Head of Operations – Maritime & Shipping Agency

Role Overview

This is a senior operations leadership role based in Dubai for a well-established shipping and logistics business with three decades of experience. The company is looking for a practical, confident leader to oversee and grow ship agency operations across UAE ports and the wider Arabian Gulf.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will act as the operational center of the maritime business and be responsible for making key decisions during live vessel calls from start to finish.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage vessel operations end to end, including turnaround coordination, cargo handling, and all pre-arrival preparations.
• Maintain tight control over PDA and FDA processes, along with crew change billing, while working closely with Accounts and Finance.
• Act as the main point of contact for authorities, principals, and sub-agents, ensuring service standards remain consistently high.

What the Role Requires

• A proactive, hands-on operational leader who can perform well in high-pressure situations.
• Strong composure and control during live operations, with the ability to keep principals updated and ensure timely and accurate closure of all matters.

Additional Information

The role is for an established maritime and shipping agency business with a strong legacy in the region. The selected candidate is expected to bring visible ownership of live operations and uphold strong close-out discipline across all vessel calls.

Application Note

Candidates are expected to submit an updated resume to be considered. The employer indicates that the complete job brief will be shared after receiving the application, followed by a discussion about the position.