Senior Manager Area Operations

LLOYD Shoes GmbH; Dubai; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in logistics seeks a Senior Manager – Area Operations to oversee operational excellence in the Arabian Gulf. This pivotal role demands strong leadership, a focus on compliance and cost efficiency, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in logistics and proven team-building skills, fostering a culture centered on customer service and operational success.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in leading high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen and budget management.
• Deep expertise in port operations and customs compliance.

Responsibilities

• Drive cost efficiency and implement logistics strategies.
• Enhance customer delivery efficiency and manage vendor performance.
• Lead risk management and ensure compliance across operations.

Skills

Team Leadership

Cost Management

Crisis Management

Operational Excellence

Analytical Skills

Education

Experience in logistics operations

Job description

Reports to Managing Director - Area Arabian Gulf

“Take command at the heart of the action! As Senior Manager – Area Operations, you’ll lead high-impact operational activities across the Arabian Gulf, pushing boundaries in efficiency, compliance, and operational excellence.”

Overview:

TheSenior Manager Area Operations is responsible for overseeing all operational aspects related to cargo, depots, inland transport, and regulatory matters within the area.

This role is pivotal to ensuring smooth logistics execution and local compliance, supporting both operational efficiency and commercial success. It requires decisive leadership, calm crisis management, and proactive risk mitigation, paired with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

The role entails leading a team of direct and matrix reports across multiple functions, ensuring alignment, accountability, and a shared focus on performance. Success depends on the ability to build trust, provide clear direction, and develop talent across the area and regional setup.

Close collaboration with cross-functional teams and the regional organization is essential to enable seamless operations. The leader must inspire and align teams, foster a culture grounded in safety, compliance and customer-centricity and consistently strive for operational excellence-the core mission of this role.

Responsibilities:

1.Cost Efficiency

Drive and implement cost-saving initiatives across inland transport, depot operations, interterminal movements, equipment turnaround times, and maintenance—ensuring optimization without compromising service quality.

2.Customer Centricity & Business Development
Enhance inland delivery efficiency to meet and exceed customer expectations. Identify growth opportunities and expand the inland logistics footprint to support broader commercial objectives.

3.Coordination & Vendor Management
Oversee local port support and formalities. Manage vendor and service provider performance, conduct regular inspections, and ensure full compliance with local regulations. This includes gate operations, customs processes, interterminal transfers, and all inland transport modes (rail, barge, and truck) to maintain smooth cargo and equipment flows.

4.Inland & Transport Optimization
Drive operational performance across rail and trucking networks. Lead depot optimization and performance tracking, while strengthening local market presence to align with business growth initiatives.

5.Equipment Turn Time & Compliance
Maximize equipment turnaround through effective inland strategies. Ensure all assets are well-maintained, inspected, regulatory-compliant, and managed in a cost-effective manner.

6.Case & Exception Management
Manage damage claims, recovery processes, and local exceptions, ensuring risks are mitigated and service quality is maintained.

7.Performance Management
Set clear performance expectations for internal teams and external vendors. Conduct regular reviews, site visits, and ensure consistent follow-up to drive quality, cost efficiency, and continuous improvement.

8.Proactive Planning & Stakeholder Engagement
Identify potential logistical or regulatory bottlenecks early. Build strong, trust-based relationships with internal stakeholders, external partners, and authorities to ensure uninterrupted operations.

9.Servant Leadership & Team BuildingLead both direct reports and matrixed teams across the area, fostering alignment, engagement, and a shared accountability for results. Cultivate a culture of servant leadership by mentoring, developing, and empowering high-performing teams in a supportive and accountable environment.

10.Transformation & Process Excellence
Champion process improvements and ensure adherence to global systems and standards. Drive increased automation, digital adoption, and standardization across all area logistics operations.

Qualifications:

• • Proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, fostering strong engagement, accountability, and professional development.
  • Extensive experience in cost management, with a strong ability to drive efficiency and optimize end-to-end logistics operations.
  • Committed to driving operational excellence while upholding high standards of compliance, safety, and service performance.
  • Deep domain expertise in port operations, depot and inland logistics, crisis response, and a thorough understanding of international maritime regulations and customs compliance.
  • Servant leadership style, combining excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills with a focus on empowerment and collaboration.
  • Strong financial acumen, with a history of managing large-scale budgets and leading complex, cross-functional operational environments.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, driving process transformation and efficiency.
  • Drives clear communication, partners across functions, ensures alignment and buy-in
  • Understands commercial priorities, aligns operations to business strategy, identifies growth opportunities.

*** Disclaimer -Recruitment Fraud Alert 2025

Caring for People

We have recently become aware of fraudulent recruitment activities in which individuals or entities misrepresent themselves as Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited. They offer fake job opportunities and demand payments for handling recruitment fees, certifications, travel expenses, or visa applications. Please note that Hapag-Lloyd Middle East Shipping LLC or UASC Limited does not charge any fees during the recruitment process, and all communications regarding job offers will come from official company channels. Do not respond to such fraudulent solicitations. You will only be contacted by Hapag-Lloyd HR if you have applied for an open position on ourwebsite.