Director of Operations

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

**General**
- Develops and manage the execution of long-term strategies and actions for the terminal to address future challenges.
- Achieves the Company’s and its customers’ expectations regarding operational efficiency, productivity, and reliability.
- Works closely with the COO to develop and implement a strategic plan to advance the mission, vision, and values of Operations and Engineering.
- Leads the development and execution of operations improvement plans, ensuring timely delivery and meeting set objectives and KPIs.
- Sets targets for container volume and TEUs in a competitive market environment, reviews operating results, compares them with established objectives, and recommends appropriate innovative cost-effective measures to enhance outcomes.
- Takes a leadership role in establishing & reviewing performance indicators for all operations departments and technical functions, and monitors performance against operating goals.
- Sets and achieves the budget for the reporting functions.
- Ensures that the terminal adheres to DP World standards for terminal operations.
- Liaises with customs agents, trucking companies, customs, port authorities, etc., to ensure their requirements are met.
- Oversees the change management process of Continuous Improvement within operations and technical.
- Ensures compliance with Port Regulations in force as well as procedures and guidelines set by port authorities and other authorities with responsibilities in the area.

**Operations & Technical Responsibilities and duties**:

- Ensures the maximization of productivity and operational efficiency in handling containers and general cargo activities through efficient use of resources, including machinery, equipment, yard space, gate operations, innovative technology, and economic use of financial and manpower resources.
- Oversees day-to-day operations, ensuring all operational KPIs are met within the framework of safe operation, operational excellence, cost efficiency, and stakeholder requirements. Manages the development and implementation of yard strategies to achieve set KPIs and optimize utilization, cost-effectiveness, and productivity.
- Measures and report on operational performance and develop plans to improve relevant key performance indicators.
- Plans, organizes, and controls operational processes to meet commercial contract indicators and comply with health and safety policies. Coordinates terminal planning and execution to ensure effective ship working programs and timely vessel operations.
- Leads the training of managers in best operational practices, advanced strategies, and new technology. Measures and reports on operational and technical performance, developing plans to improve key performance indicators.
- Motivates, supports, and harnesses the operations and technical team towards achieving the container terminal’s goals and objectives. Maintains and enhances relationships with departments and customers to achieve company goals.
- Monitors daily terminal yard situations, equipment availability, and manpower budgets. Ensures traffic plans are followed and modified as needed, and oversees the smooth running of operations on ships, quays, yards, and gates.
- Ensures compliance with QHSE management systems, processes, and procedures in accordance with ISO standards. Communicates QHSE information throughout the department and promotes awareness. Attends safety committee meetings to discuss incidents and present initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- University Educational Degree preferable master’s degree in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime or equivalent
- Minimum 15 years of substantial experience handling Terminal Operations or substantial knowledge of the Container Terminal, Bulk and General Cargo and Liquid customers
- Minimum 5 years’ experience managerial position leading large organization
- Experience in leading diverse functions in the operations and Engineering
- Proven track record of implementing winning strategies in the operations and Engineering
- Strong Safety knowledge
- Strategic planning ability and objective setting.
- Leadership skills in leading large number of people
- Strong communication and influencing skills. Must have the ability to engage and influence a wide variety of stakeholders across department and external.
- Excellent English language both spoken and written
- Arabic Speaker is a must
- Strong in Ms Office programs: Excel, PowePoint, Word, and Outlook
- Customer service skills
- Advanced negotiation skills
- Analytical Thinking
- Ability to provide leadership, collaborate and support the team to meet objectives.