Port Operations Manager Region IMEEA

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.
Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

Role :

To ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of all port operations across the MEA regional portfolio. The Senior Port Operations Manager drives operational excellence by overseeing KPI governance, OPEX control, berthing window optimisation, and shipping line performance management, while delivering accurate and timely reporting to the COO MEA.

Responsabilities:

Port Operations Management

Oversee day-to-day operations of all MEA regional ports.
Ensure safe, compliant execution of cargo handling, vessel operations and terminal logistics.
Coordinate with port authorities, terminal operators, stevedores and marine service providers.
Monitor vessel scheduling, cargo flows, and resource allocation to maximise throughput.
Support the development of strategic plans for schedule reliability with Lines/Regions.

KPI Governance & Shipping Line Window Management

Define, implement and monitor a KPI framework covering operational, financial and service performance.
Track KPIs including Berth Utilisation Rate, , Cargo Dwell Time, Crane Productivity, OTD .
Adjust and re-calibrate KPI performance windows for shipping lines based on operational data and contractual obligations.
Conduct regular bilateral reviews with shipping lines; document all KPI window amendments.
Present KPI dashboards and performance analysis to COO and senior leadership.

OPEX Control & Budget Management

Own and manage the OPEX budget for port operations across the MEA region.
Monitor expenditure vs. budget, identify variances and implement cost-control measures.
Drive efficiency initiatives to reduce unit costs without compromising quality or safety.
Validate and approve port-related invoices, contracts, and service agreements within delegated authority.
Provide OPEX forecasts and contribute to the annual budgeting process.

Berthing Window Planning & Optimisation

Plan, assign and optimise berthing windows for all vessels calling at regional ports.
Liaise with shipping lines, port planners and marine departments to ensure accurate berthing schedules.
Proactively manage conflicts, delays and contingency scenarios affecting berthing plans.
Negotiate and adjust berthing window agreements with shipping lines based on performance data and capacity constraints.
Maintain a rolling forward-looking berth plan to support operational continuity.

Reporting – Weekly & Monthly

Produce a Weekly Operations Report: vessel calls & cargo volumes, KPI vs. targets, incidents, berthing schedule adherence, open action items.
Produce a Monthly Operations Report: full KPI trend analysis, OPEX vs. budget variance, port-by-port benchmarking, berthing utilisation statistics, strategic commentary.
Present reports to COO MEA; contribute to regional leadership meetings and business reviews.
Ensure timely and accurate data submission to Group/Corporate reporting systems.

Compliance & Safety

Strictly adhere to HSSE standards, Joint Working Procedures, and all international and local regulations.
Proactively identify and propose improvements on port safety and operational needs.
Manage emergency and crisis scenarios in coordination with port teams, HSSE, and COO.

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, Logistics, Supply Chain or related field
10+ years’ experience in port operations / maritime logistics, including 5+ years in senior management
Master’s degree or professional certifications (CILT, ICS) are a plus

Technical Skills

Strong OPEX management and KPI/performance expertise
Experience in berthing planning, multi-port scheduling and shipping line management
Advanced Excel and good command of port/vessel scheduling systems
Knowledge of MEA port ecosystems and liner operations is an advantage

Soft Skills & Competencies

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Results-driven, proactive and able to work under pressure
Agile, adaptable and comfortable in complex, fast-paced environments
Strong leadership, integrity and team development mindset

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !