Senior Operations Manager

Overview

About The Role

Senior Operations Manager

Operational Performance & Productivity

• Drive quay, yard, and gate productivity improvements through daily operational control and performance management.
• Monitor KPIs, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource deployment.
• Improve shift execution, operational discipline, and workforce productivity.

Gate & Landside Operations

• Support gate automation initiatives and weighbridge implementation.
• Improve truck flow management, traffic control, and marshalling yard operations.
• Enhance landside efficiency and turnaround times.

Planning & Execution

• Oversee vessel operations planning and execution.
• Develop yard strategies and optimize equipment allocation.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and exception management processes.

Terminal Transformation Projects

• Support implementation of Terminal Operating Systems (TOS).
• Provide operational input for system design, testing, user acceptance, and change management.
• Contribute to operational readiness for infrastructure and technology upgrades.

Workforce Development

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives.
• Implement SOPs and operational best practices.
• Build supervisory capability and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Multi-Purpose Terminal Operations

• Develop and strengthen operational capability across:
• Container Operations
• Ro-Ro Operations

Safety & Compliance

• Promote safe working practices across all operational areas.
• Drive incident prevention and operational risk management.
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in port and terminal operations.
• Minimum 5 years in a management or senior supervisory role.
• Strong background in container terminal operations.
• Experience managing performance improvement, operational turnaround, and productivity enhancement initiatives.
• Proven ability to standardize processes and establish operational discipline.
• Experience working with international terminal operators or large-scale terminal environments.

Preferred Experience

• GCC / Middle East terminal operations experience.
• Exposure to brownfield transformation projects or rapid operational ramp-up environments.
• Experience with Ro-Ro, General Cargo, and Bulk Cargo operations.
• Knowledge of TOS implementation and operational change management.

Languages

• English & Arabic language skills are highly preferred.
• Strong English communication and reporting skills are essential.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on and visible operational leader.
• Practical and decisive with strong problem-solving skills.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.
• Data-driven with strong KPI management capability.
• Able to drive accountability and improvement while maintaining positive working relationships.

Why Join KCT?

• Opportunity to play a key role in a major terminal transformation and growth journey.
• Exposure to multi-purpose cargo operations and strategic infrastructure projects.
• High-impact leadership position with direct influence on terminal performance and operational excellence.