities

• Direct office administration, facilities, supplies, equipment, scheduling and day-to-day operational support.
• Establish clear administrative procedures, responsibility lines, reporting arrangements and follow-up mechanisms to improve accountability and efficiency.
• Supervise designated administrative employees, monitor performance, provide coaching and work with HR on employee development or corrective action.
• Handle workplace concerns and conflicts objectively, professionally and confidentially, escalating formal personnel matters under approved HR processes.
• Coordinate administrative procurement, office spending and records with Finance within approved budgets and delegated limits.
• Work with HR, Finance, Project Management, Clinical Operations, Regulatory Affairs, QA and IT to resolve cross-functional administrative needs.
• Arrange internal operational meetings, track action items, communicate updates and remove office-related bottlenecks.
• Maintain organisational policies, confidentiality, administrative audit readiness and risk escalation.
• Provide regular operational reports to the CEO and maintain office leadership during executive absences.
• Respect the independence of specialist departmental leaders: clinical studies, QA, regulatory decisions, formal HR actions, financial controls and IT administration remain with their respective functions.

Qualifications and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Human Resources, Management or a related discipline.
• A master’s degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field is an advantage; relevant professional certifications are desirable.
• At least seven years of progressive experience in operations management, administration or organisational leadership.
• Three to five years of direct people-management experience, including performance supervision and workplace conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated success building administrative structures, improving workflows, supporting business growth and making sound independent operational decisions.
• Strong interpersonal communication, professional judgement, organisation, planning, discretion, mediation and Microsoft Office skills.
• Experience in regulated, healthcare, pharmaceutical, clinical research or professional-services organisations is preferred.

Work schedule and delegated authority

• Monday to Thursday: on-site at the Abuja office during business hours.
• Friday: remote working, subject to business needs; extra Friday office attendance may be required.
• The Head of Operations leads routine administrative matters and designated personnel but escalates decisions involving hiring, termination, compensation, major financial commitments, restructuring, regulatory compliance and changes to approved policies.
• Performance will be measured through office efficiency, staff accountability, cross-functional coordination, process improvement and continuity of operational leadership.