Country Manager – Cameroon – Africa Region

Position Overview

The Country Manager will be responsible for the overall management and leadership of operations within the assigned country, focusing on executing commercial and operational strategies to enhance customer satisfaction and drive growth. This pivotal leadership role contributes to achieving the company’s strategic objectives through efficient service delivery.

Core Responsibilities

• Identify and capitalize on growth and revenue opportunities across all business verticals and support expansion into new markets.
• Analyze local market conditions, including competition and customer trends, to inform strategic decisions.
• Lead daily operations within the country clusters to ensure operational efficiency and superior service quality.
• Advance priority business development initiatives in conjunction with the Commercial Function team.
• Maintain exceptional customer service by understanding client needs and coordinating appropriate operational responses.
• Champion operational excellence by ensuring timely, dependable, and safe delivery of services.
• Ensure strict adherence to all Group Financial Policies and Procedures within the country.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with clients, suppliers, government bodies, and local collaborators to support business goals.
• Enforce compliance with safety, security, legal, and regulatory standards applicable within the country.

People Management

• Work closely with Country Cluster Managers to foster effective cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Contribute to recruitment and organizational restructuring to secure talent aligned with the cultural and skill requirements.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to develop team members’ capabilities and enhance problem-solving.

Strategic Leadership

• Align and develop local strategies consistent with overall corporate goals, steering the company’s activities for competitive advantage.
• Plan, implement, and review business and operational strategies to maximize the country’s value to the group.
• Participate actively in long-term strategic planning with senior management.
• Oversee profitability, operational performance, and financial stability in the country’s operations.
• Promote cost efficiency across all administrative, operational, and technical expenses ensuring budget adherence.
• Manage operational metrics, identify improvement areas, and implement corrective measures.
• Prepare and deliver regular performance reports to corporate headquarters.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Port Management, or related disciplines; Master’s degree preferred.
• Relevant certifications in ports, maritime, logistics, transportation, or supply chain are highly desirable.
• Excellent communication and public speaking skills in English and French, with additional regional languages being advantageous.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• In-depth understanding of corporate governance, finance, risk management, compliance, and regulatory frameworks in port operations.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of local, regional, and international port operations.
• Preferred certifications include PMP, PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualifications.
• Familiarity with FIDIC contract frameworks and EPC project delivery methods.
• Knowledge of dry bulk terminal infrastructure, operations, and environmental compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related software tools.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years in ports, maritime, or heavy infrastructure project delivery, with at least 7 years in senior leadership roles managing complex multi-workstream programs.
• Proven success delivering infrastructure projects in emerging markets, preferably in Africa.
• Experience overseeing EPC contractors, equipment procurement, and consultancy management on large projects.
• Expertise in FIDIC contract management including handling variations, claims, and disputes.
• Ability to operate effectively within joint venture governance structures, balancing principal and partner interests.
• Background in establishing operational readiness and commercial activation of port or terminal infrastructure.
• Comfortable engaging across all stakeholder levels including government officials, contractors, and local communities.
• Experience with dry bulk terminal development or operations and knowledge of Cameroon or Central/West Africa is advantageous.
• Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in dynamic and developing environments.

About AD Ports Group

AD Ports Group is a global leader advancing trade, industrialization, and economic diversification through organic growth and strategic partnerships. Owned by ADQ, one of Abu Dhabi’s largest holding companies, AD Ports Group operates across five clusters: Digital, Economic Cities & Free Zones, Logistics, Maritime, and Ports, facilitating connections in global maritime and trade networks.

Our Team and Culture

We are proud recipients of the Investors in People (IIP) Platinum accreditation, reflecting our commitment to career development and diversity. Our environment encourages growth opportunities both laterally and upward, welcoming individuals of diverse backgrounds and expertise.