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Main Objective

To oversee all aspects of the Operations function covering ED, PTO, OPSS and Procurement to, amongst other responsibilities, provide a high level of service to customers, close monitoring of vendor and staff performance as well as maintaining controls of overall operational costs.

Function and duties

  • To oversee overall Operations Department including the execution of the Ops strategy across Area China ensuring strategic initiatives and daily tasks are carried out as directed and completed within company guidelines.
  • Equipment Management - ensure sufficient equipment availability of all types to cover budgeted and forecasted bookings, while maintaining the most economical cost. Ensure all Maintenance & Repair activities are carried out as per Hapag-Lloyd guidelines
  • Port/Terminal Operations - Oversee Area Port Operations functions. Monitoring port operations on a daily basis ensures the work is flowing in accordance with defined processes with all internal and external. Working with terminals to ensure operational efficiency.
  • Operations Steering Support - ensure Operations department maintains systems, writing procedures and running statistics as needed
  • Procurement - Negotiate purchasing services, vendor contracts, and evaluations working closely with the Regional Procurement team as per Hapag-Lloyd policies. Analyze and identifies opportunities for cost reductions and cost control.
  • Governmental Relations - Maintain working knowledge all governmental rules and regulations, develop and build excellent networking relationships with the China port authorities.
  • Leadership & Management – Live up to Hapag-Lloyd corporate and leadership values., effectively motivate operations staff through coaching, appraisal, counseling, and evaluation process
  • Drive, review and guide progress of costs savings initiatives and operational priorities
  • Represent Area China to pursue efficiencies, cost savings through the sharing of resources and services. Participate in various Hapag-Lloyd working groups, business processes, and any areas as requested by Senior Management
  • Maintain communication with local managers, providing, and disseminating updated information regarding Hapag-Lloyd policies and procedures
  • Work closely with the Regional Operations team and other Directors in the Region/Area on process improvement and communication flow

Qualifications and Technical Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree, MBA preferred. 
  • At least 10 years of relevant Operations experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Exposure to commercial roles including Trade Management is advantageous.
  • In-depth knowledge of port operations coupled with a wide network of relationships across Ningbo, Shanghai and other ports along South China.
  • Experience managing a team of about 10 direct reports across multiple functions with a larger overall department headcount of about 50-75 employees.
  • Fluent in spoken and written Mandarin to liaise with internal and external team members in China.

Success Criteria

  • Recognizes and attends to multiple facets in issues and problems logically and systematically especially in analyzing unfamiliar issues and problems. 
  • Deeply conversant and familiar with equipment requirements of varying locations and how requirements are linked to shipping schedules and type of goods shipped. Also, holds a strong understanding of specific customer goods, shipment requirements and practices including understanding of special rates which might be assigned. 
  • Has a grasp of technical knowledge to effectively discuss and manage non-routine and/or technical matters.
  • Wields an affinity for numbers and can decipher trends, weaknesses and opportunities to propel the department forward.
  • Able to make sound decisions in ambiguous situations that are not covered by explicit rules by applying general principles and guidelines while at the same time, safeguarding overall Compliance and integrity to Hapag-Lloyd’s defined blueprint/processes. Is able to flex the decision-making process and methodology to answer to changing circumstances or new information that surfaces.
  • Consciously establish a team culture that encourages customer focus, individual development, efficiency and collaboration to cultivate a passionate environment of innovation focused on process improvement.
  • Excellent communications and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Lebensmittel, Maschinen oder T-Shirts: Hapag-Lloyd bewegt mit über 230 Containerschiffen Waren rund um den Globus. Wir verbinden mehr als 600 Häfen auf allen Kontinenten und gehören zu den größten Linienreedereien. Unsere rund 13.000 Mitarbeiter:innen sind auf See oder an Land, im Außeneinsatz oder in einem unserer über 350 Büros beschäftigt. Zusammen transportieren wir etwa 12 Millionen Container pro Jahr. Unsere Unternehmenswerte „We care. We move. We deliver“ dienen uns dabei als Koordinaten auf unserem Weg. Sie geben vor, wie wir miteinander als Kolleginnen und Kollegen sowie mit unseren mit unseren Kundinnen und Kunden zusammenarbeiten, um die bestmögliche Qualität zu erzielen. Mit Blick in die Zukunft engagieren wir uns für Klima- und Umweltschutz sowie für Menschenrechte und viele andere soziale Belange.

Contact person

Leonard Leong