Senior Manager Stowage Planning (5A)

LLOYD Shoes GmbH; Dubai; On-site; AED 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading shipping company is seeking a Senior Manager - Stowage Planning in Dubai to lead the stowage planning team, optimize vessel operations across regions, and implement automation and digital tools. The role requires over 10 years of experience in shipping or port operations, strong leadership, and analytical skills. The successful candidate will collaborate with regional and global teams to ensure seamless execution and drive operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in shipping line or port operations, especially in stowage planning.
• Proven ability to lead diverse operational teams, driving change and transformation.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of additional regional languages is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional stowage planning team.
• Deliver optimized stowage plans maximizing vessel utilization.
• Drive adoption of digital tools and operating processes.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Automation and AI adoption

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Maritime Studies or Logistics)

Job description

Overview

Reports to Director Marine Operations.

We are looking for a dynamic Senior Manager - Stowage Planning to lead and develop our regional stowage planning function. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and optimized vessel operations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

As a senior leader, you will drive consistency, collaboration, and operational excellence, while accelerating the use of automation, AI, and digital planning tools. You will also act as a vital link between regional execution and global direction, working closely with the Global Stowage Center of Excellence and peer regions to align standards, share best practices, and deliver a harmonized way of working worldwide.

This position requires a forward-thinking leader with strong decision-making skills, the ability to challenge the status quo, and a passion for building and empowering a high-performing, future-ready team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the regional stowage planning team, ensuring performance, engagement, and consistent execution.
• Deliver safe, efficient, and optimized stowage plans that maximize vessel utilization and minimize cost.
• Drive adoption of automation, AI, and digital tools into daily operations, embedding new capabilities and smarter decision-making.
• Act as an escalation point for complex operational issues and provide strategic direction in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with scheduling, cargo ops, port ops, and trade management to ensure seamless execution.
• Coordinate closely with the Global Stowage CoE and peer regions to align processes, share best practices, and continuously improve.
• Set clear KPIs, monitor performance, and foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, and improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any field (preference for Maritime Studies, Logistics, or related disciplines).
• 10+ years of experience in a shipping line or port operations environment, with exposure to stowage planning.
• Proven leadership experience managing diverse operational or planning teams, ideally in shipping, logistics, or port operations.
• Strong track record of driving change, embedding new systems, and leading transformation initiatives.
• Practical exposure to automation, AI, and digitalization in planning or operations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with experience working across regions and global functions.
• Strong analytical mindset and data-driven decision-making capability.
• Fluent in English; additional regional languages are a plus.
• Willing to travel globally to support business objectives.

Disclaimer

Recruitment fraud alert 2025: 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 our website.