Job Description

To oversee all aspects of Operations function, while maintaining a high level of service to customers, measuring and monitoring vendor and staff performance and controlling overall operational costs. Proactively manages vendors and their performance. Maintains relationship with local authorities, customs officials, etc. Consciously establishes a culture that encourages customer focus, individual development, efficiency, collaboration, and creates an environment for process improvements. Upholds and ensures that all Hapag-Lloyd policies and procedures are followed and maintained.

• Implementation and management of Hapag-Lloyd organizational structure and process, as it pertains to Terminal and Port Operations, Equipment, Transport Dispatch and Maintenance & Repair functions.

• Chair staff meetings to review and guide the progress of cost saving initiatives and operational priorities.

• Negotiate purchasing services, vendor contracts, and evaluations per Hapag-Lloyd policies.

• Equipment control management of all company owned and leased equipment, including maintenance and repair.

• Resolution of high-level concerns.

• Monitor performance-benchmarking figures to recognize and appraise personnel and to guide them for improved performance when necessary.

• Represent Area within committees, pursuing efficiencies, cost savings through the sharing of resources and services.

• Maintain working knowledge of all governmental rules and regulations.

• Participate in various Hapag-Lloyd working groups, business processes and any areas as requested by senior management.

• Assist local management in selection/hiring of staff.

• Maintain communication with local managers, providing, and disseminating updated information regarding Hapag-Lloyd policies and procedures.

• Work closely with other Area Directors on process improvement and communication flow.

• Coach and develop individual department managers and staff. Have regular performance reviews in line with the company’s policy and management requirements.

• Ensure the workload is balanced amongst the various disciplines within each department.

• Drives changes in the department that enable the fulfillment of Hapag-Lloyd’s quality promises and delivery of superior value to our customers that in turn translates into high levels of customer satisfaction and high NPS results.

• Ensures the timely development of the yearly Budget for the Department, closely supervising that all figures match and ideally exceed the expectations.

• A minimum of 7-10 years in the maritime or shipping industry, with significant experience in operations management.
• A degree in Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is typically required.
• Capability to fluently speak, read and write in English - any other additional languages are a plus. Microsoft Office Package & Internal System.
• Project Management knowledge.
• Logistics.
• Inland transportation (road & rail).
• Port Operations.
• Cost Management and Cargo claims.
• Willingness to travel frequently.

• Strong knowledge of West African markets and business environments is essential.

Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies, connecting businesses and people across more than 600 ports worldwide With a fleet of over 300 modern container ships and a vessel capacity of 2.5 million TEU, we keep global trade moving reliably every day.

Our global network spans 140 countries, 400 offices, and a growing portfolio of terminal and infrastructure investments. This scale enables us to deliver consistent, high‑quality service across continents and to support our customers in even the most complex supply chains.

When you join us, you become part of more than 18,000 colleagues working across borders, functions, and cultures, to not only to deliver quality for our customers, but to create innovation and opportunities across roles, regions, and perspectives.

We believe that every exploration is a chance to grow, and every port is a place to belong.