Operations Manager

Lilian Darya Shipping LLC; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipping and logistics company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Operations and Pricing Manager to oversee NVOCC operations. The role requires a deep understanding of logistics management, container optimization, and strategic pricing. Candidates with over 7 years of experience in the shipping industry, especially with DP World systems, are preferred. The position offers competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance and annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual leave of 30 calendar days

Medical insurance as per UAE labor requirements

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in Logistics/Shipping Management roles.
• Proven ability to negotiate slot rates and agent contracts.
• Excellent analytical mindset for performance and pricing matrices.

Responsibilities

• Manage NVOCC pricing and freight forwarding structures.
• Lead agent management and performance oversight.
• Optimize container rotation and financial strategies.

Skills

NVOCC operations

Freight negotiations

Container management

Analytical skills

Sales leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Maritime Studies

Tools

CargoWise

SAP

DP World systems (e.g., Zodiac, CNS, Dubai Trade)

Job description

Job Title: Operations and Pricing Manager (NVOCC & Logistics)

Job Description

We are looking for a dynamic Operations and Pricing Manager to lead our logistics network and pricing strategies. This role is pivotal in managing our NVOCC operations, optimizing container assets, and expanding our global agent network. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of DP World operations, feeder management, and a proven track track in securing competitive freight rates while ensuring seamless container rotation.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Network & Agent Management

• Identify, vet, and sign contracts with reliable, active agents to ensure profitable department growth.
• Organize and optimize the existing agent database to build a robust, high-performing global network.
• Manage all agent-related matters, including contractual affairs and performance matrix calculations.
• Propose and strategize expansion into new geographical sectors for agent growth.

Pricing & Commercial Strategy

• Lead NVOCC pricing and oversee partial freight forwarding pricing structures.
• Manage feeder operator relationships and negotiate to secure the most competitive vessel slot rates.
• Drive client acquisition and successfully onboard strategic accounts.
• Provide direct management and tactical support to the Sales Team to hit revenue targets.

Operational Oversight & Asset Control

• Oversee and optimize container rotation across all sectors to eliminate circulation delays and financial losses.
• Maintain strict control and monitoring of company-owned containers.
• Manage all DP World-related responsibilities, including administrative and operational compliance.
• Lead the setup of stacks and coordinate all related technical operational requirements.

Skills & Qualifications

• Industry Expertise: Extensive experience in NVOCC operations, Feeder management, and Freight Forwarding.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep familiarity with DP World systems and port operational requirements.
• Negotiation Skills: Proven ability to negotiate slot rates and agent contracts that favor company margins.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to calculate complex matrices for performance and pricing.
• Leadership: Strong capability in managing sales teams and coordinating with international agents.

Preferred Candidate Profile

• Experience: 7+ years in Logistics/Shipping Management roles.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Maritime Studies.
• Location: Candidates currently residing in [Insert Country, e.g., UAE/Saudi Arabia] are preferred.
• Language: Professional fluency in English (Arabic is a plus).

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to lead high-level NVOCC strategies.
• A collaborative environment where operational efficiency is highly valued.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

Incentives:

Annual Leave: 30 calendar days per year / yearly ticket

Public Holidays: As per UAE Government announcements

Medical Insurance: As per UAE labor requirements

End of Service Benefits: As per UAE Labor Law

Salary:

Will be discussed during interview.

Skills

Technical Skills (Hard Skills)

• NVOCC & Freight Pricing: Expert knowledge of freight rate structures, surcharges, and market fluctuations to maintain competitive margins.
• Container Life-cycle Management: Deep understanding of container turnaround, detention/demurrage avoidance, and inventory control.
• Port & Terminal Operations: Hands-on experience with DP World systems (e.g., Zodiac, CNS, or Dubai Trade) and stack management protocols.
• Feeder & Slot Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate with Vessel Operating Common Carriers (VOCC) and feeder operators for optimal slot allocations.
• Network Development: Skills in international agent sourcing, vetting through networks like WCA or FIATA, and contract lifecycle management.
• Logistics Software Proficiency: Advanced use of ERPs (like CargoWise or SAP) and high-level Excel for matrix calculations and data modeling.

Leadership & Strategic Skills (Soft Skills)

• Strategic Negotiation: The ability to close high-value contracts with both agents and major shipping lines.
• Sales Team Leadership: Experience in coaching sales staff, setting KPIs, and converting "leads" into onboarded clients.
• Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in calculating complex cost-benefit matrices to determine the profitability of new sectors.
• Cross-Cultural Communication: High emotional intelligence for managing a global network of agents across different time zones and business cultures.
• Crisis Management: Capability to resolve operational bottlenecks at the port or within the supply chain quickly to avoid losses.