General Manager – Container Line

Confidential; Doha; On-site; QAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a General Manager - Shipping Agency (Container Line) to lead regional shipping agency operations with full P&L responsibility and end-to-end ownership of commercial, operations, customer service, agency management, finance, compliance and expansion.

The role requires extensive container line shipping experience and a proven ability to lead multi-functional teams toward sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, logistics, supply chain, maritime studies or related discipline.
• MBA or Master’s degree preferred for senior leadership roles.
• Overall 25 years of progressive experience within Shipping Agency, Container Line, or liner shipping operations.
• Minimum 8–10 years in senior leadership roles managing regional business operations.
• Proven experience with internationally recognized container line/liner shipping companies.
• Experience across the Middle East, Asia, or Africa is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Regional P&L responsibility for the Shipping Agency business.
• Develop and execute strategies to achieve revenue growth, profitability and market share.
• Drive performance through commercial, operational and financial management.
• Prepare annual business plans, budgets, forecasts and performance reviews.
• Oversee vessel agency operations, container logistics, customer service and documentation.
• Coordinate with ports, terminals, customs, transport providers and authorities.
• Lead commercial strategies, tenders, partnerships, and new trade opportunities.
• Establish strategic relationships with customers and principals; ensure exceptional service.
• Manage vessel turnarounds, container movements, and risk controls to optimize productivity.
• Lead cross-functional teams across Commercial, Operations, Customer Service, Finance, and Administration.
• Monitor budgets, receivables, profitability and cost controls; ensure compliance and governance.
• Drive digital transformation and continuous process improvements across the region.

Skills

Leadership

P&L management

Strategic planning

Commercial development

Operations management

Customer relationship management

Regulatory compliance

Digital transformation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, or related discipline

MBA or Master's Degree preferred

Job description

Location: Qatar

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished General Manager - Shipping Agency (Container Line) to lead the overall business operations, commercial growth, and regional profitability of our Shipping Agency business. This leadership role carries full P&L responsibility and ownership of end-to-end business operations, including commercial, operations, customer service, agency management, finance, compliance, and strategic business expansion.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Container Line / Liner Shipping, a strong commercial mindset, and proven expertise in managing multi-functional teams while driving sustainable business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Business & P&L Leadership

• Assume full regional Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the Shipping Agency business.
• Develop and execute business strategies to achieve revenue growth, profitability, market share, and operational excellence.
• Drive overall business performance through effective commercial, operational, and financial management.
• Prepare annual business plans, budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reviews.
• Ensure achievement of key financial and operational KPIs.

End-to-End Shipping Agency Operations

• Lead the complete Shipping Agency operations across the assigned region.
• Oversee vessel agency operations, container logistics, customer service, documentation, and operational execution.
• Ensure seamless coordination with ports, terminals, customs authorities, transport providers, and government agencies.
• Drive operational efficiency, service quality, compliance, and continuous process improvement.
• Ensure adherence to international maritime regulations, company policies, and statutory requirements.

Commercial & Business Development

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to expand market presence and increase profitability.
• Drive customer acquisition, business retention, and market expansion initiatives.
• Build and strengthen relationships with Container Line principals, shipping lines, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, logistics providers, and key customers.
• Lead contract negotiations, commercial agreements, tenders, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify new trade opportunities, shipping routes, and business segments.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish long-term strategic relationships with key customers and principals.
• Ensure exceptional customer experience through proactive account management.
• Resolve commercial and operational escalations effectively.
• Drive customer retention and enhance service delivery standards.

Operations & Supply Chain Management

• Ensure efficient vessel turnaround and cargo handling operations.
• Oversee container movements, equipment management, documentation, and agency coordination.
• Monitor vessel schedules and optimize operational performance.
• Improve turnaround times, cost efficiencies, and productivity.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams across Commercial, Operations, Customer Service, Finance, and Administration.
• Build a high-performance, customer-focused organizational culture.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, capability development, and performance management.
• Foster collaboration across regional and global stakeholders.

Financial Governance & Compliance

• Monitor financial performance, budgets, receivables, profitability, and cost controls.
• Ensure compliance with financial governance, statutory regulations, and internal controls.
• Oversee risk management, contract governance, and business continuity initiatives.
• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, customer requirements, and emerging trade opportunities.
• Develop long-term growth strategies aligned with regional business objectives.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive digital transformation and operational excellence initiatives.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, or related discipline.
• MBA or Master's Degree preferred.
• Overall 25 years of progressive experience within Shipping Agency, Container Line, or Liner Shipping operations.
• Minimum 8-10 years in senior leadership roles managing regional business operations.
• Proven experience with internationally recognized Container Line / Liner Shipping Companies.
• Experience across the Middle East, Asia, or Africa is highly desirable.