Senior Operations Manager

Senior Operations Manager – Container & Multi-Purpose Terminal Operations

Location: Khor Fakkan Terminal, Sharjah UAE

About the Role

Gulftainer is seeking an experienced and results-driven Senior Operations Manager to support a critical phase of operational ramp-up and performance improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on strengthening terminal operating fundamentals while driving key transformation initiatives across container and multi-purpose cargo operations.

The successful candidate will play a central role in improving productivity, operational discipline, workforce capability, and process standardization, while supporting strategic projects including gate automation, weighbridge implementation, marshalling yard optimization, TOS deployment, equipment readiness, and berth and yard infrastructure upgrades.

As KCT continues to expand beyond container operations, experience with Ro-Ro, General Cargo, and Bulk Cargo operations will be highly advantageous.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance & Productivity

• Drive quay, yard, and gate productivity improvements through daily operational control and performance management.
• Monitor KPIs, identify bottlenecks, and optimize resource deployment.
• Improve shift execution, operational discipline, and workforce productivity.

Gate & Landside Operations

• Support gate automation initiatives and weighbridge implementation.
• Improve truck flow management, traffic control, and marshalling yard operations.
• Enhance landside efficiency and turnaround times.

Planning & Execution

• Oversee vessel operations planning and execution.
• Develop yard strategies and optimize equipment allocation.
• Ensure effective shift handovers and exception management processes.

Terminal Transformation Projects

• Support implementation of Terminal Operating Systems (TOS).
• Provide operational input for system design, testing, user acceptance, and change management.
• Contribute to operational readiness for infrastructure and technology upgrades.

Workforce Development

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and training initiatives.
• Implement SOPs and operational best practices.
• Build supervisory capability and promote a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Multi-Purpose Terminal Operations

• Develop and strengthen operational capability across:
• Container Operations
• Ro-Ro Operations
• General Cargo Handling
• Bulk Cargo Operations

Safety & Compliance

• Promote safe working practices across all operational areas.
• Drive incident prevention and operational risk management.
• Ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly motivated operations leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-changing environments and has a strong track record of delivering operational improvements.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• 10–15+ years of experience in port and terminal operations.
• Minimum 5 years in a management or senior supervisory role.
• Strong background in container terminal operations.
• Experience managing performance improvement, operational turnaround, and productivity enhancement initiatives.
• Proven ability to standardize processes and establish operational discipline.
• Experience working with international terminal operators or large-scale terminal environments.

Preferred Experience

• GCC / Middle East terminal operations experience.
• Exposure to brownfield transformation projects or rapid operational ramp-up environments.
• Experience with Ro-Ro, General Cargo, and Bulk Cargo operations.
• Knowledge of TOS implementation and operational change management.

Languages

• English & Arabic language skills are highly preferred.
• Strong English communication and reporting skills are essential.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on and visible operational leader.
• Practical and decisive with strong problem-solving skills.
• Calm under pressure and able to manage competing priorities.
• Data-driven with strong KPI management capability.
• Able to drive accountability and improvement while maintaining positive working relationships.

Why Join KCT

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