Senior Manager Area Operations

Senior Manager Area Operations

• Full Time
• Dubai - United Arab Emirates
• With Professional Experience
• 7 / 4 / 25

About Hapag-Lloyd

With a fleet of modern container ships and a Vessel Capacity 2.2 million TEU, as well as a Container Capacity 3.2 million TEU including one of the world’s largest and most modern reefer container fleets, Hapag-Lloyd is one of the world’s leading liner shipping companies. In the Liner Shipping segment, the Company has around 13. employees and offices in countries. Hapag-Lloyd has a container capacity of 11.9 million TEU – including one of the largest and most modern fleets of reefer containers. A total of liner services worldwide ensure fast and reliable connections between more than ports across the world. In the Terminal & Infrastructure segment, Hapag-Lloyd has stakes in 20 terminals in Europe, Latin America, the United States, India, and North Africa. The roughly 2. employees assigned to the Terminal & Infrastructure segment deal with terminal-related activities and provide complementary logistics services at selected locations.

Reports to Managing Director - Area Arabian Gulf

Take command at the heart of the action! As Senior Manager – Area Operations, you’ll lead high-impact operational activities across the Arabian Gulf, pushing boundaries in efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence.”

Overview :

The Senior Manager Area Operations is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects related to cargo, depots, inland transport, and regulatory matters within the area.

This role is pivotal to ensuring smooth logistics execution and local compliance, supporting both operational efficiency and commercial success. It requires decisive leadership, calm crisis management, and proactive risk mitigation, paired with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

The role entails leading a team of direct and matrix reports across multiple functions, ensuring alignment, accountability, and a shared focus on performance. Success depends on the ability to build trust, provide clear direction, and develop talent across the area and regional setup.

Close collaboration with cross-functional teams and the regional organization is essential to enable seamless operations. The leader must inspire and align teams, foster a culture grounded in safety, compliance and customer-centricity and consistently strive for operational excellence-the core mission of this role.

Responsibilities : 1.Cost Efficiency

Drive and implement cost-saving initiatives across inland transport, depot operations, interterminal movements, equipment turnaround times, and maintenance—ensuring optimization without compromising service quality.

2.Customer Centricity & Business Development

Enhance inland delivery efficiency to meet and exceed customer expectations. Identify growth opportunities and expand the inland logistics footprint to support broader commercial objectives.

3.Coordination & Vendor Management

Oversee local port support and formalities. Manage vendor and service provider performance, conduct regular inspections, and ensure full compliance with local regulations. This includes gate operations, customs processes, interterminal transfers, and all inland transport modes (rail, barge, and truck) to maintain smooth cargo and equipment flows.

4.Inland & Transport Optimization

Drive operational performance across rail and trucking networks. Lead depot optimization and performance tracking, while strengthening local market presence to align with business growth initiatives.

5.Equipment Turn Time & Compliance

Maximize equipment turnaround through effective inland strategies. Ensure all assets are well-maintained, inspected, regulatory-compliant, and managed in a cost-effective manner.

6.Case & Exception Management

Manage damage claims, recovery processes, and local exceptions, ensuring risks are mitigated and service quality is maintained.

7.Performance Management

Set clear performance expectations for internal teams and external vendors. Conduct regular reviews, site visits, and ensure consistent follow-up to drive quality, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement.

8.Proactive Planning & Stakeholder Engagement

Identify potential logistical or regulatory bottlenecks early. Build strong, trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and authorities to ensure uninterrupted operations.

9.Servant Leadership & Team BuildingLead both direct reports and matrixed teams across the area, fostering alignment, engagement, and a shared accountability for results. Cultivate a culture of servant leadership by mentoring, developing, and empowering high-performing teams in a supportive and accountable environment.

10.Transformation & Process Excellence

Champion process improvements and ensure adherence to global systems and standards. Drive increased automation, digital adoption, and standardization across all area logistics operations.

Qualifications :

Caring for People

We have recently become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals or entities misrepresent themselves as Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited. They offer fake job opportunities and demand payments for handling recruitment fees, certifications, travel expenses, or visa applications. Please note that Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all communications regarding job offers will come from official company channels. Do not respond to such fraudulent solicitations. You will only be contacted by Hapag-Lloyd HR if you have applied for an open position on our .

Contact person

Carol Mwanza Apply online Share this job