Chief Operating Officer

Lila Global; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic leader to drive operational excellence and strategic growth in the maritime sector. This pivotal role involves developing and executing innovative operational strategies, managing a diverse fleet, and ensuring compliance with international regulations. The ideal candidate will foster a high-performance culture, motivate teams, and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders. If you are passionate about maritime operations and ready to lead an organization through its next growth phase, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years in maritime industry, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven success managing diverse fleets and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Develop operational strategies for fleet expansion and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a safety culture.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Management

Crisis Management

Negotiation Skills

Communication Skills

Team Motivation

Education

Senior Maritime Professional

Job description

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s ambitious long-term growth objectives.
• Spearhead fleet expansion initiatives, identify new business opportunities, and strategically enter uncharted markets.

Operational Excellence:

• Direct and coordinate the activities of all operational departments to achieve seamless vessel management, optimal efficiency, and profitability.
• Continuously evaluate and improve vessel utilization and operational procedures.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance:

• Promote and embed a robust safety culture throughout the organization, ensuring strict adherence to international maritime regulations, industry best practices, and company standards.
• Maintain exceptional operational standards for mid-aged and vintage vessels, ensuring they exceed regulatory requirements and environmental guidelines.

Commercial Management & Growth:

• Strengthen internal technical and commercial management expertise, empowering teams to achieve sustainable commercial success.
• Collaborate proactively with chartering and commercial teams to ensure revenue targets are consistently achieved and exceeded.

Team Motivation & Leadership:

• Foster a high-performance work environment, cultivating strong morale, motivation, and employee engagement across all operational teams.
• Develop and mentor senior managers and departmental heads, encouraging professional growth, accountability, and excellence.
• Establish clear performance objectives, conduct regular evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

Financial & Stakeholder Management:

• Oversee budgeting, financial control, and reporting processes to ensure optimal allocation and efficient utilization of resources.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, regulatory authorities, industry partners, suppliers, and financial institutions.

Crisis Management:

• Lead decisively during crises and high-pressure situations, demonstrating clarity, resilience, and effective risk mitigation.

Performance Measurement:

• Regularly monitor, analyze, and report on operational KPIs to the CEO and Board, ensuring timely and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Senior maritime professional with sailing experience helpful.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the maritime industry, including at least 5 years in senior leadership positions.
• Proven success managing a diverse fleet of 25 or more vessels.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire teams toward achieving strategic goals.
• Strong experience in financial management, budgeting, cost optimization, and reporting.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Proven ability to handle high-pressure environments and crisis situations and drive organizational resilience.
• Proven track record of establishing effective operational processes, fostering a culture of safety, and proactively adapting to emerging regulations, sustainability goals, and technological advancements.

The ideal candidate will embody exemplary leadership, demonstrate an unwavering commitment to excellence, motivate teams toward shared objectives, and lead the company confidently through its next phase of growth and market expansion.