Chinweoke Adanna (Chiro) Okpalaji
Peterborough,Cambridgeshire
Summary
Project and Tendering Professional with over 10 years of experience in offshore marine, oil & gas, and renewables. Established and scaled the Hyprops Marine unit, resulting in an 80% revenue increase and a 60% bid success rate, securing contracts exceeding USD 100M with major clients such as Shell and Chevron. Proficient in managing the entire bid lifecycle, conducting commercial analysis, and engaging stakeholders in both private and public sectors. PRINCE2 trained Project Manager with a proven track record in developing competitive proposals and leading cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality tenders under tight deadlines.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Founder
Bollard Maritime UK Limited
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
04.2025 - Current
- Drove sales by implementing effective marketing strategies.
- Oversaw product development to enhance market positioning.
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders to facilitate business growth.
- Executed comprehensive business strategy aligning organisational objectives with market opportunities.
- Secured funding for launch and growth, showcasing persuasive communication skills.
- Developed operational initiatives that sustained significant business growth.
- Authored 'Onshore Maritime Career: A Guide for Teens'. A 100 copies sold
Consultant
Southampton Solent University
Southampton, Hampshire
12.2022 - 07.2023
- Facilitated workshops focused on skill development, boosting student morale and learning experience by 20%
- Identified areas for improvement in curriculum development and delivery, enhancing overall efficiency.
- Key note listener at Solent University Learning Conference. Delivered speech at end of conference.
- Prize winner, successful presentation on subject matter-Livestock transportation by sea.
Senior Project Manager, Marine Services
Hyprops Nigeria Limited
Lagos, Lekki
06.2016 - 09.2022
- Start up Hyprops Marine services from ground zero, through established processes, bids, proposals, and offshore marine equipment acquisition such Diving Support Vessel, Remote Operated Vehicles and Scuba Diving Equipment.
- Spearheaded business development initiatives, securing contracts exceeding $100M USD with major offshore clients such as Chevron, Shell, Mobil, Addax.
- Conducted market intelligence research, resulting in 80% revenue increase.
- Developed client engagement strategies, enhancing company reputation and achieving 80% rise in repeat business.
- Managed contract negotiations and tender processes, attaining 80% bid to project success rate.
- Executed quality management frameworks aligned with ISO 9001:2015, improving operational efficiency by 60%.
- Represented company at industry conferences, strengthening brand positioning.
- Organized and managed end-to-end tender processes for complex offshore projects, ensuring compliance and accuracy, with 80% bid to project rate based on BID tracking Matrix
- Prepared and submitted over 50+ bids, tracked by bid preparation Matrix
- Negotiated contracts to consistently meet or exceed revenue targets, fostering strong client relationships.
- Liaised with suppliers to ensure timely and accurate pricing information for tenders.
- Led development of compelling pitch presentations to persuade potential clients.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to gather necessary details for tenders, optimising results.
- Delivered thorough post-tender feedback sessions, contributed to continuous improvement strategy.
- Facilitated effective internal communication to align team efforts towards winning bids.
- Coordinated tender schedules and milestones, ensuring punctual submissions.
- Coordinated detailed reports on bid progress and outcomes for team management review.
- Enhanced tender application success by meticulously reviewing and analysing tender documents.
- Drafted persuasive bid proposals, increased chances of securing contracts.
- Nurtured strong relationships with key stakeholders through professional communication and engagement.
- Tracked industry developments and regulatory changes; ensured alignment of bid proposals with current standards and requirements.
- Compiled comprehensive response documentation, improved clarity in bidding process.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis, drove strategic decision-making for future bids.
- Kept files organised and up-to-date for accurate record-keeping purposes.
Manager, Marine Business Development and Projects,
Hyprops Nigeria Limited
Lagos, Lekki
07.2010 - 06.2016
- Developed a broad network of industry contacts enhancing business development efforts.
- Led business development initiatives to expand market share.
- Forged relationships with key stakeholders for enhanced business development opportunities, including technical partner sourcing on an international scale, with 80% success rate
- Built strong professional networks for business development opportunities.
- Pitched ideas for business development to executive team and gave in-depth presentations to clients using effective public speaking skills.
- Analysed emerging trends in the market, adapting business development methods accordingly.
- Researched and monitored market trends to identify new opportunities for business development.
- Drafted detailed reports on business development activities, provided insight for management decisions.
- Drafted persuasive bid proposals, increased chances of securing contracts.
- Coordinated tender schedules and milestones, ensuring punctual submissions.
- Delivered thorough post-tender feedback sessions, contributed to continuous improvement strategy.
- Enhanced tender application success by meticulously reviewing and analyzing tender documents.
- Managed the entire tender cycle delivering revenue growth by 60%
Marine Services Administrator Business Development
Peacegate Oil and Gas Limited
Lagos, Victoria Island
10.2007 - 12.2009
- Provided administrative and operational support for marine operations, enabling task execution and goal achievement.
- Coordinated development of Ship Security Assessment and Plan with ISPS consultants.
- Assisted Company Security Officer in interpreting International Ships and Port Security Code for certification processes.
- Managed shipping administrative processes including Flag State registration and ISM Certification for company fleet.
- Facilitated corporate relationships with agencies such as DPR, NAPIMS, and NIMASA to enhance operational efficiency.
- Advised management on NIMASA regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with new bye-laws.
- Supported management in formulating plans for new businesses by responding to tender requests.
- Implemented Vessel-Hire agreements, ensuring successful execution of contracts with corporate clients.
- Assessed and interpreted complex tender documents for accurate response preparation.
- Conducted thorough market research, obtaining valuable insights for competitive bidding.
- Collaborated efficiently within cross-functional teams, yielding improved communication and cooperation during the bidding process.
- Compiled detailed reports post-tender submission, providing critical feedback for future bids.
- Reviewed and revised proposal content for consistency and accuracy before submission.
- Achieved higher success rate with strategic tender writing techniques.
- Liaised closely with legal department to confirm contractual obligations in bid agreements.
- Prepared persuasive presentations to support final stage negotiations in the bidding process.
- Streamlined tender process by incorporating project management methodologies.
- Championed ethical business practices throughout the tendering process, establishing trustworthiness and reliability among clients.
- Managed all stages of the bidding process to ensure on-time submission.
- Ensured compliance with company's standards whilst preparing bid proposals.
- Demonstrated strong attention to detail whilst reviewing financial aspects of tenders.
- Organised pre-tender meetings, resulting in better understanding amongst team members.
- Developed comprehensive knowledge of industry trends to enhance bid strategies.
- Maintained a secure database of past tenders, ensuring easy reference and access when needed.
- Drafted documents and reports for management review.
Education
Master of Science - International Maritime Buisness
Solent University
Southampton 09.2022 - 09.2023
Master of Science - Business Psychology
University of South Wales
Pontypridd 01.2016 - 04.2021
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Ahmadu Bello University
Nigeria 09.1991 - 01.1998
Certificate of Higher Education - Diploma in Transport and Logistics
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
LagosSkills
- Maritime domain expertise
- Bid preparation, tender writing and E-tendering systems experience
- Tender strategy development and lifecycle understanding
- Resource optimization strategies
- Communication proficiency
- Deadline management
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Tender analysis and pricing negotiations
- Product knowledge and sales pipeline management
- Stakeholder engagement and revenue development
- Market analysis and competitive insights
- Quality Management System (QMS) expertise
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Founder
Bollard Maritime UK Limited
04.2025 - Current
Consultant
Southampton Solent University
12.2022 - 07.2023
Master of Science - International Maritime Buisness
Solent University
09.2022 - 09.2023
Senior Project Manager, Marine Services
Hyprops Nigeria Limited
06.2016 - 09.2022
Master of Science - Business Psychology
University of South Wales
01.2016 - 04.2021
Manager, Marine Business Development and Projects,
Hyprops Nigeria Limited
07.2010 - 06.2016
Marine Services Administrator Business Development
Peacegate Oil and Gas Limited
10.2007 - 12.2009
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Ahmadu Bello University
09.1991 - 01.1998
Certificate of Higher Education - Diploma in Transport and Logistics
Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
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