Operations Director Maritime and Heavy Lift - DP World - Dubai, UAE

DP World; Dubai; On-site; AED 502,200 - 725,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation aligned with senior maritime leadership roles

Influence strategic direction and operational excellence

Work in Dubai's dynamic maritime and shipping hub

Job summary

DP World in Dubai is seeking an Operations Director for Maritime and Heavy Lift operations, leading fleet performance and logistics execution in a global maritime industry leader.

The role demands a strategic focus on compliance and financial control, ensuring operational excellence across complex market environments. Candidates should possess a postgraduate degree and significant experience in senior operations management alongside maritime expertise.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience within vessel owning or maritime organizations.
• At least 3 years in a senior operations management role.
• Experience managing MPP and heavy lift vessel operations.
• Strong knowledge of marine operating standards, ISM Code, IMO conventions and ISO frameworks.
• Proven expertise in fleet optimization, cost control and digital transformation initiatives.
• Experience operating in complex international or emerging market environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of logistics, fleet management, commercial performance and project execution.
• Establish KPIs, performance dashboards and operational metrics for data-driven decision making.
• Maintain full accountability for Opex and Capex performance.
• Analyze operational and financial data to drive corrective actions and maximize ROI.
• Lead and develop high-performing operations teams aligned with company strategy and safety culture.
• Ensure fleet operations comply with international maritime regulations and safety codes.
• Oversee risk management policies addressing operational, legal, financial and reputational exposure.

Skills

Maritime business unit leadership

Fleet and asset management

Operational and financial performance control

Risk governance and compliance oversight

Management accounting and cost optimization

Stakeholder and client relationship management

Strategic planning and decision making

Education

Postgraduate qualification in Management or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Operations Director Maritime and Heavy Lift at DP World in Dubai, UAE will lead full business unit performance across fleet operations, logistics execution and commercial delivery, ensuring financial control, regulatory compliance and strategic growth within global maritime and heavy lift operations.

Job Details: Country: UAE, City: Dubai, Industry: Maritime, Function: Operations-Plant Management, Salary: 45000-65000 monthly (Market estimated), Gender: Any, Candidate Nationality: Any, Job Type: Full-time.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of logistics, fleet management, commercial performance and project execution across the business unit
• Establish KPIs, performance dashboards and operational metrics to support data-driven decision making
• Maintain full accountability for Opex and Capex performance, ensuring alignment with approved budgets
• Analyze operational and financial data systematically to drive corrective actions and maximize return on investment
• Lead and develop high-performing operations teams aligned with company strategy and safety culture
• Implement succession planning, talent development and structured performance management frameworks
• Ensure fleet operations comply with international maritime regulations, industry standards and safety codes
• Oversee risk management policies addressing operational, legal, financial and reputational exposure
• Promote strong governance, transparency and accountability across all business activities
• Champion safety culture through proactive HSE engagement, inspections and adherence to control of work procedures
• Maintain close engagement with crew management to ensure proper selection, training and performance evaluation
• Build and sustain senior-level relationships with clients, partners and regulatory bodies

Ideal Profile

• Postgraduate qualification in Management or related discipline preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience within vessel owning or maritime organizations
• At least 3 years in a senior operations management role
• Experience managing MPP and heavy lift vessel operations
• Strong knowledge of marine operating standards, ISM Code, IMO conventions and ISO frameworks
• Proven expertise in fleet optimization, cost control and digital transformation initiatives
• Experience operating in complex international or emerging market environments

Skills Set

• Maritime business unit leadership
• Fleet and asset management
• Operational and financial performance control
• Risk governance and compliance oversight
• Management accounting and cost optimization
• Stakeholder and client relationship management
• Strategic planning and decision making

Why Join Us

• Lead large-scale maritime and heavy lift operations within a global logistics leader
• Influence strategic direction and operational excellence across international markets
• Work in Dubai's dynamic maritime and shipping hub
• Drive safety, sustainability and long-term organizational growth
• Executive-level compensation aligned with senior maritime leadership roles

About the Company

DP World is a global leader in ports, marine services and integrated logistics solutions headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Through advanced maritime infrastructure and supply chain integration, the company connects global markets and enhances international trade efficiency. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation and operational excellence, DP World continues to strengthen its maritime footprint while delivering reliable, sustainable and technology-driven logistics solutions worldwide.