Chief Operation Officer - Port and Terminal, KSA (COO- P&T, KSA)

Strategic Operations & Commercial Growth

• Operational Strategy & Long-Term Planning: Lead the development of the Terminal’s 5-Year Strategic Business Plan and translate Regional (GCC) DP World P&T strategy into actionable annual operating plans for Jeddah, balancing volume growth (TEUs) with yield maximization and cost optimization.
• Capacity & Expansion Leadership: Lead end-to-end execution of large-scale operational design and automation projects, ensuring "concept-to-commissioning" delivery on time and under budget.
• Service Excellence: Drive a customer-centric operational culture, ensuring vessel turnaround times and landside delivery KPIs exceed shipping line agreements and global benchmarks.
• Asset Reliability Strategy: Direct the transition from preventive to predictive maintenance utilizing IoT and AI diagnostics to maximize equipment uptime and extend asset lifecycle.

Cargo Examination Development & Improvements

• Strategic Modernization: Lead the transformation of cargo examination from manual to mechanized processes, utilizing automated handling solutions to significantly reduce manual labor, minimize cargo damage, and enhance operational safety.
• Systems Integration (CEOS): Champion the continuous development of the Cargo Examination Operating System (CEOS), ensuring seamless integration with ZATCA and Terminal Operating Systems to drive a paperless, real-time inspection workflow.
• Infrastructure & Operational Excellence: Oversee the deployment of world-class cold inspection chambers and advanced inspection facilities, ensuring optimal Cargo examination efficiency of Labor and Equipment. Deliver on the Cargo examination financial Margins to meet overall business objectives and Targets
• Authority Collaboration: Cultivate strategic partnerships with Customs (ZATCA), Border Guards, and Food Authorities to co-design efficient, risk-based inspection protocols that reduce dwell time and optimize port throughput.

Automation, Digital Transformation & Continuous Improvement

• Automation Integration: Spearhead the integration and the optimization the of Automated Electrified yard cranes (AeRTG) and future remote-controlled quay cranes, bridging the gap between legacy manual processes and fully autonomous workflows.
• LEAN & Innovation: Institutionalize a culture of Continuous Improvement (Kaizen/Six Sigma) to eliminate waste in the quayside and landside flows.
• Integrated Terminal Ecosystem: Own the operational deployment of the Terminal Operating System (TOS) enhancements, Automated Gate, and other systems ensuring seamless integration to improve operational performance.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Establish a "Control Room of the Future" mindset where real-time data analytics, not intuition, drive resource allocation and yard planning.
• Innovation Adoption: Pilot and scale emerging technologies (i.e. Blockchain for documentation, Digital Twins for simulation, AI for safety detection) to maintain a competitive edge in the Region.

Safety Leadership

• Safety Culture Leadership: Foster a "Zero Harm" culture by leading safety walks, critical incident reviews, and ensuring full compliance with DP World HSSE and Security standards.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and empower operational and engineering teams to maintain high performance and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Saudization & Succession: Champion the Nationalization strategy by creating robust succession planning and mentorship programs for Saudi nationals in technical and leadership roles.
• Performance Management: Manage employee performance through clear objective setting, training, appraisals, and constructive discipline.
  

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Academic Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Logistics, Operations Management, or a similar field.
• Operational Certifications: Specialized courses in Terminal Operations Management, Workplace Health & Safety, and technical First Aid/Firefighting are required.
• Licensing: Valid light vehicle driving license.
• Industry Tenure: Mandatory 15+ years of experience in a container Terminal / sea port.
• Managerial Track Record: Mandatory 7-10 years of experience in a Leadership role within container terminal operations.
• Project Management: Proven lifecycle management ("concept to commissioning") of large-scale projects, including automation initiatives and vendor tendering. Experience.
• Terminal Systems: Extensive command of modern terminal operations, including Terminal Operating System (TOS) enhancements, systems integration, and computer management systems.
• Process Optimization: Demonstrated success in driving cost and productivity efficiency through process re-engineering, LEAN methodologies, and root cause analysis.
• Digital Proficiency: Advanced computer operating skills with excellent proficiency in MS Office and job related computer software.
• Strategic Execution: Proven ability to translate strategic objectives into continuous improvement initiatives that enhance customer performance.
• Cultural Competency: Experience managing a multi-cultural workforce with a deep understanding of cultural nuances is highly advantageous.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong capability to build relationships, influence outcomes, and manage conflicts constructively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Advanced verbal and written fluency in English, with the ability to lead, foster collaboration, and ensure alignment across diverse teams. Arabic Language is highly advantageous.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to translate complex market trends into clear operational roadmaps.
• Automation & Tech: Extensive understanding of modern terminal operations, Terminal Operating Systems (TOS), and Systems Integration.
• Stakeholder Management: Strong capability to build relationships with external authorities (ZATCA, Port Authorities, Coast Guard).
• Leadership & Conflict Management : Strong leadership and conflict-management capabilities, effectively managing difficult or confrontational situations with colleagues and stakeholders, while leading large multicultural teams and engaging stakeholders through negotiation, influence, collaboration, and strong communication in alignment with company policies.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; ability to facilitate resolution and manage conflicts.
• Analytical: Strong problem-solving skills, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
• Computer Skills: Advanced knowledge of MS Office and operational software.

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