Commercial & Industrial Operations Manager 205 views

About USET-DST

USET-DST was incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Gambia Companies Act (2013). As the officially mandated commercial and industrial subsidiary of The Gambia University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), USET-DST operationalizes the university’s entrepreneurial mandate.

Established under USET’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Entrepreneurship (STEE) philosophy, the University’s statutory mandate includes the delivery of world-class engineering and entrepreneurship education through cutting-edge Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I).

USET-DST represents the commercial expression of this mandate. The company is structured as a business subsidiary with fixed equity guaranteed by its Board of Directors (BODs), enabling USET to operate industry-facing production, manufacturing, applied research, and technology commercialization services.

Our Mission

To support clients and partners through a portfolio of engineering and business services that are bespoke, industry-responsive, and innovation-driven.

Our Vision

To emerge as a leading provider of engineering and business solutions in the West African sub-region.

Our Core Values

Resourcefulness | Enterprise | Novelty | Transcendence | Partnership

USET-DST operates within a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework aligned with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) principles, balancing:

• People – social equity and inclusive enterprise
• Planet – low carbon design and sustainable engineering
• Profit – commercial sustainability and enterprise ecosystem growth

The Opportunity

USET-DST seeks to recruit a highly accomplished Commercial & Industrial Operations Manager to lead its industrial commercialization, PPP development, and asset optimization strategy.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic oversight of:

• Public–Private Partnership (PPP) structuring
• Revenue growth and asset utilization
• Industry partnerships and commercialization
• Operational governance and performance management

The successful candidate will play a transformative role in repositioning USET-DST as a high-impact industrial innovation platform in West Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a 3–5 year commercial strategy
• Lead PPP negotiations (JV, Concession, Lease, Management Contracts)
• Optimize industrial asset utilization
• Drive revenue diversification beyond tuition dependency
• Establish strong financial performance tracking systems
• Build industry networks (local, regional, international)
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards
• Integrate commercial operations with academic and R&D activities

Required Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Industrial Management, Engineering Management, or related discipline from reputable institutions
• Minimum 10 years professional experience
• At least 5 years in senior managerial role
• Proven track record managing industrial or engineering enterprises
• Demonstrated experience in PPP or infrastructure partnerships
• Strong financial and operational management capability

Desirable

• Experience in emerging markets
• Experience in university commercialization models
• Familiarity with development finance and donor-funded project

Competencies

• Strategic commercial leadership
• Industrial production management
• Contract negotiation
• Financial modeling and cost control
• Revenue growth planning
• Governance and compliance
• Stakeholder diplomacy
• Performance-driven leadership

Remuneration

Competitive international package commensurate with experience.

Indicative range:

Performance-linked incentives are applicable.

Location: The Gambia (West Africa)

Contract Duration: Initial 2-year contract, renewable based on performance.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter outlining commercial achievements
• Contact details of three referees

Applications should be submitted to: vc@uset.edu.gm. & deputy.registrar.hrm@uset.edu.gm

Application Deadline:

Date & Time: Thursday, July 20th 2026 @ 23:59hrs GMT

USET-DST is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, gender inclusion, and professional excellence.

For inquiries, Please use any of the following emails and phone numbers: vc@uset.edu.gm; O.ikonne@uset.edu.gm;  diie@uset.eud.gm  

+2207540157; +2207484002