Chief Operating Officer - Africa Sub Regional Office

Role Overview

Under the supervision of the Regional Operations Director Africa and functionally reporting to the Group Operations Director, this role entails the leadership of port operations across various countries within the Sub-Region Office's jurisdiction. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the role requires frequent on-site visits to audit operations teams at Agencies and Terminals managing the Group's vessels, with objectives including enhancing processes, driving business growth, controlling operational expenses, and identifying improvement opportunities.

Key Duties

• Conduct regular on-site audits of Terminals and Agencies to evaluate operations and propose action plans targeting efficiency improvements.
• Identify and report process discrepancies and implement new procedures where needed.
• Track and communicate the performance of key operational indicators according to DirOps directives.
• Oversee local operational expenditure trends and collaborate on cost reduction strategies with Regional Cost Control.
• Ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements coordinating with Head Office Procurement and Regional Cost Control.
• Work alongside Africa Lines teams to devise and implement contingency plans when necessary.
• Engage with local agents and Africa Lines teams to discover new business opportunities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders including terminal operators, port authorities, and local agents to safeguard and advance Group interests.
• Coordinate with Head Office Equipment Control and Regional Logistics to streamline empty container evacuations.
• Partner with Head Office Intermodal and local CCIS bodies to optimize Group asset utilization.
• Support the deployment and training on Group tools within Agency Operations in liaison with the Operations Unification team.
• Foster and develop an Operations Community within the scope of managed Agencies, under DirOps guidance.
• Cooperate with Regional Human Resources to identify and promote high-potential talent in the Operations sector.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Background as a Senior Ship Manager, Line Operations Manager, or Port Operations Manager.
• At least 3 years of experience in Line Operations or Port Agency Operations.
• Excellent communication abilities, with strong skills in synthesizing complex information.
• Proficient in representing company interests with Port Authorities and key local stakeholders.
• Capability to lead working groups and share expertise with local teams.
• Experience in Agency or Terminal operations is highly valued.
• Procurement experience is an advantage.
• Demonstrated teamwork and leadership qualities.
• Fluency in both French and English is essential.
• Merchant Marine Officer certification is a plus.