Director Operations, Area Central Africa at Hapag-Lloyd AG

Position Overview:

• As the Director, you will 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

Key Responsibilities:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• University degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping Management, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Vast experience in a shipping company or an adjacent industry with 8 - 10 years' experience.
• Language requirements: English and French are a must, while Portuguese is a plus
• Proven track record in managing teams, terminals, or vessel operations—especially within container shipping or bulk logistics.
• Experience with international shipping regulations, port authorities, and customs operations
• Demonstrated ability to optimize costs, reduce turnaround time, and implement operational improvements
• Logistics. Inland transportation (road & rail).
• Port Operations. Cost Management and Cargo claims.
• Experience in negotiating and delivering results. Strong analytics and good organizational skills.
• Willingness to travel frequently.