Director, Regional Cost Controller

The Director of Cost Control oversees all aspects of Operations function, while maintaining a high level of service to customers, measuring and monitoring vendor and staff performance and controlling overall operational costs. Consciously establishes a culture that encourages customer focus, individual development, efficiency, collaboration, and creates an environment for process improvements. Upholds and ensures that all Hapag-Lloyd policies and procedures are followed and maintained.

Responsibilities: Focus on cost saving, operational efficiency, and process optimization

• Champion a culture of cost consciousness across the region.

• Consistently analyze, prioritize, and push for initiatives to lower cost per unit.

• Build and maintain an ongoing pipeline of cost-saving initiatives.

• Responsible for detailing, monitoring, and reporting of operational measures/drivers related to cost savings targets set forth in global programs (e.g., Ventus).

• Develop and monitor non-financial operational metrics including benchmarking across QSCs/Areas.

• Define, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for operational cost recording and verification across QSCs/Areas.

• Establish framework and oversee adherence for identifying, tracking, and resolving vendor disputes.

• Audit operational workflows to identify process inefficiencies and bottlenecks that drive up structural costs.

• Oversee the structural monitoring of Work Orders, ensuring HL global processes and operating procedures for Work Orders are followed and optimized in the QSCs/Areas.

• Responsible for delivering on targets related to Work Order Timeliness/Accuracy and Invoice Disputes (P2P).

• Responsible for ensuring the negotiated costs are accurately reflected in HL systems and changes are proactively communicated with appropriate departments.

• Work closely with regional functions e.g., Controlling on Budgeting/Forecasting, Procurement on Tariff Negotiation/Contract Management, Marine Operations on Dispute Management, etc.

• Work closely with QSC/Area Directors on process improvements and communication flows.

• Act as the primary interface between HQ and QSCs/Areas, translating global operational cost initiatives into regional execution plans and cascading information on Company policies and procedures.

• Participate in various Hapag-Lloyd working groups, business processes, and other projects as requested by Senior Management.

• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 3–5 operational cost controllers and data analysts.

Organisation Chart:

• This position will be reporting to Senior Director
• Lead/manage up to a team of 3 in the Region

• University degree and a minimum of 7 years of experience in the Maritime Industry or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least 5 years of experience supervising employees.

• Recognizes and attends to multiple facets in issues and problems. Uses a logical and systematic approach to analyze unfamiliar issues and problems. Assembles relevant information from multiple sources.

• Makes sound decisions in ambiguous situations not covered by explicit rules by applying general principles and guidelines. Adjusts decisions to meet with changing circumstances or new information. Provides well thought out rationale for decision.

• Actively shares information with others. Reinforces people for contributing ideas and opinions even when their views are at odds. Shows human side by admitting mistakes.

• Communications are well organized, clear and concise. Emphasizes key points to ensure communications are understood by others. Uses the vocabulary and level of technical complexity that will give the audience the knowledge they need.

• Grasps concrete information with complex interrelationships.

• Readily comprehends written information in area of technical expertise.

• Appears confident and composed when speaking formally on new topics in front of a group.

• Understands specific customer’s goods, shipment requirements and practices.

• Understands and acknowledges the needs of others and their organizations. Seeks out common ground to establish rapport. Builds relationships outside own work group.

• Proficient in MS Office (e.g., MS Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), Salesforce and other software appropriate to work demands.