Director of Operations Abu Dhabi Ports UAE

The Director of Operations at Abu Dhabi Ports will be responsible to set and implement strategy and organization structure to establish each international operation, based on drawing on standardized operational structure, cargo handling methodology and management systems and processes including acting on assignment as Interim Operations Director and member of the Senior Management team reporting to the CEO/Board in any business unit until permanent recruits or roving Operation Directors are appointed.

Duties of Director of Operations

Core Responsibilities

• On interim basis within any implementation project and as central IO Operations.
• Develop operations organizational design/strategy including union strategy targeting a local market-specific balance of directly employed and sub-contract manning to achieve targeted production/productivity/ cost structure.
• Finalize strategy for specification and procurement of handling equipment, gear, PPE which, alongside org design, will deliver targeted business plan metrics in line with business plan / financial model.
• Recruit operational and equipment maintenance team and procure service provider sub-contracts as appropriate, based on detailed development.
• Develop and implement training plan and materials, directly or through recruited dedicated management team.
• Adapt and implement (in collaboration with other SMT leaders) standardized business processes.
• Manage the customer relationship.
• Take and implement business or management decisions.
• Exercise fiduciary governance.
• Negotiate and close customer agreements/retention.
• Capture consistent data to measure and report on productivity and business unit Profitability (cost per tonne/TEU, revenue per tonne/TEU, productivity (TPD), chargeable activity.
• Deliver and report on safety performance.
• Respond to customer complaints.
• Report to the project board on business unit performance.

People Management Responsibilities

• As a key leader in a business exhibit a decisive, confident and accountable leadership for rapid and effective implementation in line with business plan.
• Recruit and manage the operational and maintenance team for each implementation project.
• Act as interim Operations Director within any in-country operation (expected org size of 200-1000 people).
• Implement and manage appraisal/management processes.
• Establish disciplinary / performance management processes within Operations division.

Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for role of Director of Operations are as under:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering. Master’s degree will be preferable.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in related field/industry.
• Experience working in Ports & Shipping industry, Proven experience in Senior Ports operations management.

Skills & Knowledge Desired

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities with a track record of successfully managing and developing high-performing teams in multicultural environments, fostering inclusivity and leveraging diverse perspectives·
• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze complex international market data, cultural factors, and geopolitical trends, translating them into actionable insights and recommendations.
• In-depth knowledge of the international ports and logistics industry, global trade dynamics.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region is highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully overseeing international experience and substantial operational and cultural change including business start-up.

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