Director – Operation- Port and Terminal

Job Purpose

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 World
• EHS 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.

, 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.