Director of Infrastructure (Marine Transport-Public Sector)

Our client is a foremost firm in the Marine Transport Sector of the economy, with local and international repute, situated in Lagos, Nigeria.  The organisation has vast experience managing, enhancing, and improving navigation opportunities for the country's waterways.

We are looking to recruit a Director of Infrastructure who will develop and implement strategic plans for designing, constructing, and maintaining ferry terminals, docks, and supporting infrastructure.

This role is essential to the success of a major international project based in Lagos State.

Job Objective

The primary purpose of the job

To oversee the strategic planning, development, and maintenance of all infrastructure supporting ferry operations, including terminals, docks, maintenance facilities, and IT systems, ensuring optimal functionality, safety, and scalability.

The role focuses on maintaining the physical assets that enable smooth ferry operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing passenger and operational efficiency, and implementing innovative solutions to improve the overall infrastructure. The objective is to support reliable and safe ferry operations, minimise downtime, optimise resource use, and align infrastructure development with long-term business growth goals.

Principal Accountabilities and Responsibilities

This job is expected to perform strategic and operational tasks and responsibilities, as well as the results to be achieved.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure Strategy and Planning

Develop and implement strategic plans for designing, constructing, and maintaining ferry terminals, docks, and supporting infrastructure.

Plan and oversee long-term infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with the company’s business goals and growth plans.

Conduct infrastructure risk assessments and create contingency plans to mitigate potential disruptions to ferry operations.

Terminal and Dock Management

Oversee the operations, maintenance, and improvements of ferry terminals, docks, and passenger facilities.

Ensure that all terminals and docks are safe, compliant with regulations, and capable of efficiently handling passenger and vehicle traffic.

Monitor the condition of infrastructure assets and schedule regular inspections, maintenance, and upgrades to avoid breakdowns or service delays.

Facility Maintenance and Improvement

Oversee the maintenance of ferry maintenance yards, repair shops, fuel storage facilities, and other support buildings.

Ensure facilities can handle routine and emergency ferry repairs and adhere to safety and environmental regulations.

Manage contractors and service providers involved in maintaining and upgrading ferry-related infrastructure.

IT and Systems Management

Collaborate with IT teams to ensure that the ferry ticketing, scheduling, tracking, and communication systems are reliable and up to date.

Oversee technology integration into infrastructure to improve operational efficiency (e.g., real-time vessel tracking, automated ticketing systems).

Ensure the security of all IT systems related to infrastructure management, including protecting against cyber threats.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety

Ensure that all ferry infrastructure complies with local, national, and international maritime regulations and safety standards.

Liaise with maritime authorities, environmental agencies, and local governments to maintain compliance with safety, environmental, and zoning laws.

Develop and implement safety protocols to ensure that terminals, docks, and other infrastructure assets operate safely for passengers and staff.

Budget Management and Financial Oversight

Develop and manage the infrastructure department’s budget, ensuring that all projects and maintenance activities are cost-effective.

Oversee the financial planning and cost estimation for significant infrastructure development and repair projects.

Monitor facility management, repairs, and upgrade expenditures, identifying possible cost-saving opportunities.

Project Management

Lead the planning, design, and execution of infrastructure projects, including expanding or modernising ferry terminals, docks, and maintenance facilities.

Manage contractors, engineers, architects, and other professionals involved in infrastructure development and renovation projects.

Ensure that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the required quality standards.

Environmental Sustainability

Implement sustainable practices in the maintenance and development of ferry infrastructure, such as reducing energy consumption, waste, and emissions.

Work on reducing the environmental footprint of ferry terminals, docks, and maintenance operations by adopting green technologies.

Monitor compliance with environmental regulations, particularly waste management, water usage, and pollution control in dock and terminal areas.

Stakeholder Management and Collaboration

Liaise with ferry operation teams, government bodies, local authorities, and maritime agencies to ensure that infrastructure meets operational needs and regulatory requirements.

Engage with stakeholders, including local communities and environmental groups, during the planning and execution of infrastructure projects.

Foster collaboration across departments (operations, safety, IT, finance) to ensure integrated infrastructure development and operational continuity.

Crisis and Emergency Management

Develop emergency response plans for infrastructure-related incidents, including terminal or dock failures, environmental hazards, or IT system outages.

Ensure that contingency measures are in place to deal with infrastructure disruptions and minimise impacts on ferry services.

Coordinate with emergency services and maritime authorities during crises affecting infrastructure assets.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting

Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to infrastructure performance, including maintenance schedules, downtime, and project completion.

Regularly report on the condition of the infrastructure to senior management, including recommendations for repairs, upgrades, or new developments.

Utilize data analytics to improve decision-making regarding maintenance schedules, facility upgrades, and operational efficiency.

Innovation and Technology Integration

Stay informed of emerging technologies and industry trends to improve infrastructure resilience and efficiency.

Oversee the integration of intelligent infrastructure solutions, such as automated systems for terminal operations or remote monitoring of docks and maintenance facilities.

Implement digital tools to improve the efficiency of infrastructure management, including predictive maintenance systems and real-time asset monitoring.

KPIs

Terminal and dock availability

Capital project completion on time

Facility downtime

Sustainability metrics

Safety inspection pass rate

Performance of infrastructure assets

Regulatory Compliance

Emergency preparedness and response

Competencies Required

(Indicate essential functional skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for performing the job.

Civil and marine engineering knowledge

Risk management and mitigation

Maritime regulations and safety standards

Budgeting and cost control

Project Management

Sustainability Focus

Long-term infrastructure planning

Problem-Solving

Stakeholder Management

Leadership Skills

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

(Experience, education, and certification required of the employee performing the job)

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Environmental Science, Urban Planning, or a related field (master’s preferred).

10 years of infrastructure management experience, focusing on waterways or related projects.

Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification.

Experience in the public sector or government projects related to waterways.