JOB PURPOSE:
To lead and manage all port and terminal operational activities including vessel, yard, and gate operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of daily operations. The role is responsible for achieving operational productivity targets, optimizing resource utilization, and ensuring operational excellence aligned with the strategic direction set by the Chief Operating Officer.
Additionally, the role ensures that operational processes are continuously improved through innovation, automation, and adherence to DP World standards, while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships and delivering superior customer service.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Provide leadership and direction to all terminal operational functions including vessel, yard, and landside operations.
- Ensure safe and efficient execution of daily terminal operations in compliance with DP World safety standards and operational policies.
- Implement operational strategies and objectives aligned with the terminal's business plan and strategic direction.
- Support the execution of the terminal's operational business plan by translating strategic objectives into actionable operational initiatives.
- Ensure availability of required manpower, equipment, and operational resources to meet operational demands.
- Support the preparation and control of operational budgets, ensuring effective cost management and adherence to approved financial targets.
- Lead performance management processes for operational teams including coaching, development, and succession planning.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with DP WorldEHS policies and procedures.
- Monitor operational risks and ensure mitigation plans are implemented effectively.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, port authority regulations, and company policies.
- Foster collaboration between operations and other functional departments including Engineering, Planning, IT, and Customer Service.
Operations Management
- Manage day-to-day terminal operations including vessel handling, yard planning, and gate operations.
- Ensure optimal utilization of cranes, yard equipment, workforce, and infrastructure to maximize productivity.
- Monitor vessel turnaround time, berth productivity, yard density, and gate efficiency.
- Ensure achievement of operational KPIs such as, crane productivity, truck turnaround time, and yard performance.
- Lead operational planning activities to meet customer requirements and commercial commitments.
- Ensure adherence to operational schedules and service level agreements.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Ensure effective coordination between vessel planning, yard planning, and gate operations teams.
- Oversee resource allocation to ensure balanced workload and optimal equipment utilization.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Performance & Productivity Management
- Establish and monitor operational performance indicators across all operational areas.
- Analyze operational data and trends to identify performance gaps and improvement opportunities.
- Develop action plans to improve productivity and operational efficiency.
- Monitor workforce productivity and ensure adherence to operational standards.
- Support the implementation of performance dashboards and reporting systems.
- Provide regular operational performance reports to the COO.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure strict compliance with all safety policies and operational procedures.
- Lead safety initiatives and support accident prevention programs.
- Ensure operational teams are trained and competent in safety procedures and emergency response.
- Monitor compliance with port regulations, security procedures, and environmental standards.
- Ensure risk assessments are conducted and mitigation measures implemented.
Stakeholder Management
- Maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate with port authorities, shipping lines, agents, and logistics providers to ensure smooth operations.
- Support customer relationship management activities to ensure service excellence.
- Address operational challenges impacting customer service delivery.
- Participate in operational coordination meetings with key stakeholders.
Continuous Improvement
- Support the implementation of Lean methodologies and continuous improvement initiatives across operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational processes, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.
- Promote a culture of operational excellence and innovation.
- Participate in automation and digital transformation initiatives impacting operations.
- Support implementation of new technologies to enhance operational productivity.
Resource & Workforce Management
- Lead operational workforce planning and ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
- Ensure continuous training and development of operational personnel.
- Monitor staff performance and ensure alignment with organizational expectations.
- Support succession planning and leadership development within operations teams.
- Ensure employee engagement and promote teamwork across operational units.
- Lead and promote the use of LEAN methodologies, ensuring LEAN principles, tools, and practices are embedded across operations and engineering functions.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Bachelor's degree in operations management, Logistics, Engineering, Maritime Studies, or related field.
- Master's degree is preferred.
Experience:
- Mandatory: 10+ years of experience in container terminal operations.
- Mandatory: Minimum 5–7 years in senior operational leadership roles.
- Proven experience in managing large scale container terminal automation projects.
- Experience in cost and productivity optimization through process optimization, as well as design and implementation of new operation procedures.
- Extensive understanding of modern terminal operations including computer terminal management systems.
- Experience in managing Terminal Operating System enhancements and systems integration
- Ability to manage projects from concept through to commissioning.
- Extensive vendor management and tendering experience.
- Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Track record of civil work project management is advantageous.
Skills:
- Strong team leadership, relationship building, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Ability to manage conflicts constructively and facilitate resolution within teams and with stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including experience with root cause analysis and LEAN methodologies.
- Proven ability to achieve strategic objectives and drive continuous improvement.
- Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to enhancing customer performance.
- Strong influence and impact leadership skills, fostering collaboration and alignment across teams.
- Computer operating skills and Excellent MS office knowledge.
- Advanced knowledge of English written and spoken.
- Driving license light vehicle.
