Our client (HQ in Abuja, Nigeria) is part of a European group of investors with a strong expertise in energy infrastructure and logistics for semi-solid and liquefied hydrocarbon products in Africa. The family owned company develops and operates state-of-the-art production facilities, complex distribution models and a highly specialized logistic network to service demanding industrial customers in Africa. Its mission is to establish reliable, competitive and sustainable energy solutions in regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking, thereby supporting both industrial development and socio-economic growth.
To spearhead the establishment and launch of its first operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the group is hiring a :
Country Manager DRC – Operations Start-Up & Market Entry
Energy Infrastructure - Expatriate PositionFunction
Site identification & acquisition for a new industrial production plant. • Permits & regulatory pathway management with national and provincial authorities. • Establishment of a legal entity and implementation of governance and compliance frameworks.• Recruitment and leadership of the first local core team across project management, engineering, logistics, administration. • Planning, coordination and oversight of early-stage development, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness. • Design and setup of a distribution model to serve key industrial hubs in Kongo Central and Kinshasa. • Collaboration with established industrial off-takers and key suppliers, ensuring commercial and logistical feasibility. • Budget control, CapEx/OpEx planning, risk assessment and structured reporting to Group HQ. • Acting as the company’s official representative and ambassador in DRC, safeguarding compliance, transparency and long-term credibility.
Profile
• To qualify for this position you have a proven successful Senior Executive Leadership experience, preferably in the Oil & Gas, Energy, Infrastructure, Logistics, Construction or related industries.• An existing and active network of relevant industrial and business contacts, stakeholders and institutional relationships within the DRC. • Deep knowledge of the DRC business landscape, including political, regulatory, and logistical realities, with specific familiarity with Kongo Central Province and Kinshasa. • Experience in site selection, permitting, and regulatory compliance, preferably in energy, oil & gas, logistics or industrial infrastructure projects. • Proven senior leadership experience in establishing new country operations or industrial projects in frontier/emerging markets. • Expertise in project management, permitting, stakeholder management and regulatory compliance. • Ability to build organizations from scratch: legal setup, governance, HR, operations. • High level of autonomy, pioneering mentality and entrepreneurial drive. • Financial and operational acumen: ability to manage budgets, CapEx deployment, and deliver against milestones. • Excellent communication and negotiation skills in French and English. • Cultural fluency, resilience, and diplomatic tact to operate effectively in complex political and socio-economic contexts. • Willingness to live and work initially in Kinshasa and later relocate to Kongo Central.
Offer
A unique opportunity to lead a high-profile, long-term market entry project in Central Africa. The company offers an attractive income package with benefits and incentives, reflecting the strategic impact of this role.
How to react?
If you are interested, we ask you to apply online by registering your profile and informing us about your competencies for this position.Your Consultant : Mr. Marc Van Beethovenm.vanbeethoven@searchselection.com
Interviews and meetings will be organised on different locations in Europe and Africa.
Documents
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