Country Manager – Cameroon – Africa Region

Role Overview

Country Manager – Cameroon – Africa Region at AD Ports Group. This role oversees and manages all aspects of operations within the assigned country, ensuring effective execution of commercial and operational strategies, maximizing customer satisfaction, and driving business growth.

Role Purpose

The Country Manager serves as an integral part of the leadership team, responsible for delivering top-notch services, achieving the company's strategic goals, and establishing AD Ports Group's competitive presence in the assigned country through aligned operational and commercial execution.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Identify and pursue growth and revenue opportunities within the company's business verticals across all clusters.
• Support expanding the customer base and exploring new business channels.
• Understand local market needs, dynamics, competition, customer preferences, and trends to gather valuable insights and make informed business decisions.
• Manage the progression of priority business development opportunities as defined by the Commercial Function.

Operational Management

• Provide guidance to effectively lead the daily operations of AD Ports Group Clusters in the assigned country ensuring efficiency and high-quality service.
• Ensure second-to-none customer service by capturing and addressing customer needs and coordinating operational solutions.
• Drive operational excellence in terms of timely, reliable, and safe service.
• Enforce compliance with all safety, security, legal, and regulatory requirements for the assigned country.

Financial & Governance

• Ensure that all Group Financial Procedures and Policies are in place and adhered to in the assigned Country/Operation.
• Drive cost efficiency in all administrative, operational, and technical expenditure aiming to secure financial transparency, reporting, and analysis.
• Ensure alignment with budgets and financial targets.
• Provide guidance for overall profitability, performance, and financial stability of the assigned Country/Operation.

Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain relationships with various stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, government agencies, and local partners to support achieving business objectives.
• Engage all levels of stakeholders—from government ministers and regulatory authorities to contractors and local communities.

People Management

• Collaborate with Country Cluster Managers to enhance cross-functional teamwork, ensuring efficient communication and workflow.
• Participate in the recruitment process and organizational restructuring efforts to bring in individuals with the right skill sets and cultural fit for the team.
• Offer coaching and mentoring to team members to enhance their capabilities and problem-solving skills.

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Align local strategies with the overall goals of the business and create a roadmap that guides the company's activities and ensures its competitive advantage.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate business and operational strategies to maximize the value of ADPG's presence in the assigned country.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the company's long-term strategic plans with senior management.
• Manage operational data and evaluate metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
• Provide regular reports on key performance indicators and overall business performance to corporate headquarters.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Port Management, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Professional Certifications

• Job-related certifications and credentials in ports, maritime, logistics, transportation, and supply chain management fields (highly desirable).
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification (preferred).

Years of Experience

• Minimum 15+ years of experience in ports, maritime, or heavy infrastructure project delivery.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-workstream programmes.

Sector Experience

• Proven track record delivering complex infrastructure projects in emerging markets; Africa experience is highly desirable.
• Experience managing EPC contractors, equipment procurement, and PMC consultants on large-scale infrastructure programmes.
• Experience with FIDIC-based contract management including variations, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrated ability to operate within joint venture governance structures, protecting principal interests while maintaining productive partner relationships.
• Experience establishing port or terminal infrastructure including operational readiness and commercial activation.
• Experience in dry bulk terminal development or operations (advantageous).
• Knowledge of Cameroon or Central/West Africa (advantageous).

Skills & Competencies

Technical & Sector Knowledge

• Strong understanding of FIDIC contract frameworks and EPC project delivery models.
• Knowledge of dry bulk terminal infrastructure, operations, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Extensive knowledge of local, regional, and international port operations.
• In-depth knowledge of corporate governance, finance and performance management principles, including risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and any other job-related software.

Languages

• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Proficiency in French (written and verbal).
• The role requires daily professional use of both languages across government, partner, contractor, and community interactions.
• Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region is highly advantageous.

Leadership & Interpersonal

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.
• High level of resilience and ability to operate in dynamic and developing environments.