Director of Shipping & Logistics

About the Role

The Director of Shipping & Logistics will oversee the comprehensive shipping and logistics processes for Emirates Steel, focusing on ensuring safe, lawful, punctual, and cost-effective transit of raw materials and finished goods across both local and international markets. Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer, this senior role entails designing logistics strategies, managing transportation and dispatch activities, overseeing port and vessel operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing costs, and fostering operational excellence. The position involves collaboration with multiple internal departments and external logistics partners to guarantee consistent plant operations and superior customer service outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the logistics strategy supporting business goals and export operations.
• Establish a robust and efficient logistics framework that accommodates domestic and global requirements.
• Continuously drive improvements to enhance service quality and reduce logistics expenditures.
• Ensure uninterrupted inbound supply of raw materials and timely dispatch of finished products.
• Optimize yard management, dispatch scheduling, and transportation resources.
• Develop procurement and contracting strategies for transportation services.
• Lead negotiations with carriers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and logistics partners.
• Monitor freight expenses, transport performance, and market competition.
• Facilitate chartering activities, minimizing demurrage and operational delays.
• Supervise loading, dispatch, port coordination, and vessel operations.
• Maintain relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, vessel agents, and surveyors to improve loading productivity and reduce cargo-related issues.
• Ensure precise preparation and handling of all export and shipping documentation adhering to customs and trade regulations.
• Implement logistics governance structures including reporting and shipment visibility mechanisms.
• Develop KPIs monitoring cost, delivery performance, claims, service levels, and vendor effectiveness.
• Engage in Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to align logistics with production, sales, inventory, and customer commitments.
• Manage the Shipping & Logistics budget to realize cost savings through optimization initiatives.
• Build a high-performing logistics team supporting succession and capability development, with emphasis on Emiratization.
• Promote a culture of health and safety compliance and lead business continuity planning during disruptions.

Qualifications & Experience

• A Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or related fields.
• Advanced degrees or professional certifications are favorable.
• At least 12 years of experience in shipping, logistics, transportation, freight, or industrial supply chain, preferably within steel, metals, or heavy manufacturing sectors.
• Expertise in domestic transport, export logistics, port management, customs, trade compliance, shipping documentation, and vendor management.
• Proven leadership managing extensive cross-functional logistics operations.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and agility in learning.
• Ability to build and lead high-performing teams and manage change effectively.
• Strong emotional intelligence and customer-centric approach.
• Expertise in shipping documentation, trade compliance, freight and chartering, port and terminal operations, and logistics analytics.
• Experience in claims management, business continuity, and crisis management.

Stakeholders

Internally liaises with the Chief Commercial Officer, Commercial & Sales, Supply Chain, Production, Procurement, Finance, HSE, Legal, IT, and Customer Service teams. Externally coordinates with shipping lines, port authorities, freight forwarders, customs agents, transport firms, surveyors, insurance providers, customers, and project stakeholders.

Working Conditions

The position is primarily office-centered with frequent visits to manufacturing sites, storage yards, dispatch zones, and ports. Responsibilities include operational inspections and engagement with contractors, requiring full compliance with HSE and PPE protocols.