Regional Head of Operations

• Lead end-to-end vessel operations across West & South Africa, ensuring reliable execution of coastal and mainline schedules in close coordination with agency teams, vessel planning, and global marine operations
• Oversee safe and compliant cargo handling , including special cargo (e.g., project cargo, OOG), ensuring adherence to IMDG and safety standards
• Act as the senior escalation point for operational disruptions and vessel incidents, coordinating rapid and effective resolution with internal and external stakeholders
• Drive port productivity and vessel turnaround performance , embedding a high-performance and continuous improvement culture across the region
• Build and manage strategic relationships with terminal operators, port authorities, pilotage, and marine service providers
• Lead cost optimisation initiatives , controlling terminal and marine spend while minimising inefficiencies such as delays, restows, and deviations
• Partner with vessel and network planning teams to optimise berth windows, vessel deployment, schedule integrity, and capacity utilisation
• Oversee regional contingency planning , ensuring clear decision-making on operational exceptions such as port omissions, delays, and inducements
• Support procurement and vendor management , contributing to terminal tenders, supplier selection, and performance management across marine and terminal operations
• Lead, coach, and develop regional operations teams , ensuring consistent governance, KPI delivery, and high service standards across all locations

• You are a Master Mariner with significant shore-based experience , or hold a degree in Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain, or an MBA with extensive senior leadership experience in container liner operations
• You bring deep expertise in marine and vessel operations , with strong knowledge of liner operations and the wider logistics ecosystem
• You have a proven track record of leading regional or multi-country operations , working across matrix organisations and engaging with global headquarters
• You are highly skilled in stakeholder management , with experience engaging port authorities, terminals, and marine vendors at a senior level
• You demonstrate strong analytical and communication skills , with the ability to present operational insights to senior leadership
• You are a people-focused leader , capable of developing teams across multiple geographies and driving cross-functional collaboration
• You are comfortable operating in a fast-paced, complex environment , managing competing priorities and driving performance
• You are willing to travel internationally (20–40%)

• A strategic leadership role within a global shipping organisation , with responsibility for a critical and high-growth region
• The opportunity to shape marine operations, terminal performance, and operational strategy across West & South Africa
• A dynamic, international environment with close collaboration across regional and global teams
• Strong focus on innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Opportunities for professional growth and long-term career development

Impact Talent