Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Okpalo

Surulere,Nigeria

Summary

Dynamic and results-driven Professional with a wealth of experience in business development, operations, and program management. Founder and Lead Consultant at Ciora Consults, specializing in delivering HR solutions, recruitment services, and training programs for SMEs. Proven track record of successfully managing projects, driving operational efficiency, and building strategic business relationships across multiple sectors.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education

Work history

Lead Consultant

Ciora Consults
Surulere, Nigeria
01.2024 - 11.2024

Founded and lead a dynamic HR consulting, recruitment, and training firm, providing tailored HR solutions to SMEs.


Key Contributions:

  • Developed and implemented HR strategies to optimize workflows, align policies, and foster positive work environments
  • Delivered customized training programs to enhance team capabilities and drive professional growth
  • Managed end-to-end recruitment services, sourcing top talent for client organizations

Program Manager

Reach Technologies
Kaduna State
03.2022 - 08.2023

Led the successful execution of the Young Africa Works Program in partnership with Jobberman and the Mastercard Foundation.


Key Contributions:

  • Managed internal and external communications, ensuring cross-functional collaboration.
  • Recruited and managed State Coordinators across three pilot states (Kaduna, Kano, Lagos).
  • Oversaw the alignment of project objectives and drove effective execution across all stages.
  • Developed comprehensive programme plans to achieve strategic objectives.

Territory Sales Manager

TradeDepot
Ikeja, Nigeria
08.2021 - 03.2022

Led and expanded the general trade channel within the assigned territory, driving sales targets and brand loyalty.


Key Contributions:

  • Spearheaded brand engagement initiatives to enhance product visibility and sales.
  • Developed and maintained strong business relationships with trade customers.
  • Managed and optimized territory-specific programs, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
  • Improved market share with strategic sales planning and execution.
  • Oversaw after-sales service to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.

Growth Support

Reach Technologies
Ikoyi, Nigeria
09.2020 - 07.2021

Represented the company in strategic engagements and coordinated marketing initiatives.


Key Contributions:

  • Designed user-focused campaigns to enhance user interaction and gather feedback.
  • Conducted market research to support the development of new business initiatives.
  • Devised effective customer segmentation strategies that led to personalised marketing campaigns.
  • Managed the 'Reach Vendor' and 'Reach Sub 30 Loans' product customer relationship helpdesk.

Operations Team Lead

Learners and Trainers Consulting
Ijora, Lagos
03.2019 - 04.2020

Led operational excellence and process optimization to align daily activities with organizational goals.


Key Contributions:

  • Tracked employee performance, assessed daily output and implemented corrective actions to close gaps.
  • Coordinated seamless operations across the organization to meet key deliverables.
  • Collaborated with team leads to drive efficiency, customer satisfaction, and timely service delivery.
  • Delegated tasks appropriately amongst team members; enhanced individual accountability and ownership towards work.

Business Development Manager

TalentBase Nigeria
Surulere, Nigeria
05.2017 - 02.2019

Led the growth and expansion of the company, driving business development and team performance.


Key Contributions:

  • Managed client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and long-term business continuity.
  • Identified new business opportunities, contributing to company growth.
  • Mentored and trained team members, fostering skill development.
  • Led cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time and budget.

Business Development Associate

TalentBase Nigeria
Surulere, Nigeria
02.2016 - 04.2017

Contributed to business growth by identifying and engaging prospective clients, closing sales, and maintaining long-term client relationships.


Key Contributions:

  • Established contacts, built a strong sales pipeline, and closed new business opportunities.
  • Delivered client presentations and created proposal documents to drive revenue growth.
  • Established new business relationships by networking at industry events.

Customer Service Associate

TalentBase Nigeria
Surulere, Nigeria
02.2015 - 01.2016

Managed key client relationships and supported onboarding, training, and HR services.


Key Contributions:

  • Managed relationships with top clients across the public and private sectors.
  • Facilitated employee onboarding, training, and compensation package management for clients.
  • Delivered exceptional service to customers, ensuring repeat business.

Education

Bachelor of Science -

Nnamdi Azikiwe University
Awka, Anambra
10.2007 - 07.2011

Skills

  • HR Strategy Development
  • Business Development
  • Sales
  • Recruitment & Talent Sourcing
  • Project Management
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Training Program Development

Timeline

Lead Consultant

Ciora Consults
01.2024 - 11.2024

Program Manager

Reach Technologies
03.2022 - 08.2023

Territory Sales Manager

TradeDepot
08.2021 - 03.2022

Growth Support

Reach Technologies
09.2020 - 07.2021

Operations Team Lead

Learners and Trainers Consulting
03.2019 - 04.2020

Business Development Manager

TalentBase Nigeria
05.2017 - 02.2019

Business Development Associate

TalentBase Nigeria
02.2016 - 04.2017

Customer Service Associate

TalentBase Nigeria
02.2015 - 01.2016

Bachelor of Science -

Nnamdi Azikiwe University
10.2007 - 07.2011
Benjamin Okpalo