Senior Operations Manager

Role Overview

Gulftainer is looking for an accomplished, results-focused Senior Operations Manager to support an important stage of operational ramp-up and performance enhancement at Khor Fakkan Terminal in Sharjah, UAE. This is a practical leadership position centered on strengthening the basics of terminal operations while advancing major transformation efforts across container and multi-purpose cargo activities.

The role will be instrumental in lifting productivity, improving operational discipline, building workforce capability, and bringing greater consistency to processes. It will also support strategic initiatives such as gate automation, weighbridge rollout, marshalling yard optimization, TOS implementation, equipment readiness, and berth and yard infrastructure improvements.

As the terminal expands beyond container handling, prior exposure to Ro-Ro, general cargo, and bulk cargo operations will be a strong advantage.

Location

Khor Fakkan Terminal, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance and Productivity

• Improve quay, yard, and gate performance through strong daily control and active performance tracking.
• Review key metrics, spot operational constraints, and allocate resources more effectively.
• Raise the quality of shift execution, operational discipline, and workforce output.

Gate and Landside Operations

• Contribute to gate automation efforts and the introduction of weighbridge operations.
• Enhance truck movement, traffic handling, and marshalling yard coordination.
• Increase landside efficiency and reduce turnaround time.

Planning and Execution

• Lead vessel operation planning and ensure smooth execution.
• Shape yard operating plans and improve equipment deployment.
• Strengthen shift handover quality and exception-handling procedures.

Terminal Transformation Projects

• Assist with the rollout of Terminal Operating Systems.
• Offer operational guidance during system design, testing, user acceptance, and change management.
• Support operational preparation for technology and infrastructure upgrades.

Workforce Development

• Support hiring, onboarding, and training activities.
• Help implement standard operating procedures and proven operating practices.
• Develop supervisory capability and encourage accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Multi-Purpose Terminal Operations

• Strengthen operational capability across container handling, Ro-Ro, general cargo, and bulk cargo activities.

Safety and Compliance

• Promote safe work practices across all operational functions.
• Help prevent incidents and manage operational risk.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

Candidate Profile

This position is suited to a highly driven operations leader who performs well in fast-moving, evolving environments and has a strong record of delivering measurable operational improvement.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• 10 to 15+ years of experience in port and terminal operations.
• At least 5 years in a managerial or senior supervisory position.
• Solid experience in container terminal operations.
• Background in performance improvement, turnaround management, and productivity uplift initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to standardize processes and establish operational discipline.
• Experience with international terminal operators or large-scale terminal environments.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in terminal operations within the GCC or Middle East.
• Exposure to brownfield transformation work or rapid ramp-up environments.
• Experience in Ro-Ro, general cargo, and bulk cargo operations.
• Understanding of TOS deployment and operational change management.

Languages

• English and Arabic are preferred.
• Strong English communication and reporting ability is essential.

Personal Attributes

• Visible, hands-on operational leadership style.
• Practical approach with sound decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Composed under pressure and able to balance multiple priorities.
• Comfortable using data and KPIs to manage performance.
• Able to build accountability and improvement while preserving strong working relationships.

Why Join

• Opportunity to contribute to a major terminal transformation and growth journey.
• Exposure to multi-purpose cargo operations and strategic infrastructure projects.
• High-impact leadership role with direct influence on terminal performance and operational excellence.