General Manager - Industry Body (PSS07969)

Personnel Search Services Group; Mumbai; On-site; INR 2,000,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Personnel Search Services Group is looking for a General Manager in Mumbai, India. The role involves strategic representation in the shipping industry, managing relationships with regulatory bodies, and ensuring compliance with laws. Candidates should have a minimum of 15 years of experience including 5 at a senior level, strong leadership capabilities, and an educational background in any discipline. This role provides an opportunity for growth with a clear succession path to the CEO position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience, including 5 years at a senior level.
• Proven ability to manage diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Experience in high-level communication with Ministers and senior officials.

Responsibilities

• Represent commercial and legal matters at national and international levels.
• Build relationships with regulators and government authorities.
• Engage with global shipping associations to represent the Indian shipping industry.

Skills

Strong communication

Analytical skills

Policy interpretation

Leadership

Education

Graduate or Postgraduate in any discipline

Job description

About The Company

75+ year old shipping industry body in India, representing 45 active members including leading national shipping companies. The association plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests and engaging with government ministries, regulators, and international maritime organisations to shape the future of the maritime sector.

Position Overview

The General Manager serves as the second-in-command and potential successor to the current CEO. The role is designed to work closely with the CEO over the next 12 to 24 months to build the skills and capabilities required to assume full leadership. This position drives effective representation across ministries, trade bodies, and global forums, ensuring strategic alignment and advocacy for the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Represent commercial, legal, finance, taxation, and technical matters at national and international levels.
• Build and manage relationships with regulators and government authorities including the Directorate General of Shipping and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
• Develop effective communication channels with decision makers in ministries and government bodies to ensure timely industry access and intervention.
• Engage with global shipping associations such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to represent the Indian shipping industry internationally.
• Monitor evolving regulatory scenarios and advise industry leaders on pre‑emptive strategies and responses.
• Ensure strict adherence to regulatory requirements and oversee internal audits and compliance processes.
• Align policy and regulatory frameworks with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative to enhance the share of Indian‑flagged vessels in global trade.
• Oversee budgeting and cost control, ensuring effective utilisation of member contributions and prudent financial management.
• Guide the team in budget preparation and evaluation of activities based on industry dynamics.
• Develop and mentor team members, ensuring they remain informed and capable on key industry issues.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Education: Graduate or Postgraduate in any discipline.
• Experience: Minimum 15 years of professional experience including 5 years at a senior level, preferably involving engagement with government ministries and regulatory bodies. Ideal age range: 50–55 years.
• Leadership: Proven ability to manage diverse teams and stakeholders, with experience in high‑level communication with Ministers, Secretariats, and senior officials.
• Technical Expertise: Background in shipping or logistics preferred; experience with industry associations such as MAASA, FOSMA, or ECSA desirable. Candidates may also come from roles such as Directors General of Shipping, retired IAS officers from MoPSW, executives from classification societies, or senior partners in maritime legal firms.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication, analytical, and policy interpretation abilities; capable of articulating complex technical and commercial issues clearly in both written and verbal formats.

Why Consider this Opportunity?

• Opportunity to step into a leadership role with a clear succession path to the CEO position.
• High visibility and influence within the Indian government and international maritime community.
• Strategic platform to shape policy and regulatory frameworks impacting the national shipping industry.
• Collaborative engagement with senior stakeholders across private, public, and global organisations.
• Chance to build and mentor a new generation of maritime professionals, ensuring long‑term sustainability and impact.