Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Smart Partners Consulting Limited (SPCL)

• The Chief Operating Officer is a critical leadership appointment that will enable the Founding Partner to focus on legal practice, governance advisory, academic contribution, and strategic leadership.
• The COO will assume full operational responsibility for the day-to-day running of the firm, ensuring that people, processes, finances, and client service standards operate at the highest level of excellence without requiring the constant involvement of the Founding Partner.

Essential:

• A relevant Degree in Law, Business Administration, Finance, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in law firm management, professional services operations, or a senior operational leadership role.
• Demonstrated track record of managing a P&L and firm finances independently.
• Experience directly managing a team of 15 or more people.
• Deep familiarity with legal practice management systems, billing platforms, and document management tools.

Preferred:

• MBA or equivalent postgraduate qualification in management or leadership.
• Prior experience in a top-tier Nigerian or international law firm.
• Understanding of governance frameworks, board operations, and institutional compliance in Nigeria.
• Experience interfacing with government institutions, boards, and C-suite executives.

Competencies & Personal Attributes:

• Commands genuine authority and respect
• Impeccable discretion
• High emotional intelligence
• "Brings solutions, not just problems."
• Strong financial acumen and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Proficiency in legal practice management systems
• HR management — hiring through exit.

Interested and qualified candidates should send a cover letter addressing their suitability against the criteria set out above, together with a detailed curriculum vitae to: talent@smartpartnersng.com using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.