Operations Steering Support Supervisor

Hapag-Lloyd AG; Dubai; On-site; AED 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Hapag-Lloyd AG in Dubai seeks an Operations Steering Support (OPSS) Supervisor to drive performance management, data-driven insights and cost control across MAG operations.

You will link financial data to operational decisions, lead DOS-based reporting, coordinate with P2P Cost Control, QSC and regional teams, and act as a strategic partner to enhance cost efficiency and forecasting accuracy.

Qualifications

• Masters/Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering or related field.
• 4-8 years of experience in Finance/Cost Control/Operational reporting.
• Experience driving 4DX-based performance management dialogues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain DOS-driven performance management framework for Area MAG.
• Forecast monthly/quarterly/annual P&L and support budgeting processes.
• Conduct cost analytics to identify profitability improvements and cost savings.
• Coordinate cost control and data governance with P2P Cost Control, QSC and Regional OPSS teams.

Skills

4DX experience

Advanced Excel

Power BI

SQL

SAP

Education

Masters/Bachelor's degree in Business/Finance/Economics/Engineering

Tools

SAP

Power BI

Tableau

SQL

Job description

Job Purpose: As an Operations Steering Support (OPSS) Supervisor, you will play an integral role in supporting strategic and operational planning and execution through insights into business performance, cost and volume developments, and forecasting. You are responsible for driving financial transparency, performance managing operational and cost KPIs through a One set of numbers approach, establishing a clear link between financial data and operational performance working closely with the P2P Cost Control team and Business Administration (Finance). The successful incumbent must pair financial expertise with operational acumen to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and challenge the status quo. The position also acts as the right hand to the Head of Operations for Area MAG, playing a pivotal role in providing leadership with data-driven recommendations for impactful decision-making in your Area. You are the change agent in the Area cementing the regionally designed performance management framework based on the four disciplines of Execution (4DX) and the Daily Operating System (DOS). You report directly to the Regional Director of Cost Control and Operational Steering, working closely with regional OPSS and P2P Cost Control teams, Area Management and Operations, Finance and QSC colleagues to ensure that Area performance is effectively planned, monitored, and continuously improved. You will also act as the lead/senior OPSS business partner across the Area OPSS community with respect to Functional Change Management, Performance Management and Cost Control strategy.

Key Accountabilities

Performance Management & Insights

Facilitate a daily operating system (DOS) and performance management framework in the operations teams of Area Arabian Gulf (MAG) Translate business targets into operational KPIs per country/cluster. Calculate and analyze performance gaps against Budget, Plan, and Savings targets; provide recommendations on corrective actions with stakeholders through data-driven performance management cycles. Collect, analyze and provide insights on Area-specific operational data to support Area and Regional dashboards and scorecards. Impact decision making by providing forward looking, data driven analytics with actionable recommendations Objectively challenge the performance and decisions of operational teams to drive accountability and continuous improvement. Pro-actively answer questions that have not yet been asked Forecast key P&L elements on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for the Area.

Cost Analytics, Control & Optimization

Own the narrative behind cost trends by maintaining a deep understanding of cost and volume drivers within operations. Conduct independent, balanced analysis to identify opportunities for profitability, cost efficiencies, and challenge cost escalations. Drive and track cost-saving initiatives while applying tools and frameworks that ensure high-impact, data-informed decision-making. Prevent sub-optimization by evaluating relevant, sunk, and total cost of ownership in operational choices. Support cost modeling and forecasting for the Area, working closely with P2P Cost Control, QSC and Controlling teams. Performance manage operational leading indicators influencing the cost as well as being the visible driving force of performance managing the unit cost in your Area Collaborate on cost-saving initiatives, support accurate accruals, and ensure consistent cost categorization.

Data Management & Reporting

Act as a data steward in your Area - validate, test, define and ensure data quality for unit cost and KPI reporting. Collaborate with QSCs, P2P Cost Control and Regional OPSS to ensure a unified one set of numbers approach. Contribute and maintain a standardized KPI repository and assist in linking performance reporting to the budget process. Drive and share best practices to facilitate the continuous improvement mind set Ensure quarterly updates to the system are precise and current concerning costs within the Area Own the data management of TRACO updates and coordinate the deviations on unit cost with P2P Cost Control.

Planning & Budget Support

Provide input during forecasting and budgeting cycles, including challenge and validation of assumptions. Support tracking of cost and operational performance against budget with relevant stakeholders. Partner with Area leadership with scenario analysis and planning for strategic initiatives to ensure alignment on cost development, forecasting, and strategic priorities Closely work with regional controlling team to ensure inclusion of all the assumptions in the budget / forecast exercise.

Stakeholder Engagement & Execution Support

Be the source of energy within the area of responsibility, driving for team engagement and continuous improvement Act as a strategic thought partner in cost transformation, supporting the Director of Cost Control to shape smarter decision-making frameworks. Contribute to the wider Finance community by sharing insights, best practices, and aligning with digital tools and reporting standards. Liaise between Area, QSC, and Regional OPSS and P2P Cost Control to ensure clear implementation of priorities. Engage with procurement and operations on savings plans and KPI alignment. Oversee vendor contracts within SAP to ensure compliance and performance. Monitor rebates and credit notes based on agreements Conduct vendor evaluations and prepare an approved supplier list for MAG. Analyze overall costs and volumes in relation to vendor contracts Participate in regional workshops, training, and best-practice sharing initiatives.

What Makes You A Fit

Education & Experience: Masters/Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or a related field. 4-8 years of relevant experience in Finance Business Partnering, Planning, Financial Analysis, Cost Control, or Operational reporting. Experience in driving performance management dialogues based on 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) is a pre-requisite. Technical & Analytical Skills: SAP proficient Advanced Excel proficiency; knowledge of Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar tools is a strong plus. Ability to interpret large data sets, identify trends, and develop actionable insights.

Key Competencies

• Outgoing, extrovert approach to understanding underlying business drivers for financial performance
• Strong analytical mindset with a hands-on, execution-driven approach.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and get required results
• Ability to synthesize data and derive actionable insights.
• Always applying a forward-looking perspective in discussions
• Empathic and strong interpersonal skills
• Comfortable communicating with cross-functional teams and aligning diverse stakeholders.
• High levels of positive energy with a can-do attitude
• Structured, self-driven, and able to manage multiple streams of work.
• Passion for continuous improvement and process enhancement.