Senior Director Operations

TalentsTide; Sharjah; On-site; AED 400,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

TalentsTide is seeking a Senior Director to lead port and terminal operations in the UAE. The role focuses on safety, efficiency, and compliance while strengthening government and partner relationships.

You will translate strategic priorities into reliable everyday performance and develop teams to achieve ambitious targets. The ideal candidate has substantial hands-on experience in port or terminal operations, strong leadership, and proven ability to manage complex operations, large teams, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Significant leadership experience in port, marine terminal, cargo terminal, or related logistics operation.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills in Arabic and English.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and performance across port and terminal activities, focusing on safety, service quality, efficiency, and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government authorities, regulators, port stakeholders, customers, and strategic partners.
• Represent the company in operational meetings, industry discussions, and with external authorities.
• Ensure operations comply with regulations, permits, safety standards, and company policies.
• Identify operational risks, resolve escalated issues, and coordinate with stakeholders to maintain service continuity.
• Develop operational plans, budgets, performance measures, and improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop operations teams, setting expectations and accountability for results.
• Support commercial and strategic initiatives by assessing operational feasibility and partnerships for growth.

Skills

Leadership

Port/terminal operations

Stakeholder management

Regulatory compliance

Arabic & English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Logistics or related field

Job description

Role overview

We are looking for a Senior Director to lead port and terminal operations, strengthen relationships with government authorities and industry partners, and represent the company on operational matters. The ideal candidate brings substantial hands‑on experience in port or terminal operations and can turn strategic priorities into safe, efficient day‑to‑day performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and performance across port and terminal activities, with a focus on safety, service quality, efficiency, and cost control.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with government authorities, regulators, port stakeholders, customers, and strategic partners.
• Represent the company in operational meetings, industry discussions, and matters involving external authorities.
• Ensure operations comply with applicable regulations, permits, safety standards, and company policies.
• Identify operational risks, resolve escalated issues, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain service continuity.
• Develop operational plans, budgets, performance measures, and improvement initiatives.
• Lead and develop operations teams, setting clear expectations and holding leaders accountable for results.
• Support commercial and strategic initiatives by assessing operational feasibility and building partnerships that enable growth.

Requirements

• UAE National.
• Significant leadership experience in port, marine terminal, cargo terminal, or a closely related logistics operation.
• Proven experience managing complex operations, large teams, budgets, and external stakeholders.
• Established ability to work with government authorities and regulatory bodies in the UAE.
• Strong knowledge of operational safety, compliance, and performance management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills in Arabic and English.
• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; a master's degree is an advantage.