Manager - Area

Abu Dhabi Ports; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Noatum Maritime seeks an Area Manager to lead and optimize operations across the assigned area in Abu Dhabi. You will supervise vessels, port calls, documentation, and service delivery while ensuring compliance with maritime regulations and company policy.

You will drive strategic initiatives, manage budgets, and coordinate with regional and global teams to grow the business, improve service quality, and maintain strong client relationships in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Maritime Studies, or related field.
• Strong industry knowledge with proven experience in: Shipping agency operations, port operations and vessel handling, solid understanding of customs procedures and international maritime regulations.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets, analyze financial statements, and achieve profitability targets.

Responsibilities

• Market & performance monitoring including risks and opportunities to support growth.
• Regulatory compliance & risk management across port operations and logistics.
• Reporting & coordination with regional management and headquarters on performance and opportunities.
• External representation at industry events to support market positioning and relationships.
• People management including overseeing area teams and budgets to ensure profitability.

Skills

Shipping operations

Port operations

Customs procedures

Maritime regulations

Financial analysis

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Maritime Studies, or related field

Job description

Core Responsibilities

• Business Operations Management: Oversee day‑to‑day operations within the area, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and local and international maritime regulations. Ensure consistent and efficient execution of shipping agency operations across all locations under responsibility.
• Operational Coordination & Service Delivery: Coordinate shipping and port services, including vessel handling, port calls, documentation, and customs clearance. Ensure service quality, operational continuity, and timely execution of contracted services.
• Stakeholder & Supplier Management: Manage relationships with port authorities, suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers. Ensure performance standards, contractual compliance, and cost effectiveness.
• Business Development & Strategy Execution: Develop and implement Noatum Maritime strategic plans within the area to grow the business and improve service offerings. Identify new business opportunities, market trends, and client needs to maintain competitiveness.
• Client Acquisition & Commercial Support: In coordination with the Commercial Management, develop customer acquisition initiatives, support key commercial negotiations, and retain long‑term client relationships. Contribute to pricing, proposals, and commercial discussions in coordination with regional and global teams. Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing issues and delivering effective solutions in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Market & Performance Monitoring: Monitor market dynamics, operational

BASIC INFORMATION ON THE ROLE

Position Name Area Manager

Cluster / Unit M&S Cluster Division Operations

Title Area Manager Grade

Reporting To Territory Director / Regional Director

Direct Reports Immediate Department Managers

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performance, and commercial results within the area. Identify risks, opportunities, and

improvement actions to support sustainable growth.

People Management Responsibilites:

• Financial Management: Manage the area’s P&L, budgets, and financial forecasts. Ensure profitability by optimizing operational efficiency, controlling costs, and supporting accurate and transparent financial reporting.
• Leadership & Team Management: Recruit, develop, and manage area teams, including operations staff, sales teams, and finance personnel. Establish performance objectives, monitor employee progress, and foster a positive work culture that emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, and compliance with safety standards.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure operations comply with international and local maritime regulations. Monitor risks related to port operations, trade restrictions, customs requirements, and labor laws. Develop and maintain contingency plans for operational disruptions and unforeseen challenges.
• Reporting & Coordination: Provide regular reports to Regional Management and/or Headquarters on business performance, risks, and opportunities. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure effective execution of global strategies at local level.
• External Representation: Represent Noatum Maritime at industry events, forums, and networking activities, supporting market positioning and relationship building within the area.

Qualifications

SECTION III: KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Maritime Studies, or a related field.
• Strong industry knowledge with proven experience in: Shipping agency operations, port operations and vessel handling, solid understanding of customs procedures and international maritime regulations.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets, analyze financial statements, and achieve profitability targets.

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English (written and spoken).
• Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage.

Years of Experience:

• More than 15 years of experience in the shipping or logistics industry, with managerial roles.

Nature of Experience:

• Proven experience managing operations, teams, and complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong exposure to port operations, commercial liner representation, customs