Director Operations

Hapag-Lloyd QSC Mauritius is growing. To support our expansion, we are recruiting an Operations Director.

Purpose of the position:

The Director, Operations is responsible for leading all operational activities across Africa, including cargo operations, depots, inland transport, vendor management, and regulatory compliance, ensuring safe, efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused execution. The role oversees end-to-end operational performance, drives continuous improvement, manages risks and crises, and ensures compliance with Hapag-Lloyd policies and governance.

Leading direct and matrix teams, the role builds a high-performance culture through coaching, accountability, and collaboration while working closely with regional stakeholders, vendors, local authorities, and customs to ensure seamless operations, high service levels, and support for the area's commercial objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead Operations & Governance: Provide strategic and operational leadership across Cargo Operations, Equipment, Inland Transport, Depots, and Maintenance & Repair (M&R). Ensure consistent execution of Hapag-Lloyd's operating model, governance framework, policies, controls, and standard operating procedures while driving operational stability, compliance, and service excellence. 

• Operational Excellence & Service Delivery: Oversee end-to-end operational execution to ensure safe, efficient, and customer-focused service delivery. Lead resolution of critical operational issues, proactively manage risks and exceptions, and drive continuous improvement, automation, and standardization to enhance operational performance. 

• Inland Logistics, Equipment & Vendor Management: Optimize inland transportation, depot operations, equipment utilization, interterminal movements, and maintenance activities to maximize efficiency, asset turnaround, and service reliability. Manage operational vendors and partners, ensuring contractual compliance, service quality, performance improvement, and adherence to procurement policies. 

• Performance, Cost & Business Optimization: Establish and monitor operational KPIs, budgets, and productivity targets. Drive cost optimization initiatives across operations while maintaining service quality. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, strengthen inland capabilities, and support business growth through enhanced logistics solutions.

• Compliance, Risk & Stakeholder Management: Ensure full compliance with Hapag-Lloyd policies, internal controls, audit requirements, and applicable local regulations. Build strong relationships with regional teams, terminals, depots, inland providers, customs authorities, and other key stakeholders to enable seamless operations, mitigate risks, and support business continuity. 

• Customer Experience & Quality: Champion operational initiatives that improve reliability, customer satisfaction, and delivery of Hapag-Lloyd's quality commitments. Ensure customer requirements are met through proactive planning, effective exception management, and continuous enhancement of operational processes. 

• People Leadership & Organizational Development: Lead, coach, and develop direct and matrix teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, servant leadership, and continuous learning. Drive performance management, succession planning, cross-functional capability building, and employee engagement to build a high-performing Operations organization.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Supply Chain/Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field (or equivalent relevant experience). 

• 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in the maritime, shipping, or logistics industry, with a strong track record in port operations, inland transportation, depot operations, equipment management, and Maintenance & Repair (M&R). 

• Demonstrated success in leading high-performing teams, fostering engagement, accountability, talent development, and servant leadership across direct and matrix organizations. 

• Strong expertise in operations, vendor and stakeholder management, cost optimization, cargo claims, crisis management, and regulatory compliance, including customs and international maritime regulations. 

• Proven ability to drive operational excellence through performance management, continuous improvement, automation, and data-driven decision-making, supported by strong analytical and project management skills. 

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing operational budgets, productivity, and end-to-end cost optimization in complex operational environments. 

• Good knowledge of African markets, business practices, and inland logistics networks (road, rail, and depots). 

• Proficient in MS Office and Hapag-Lloyd systems/tools, with excellent English communication skills (additional languages are an advantage). 

• Willingness to travel across as required.

Language – Excellent written and spoken English 

Our Shift timings are from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.