Job Summary
The Senior Vice President, Operations – North America is a key executive leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, operational performance, and cross-border alignment of all shipping operations across the United States and Canada. This executive will provide hands-on leadership and direction to a large and diverse operational team, ensuring that both regional and global targets are met through best-in-class logistics, procurement, and marine practices. Operating from the company’s North American headquarters, the role requires extensive travel and a deep understanding of the container shipping industry, with a strong focus on cost optimization, service delivery, and continuous innovation in an evolving global logistics landscape
Functions and Duties
- Lead and managing Operations of the North America region, responsible for managing budgets, controlling costs, and driving revenue for their department.
- Ensure regional alignment with global operational strategies and performance benchmarks.
- Drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, service reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Provide executive oversight and strategic guidance for the following functions:
- Marine Operations: Stowage planning, network execution, port operations, dangerous goods compliance, and schedule integrity.
- Procurement: Regional procurement strategy, supplier engagement, cost management, and service-level optimization.
- Equipment Management: Asset positioning, maintenance, and lifecycle management for all container equipment in the region.
- Cargo Operations & Transshipment: Performance monitoring, cost-effective cargo handling, and transshipment aligned with global hub strategies.
- Inland Delivery Team (IDT): Oversight of inland coordination covering rail, trucking, and delivery reliability across major domestic corridors.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with internal cross-functional teams including Commercial, Trade Management, Sales, Customer Service, Business Administration, Area Canada & HR.
- Develop strategic partnerships and negotiate with key external stakeholders: port terminals, rail operators, trucking companies, and other suppliers.
- Develop and manage regional budgets with a focus on financial performance and operational KPIs. Regularly review cost structures, productivity, and service metrics; implement corrective actions as needed.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant maritime, trade, and environmental regulations across the USA and Canada. Lead the development and implementation of operating procedures and training programs to support standardization and operational excellence.
- Create a high-performing, resilient, and diverse and culture driven workforce through strong leadership and collaboration with HR.
- Champion talent development, succession planning, and a strong culture of accountability, performance, and innovation.
- Directly lead a senior leadership team of Directors and oversee a total workforce of 200+.
- Lead digital transformation initiatives to improve visibility, automation, and process efficiency in vessel and terminal operations.
- Promote data-driven decision-making and operational transparency.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, Business, or a related field.
- Master’s degree (MBA or Logistic) is preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive experience in shipping or logistics, with at least 8 years in a senior executive/leadership role.
- Strong expertise in container shipping operations, with deep knowledge of ports in the USA and Canada.
- Demonstrated success managing large regional or country-level operations.
- Proven history of managing large teams (200+ employees) and at least 5 Director level leaders.
- Availability to travel (50–70%) across the USA and Canada and from time to time require overseas travel.
Success Criteria for Position
- Strong commercial acumen’ and ‘strong stakeholder management skills
- Result-oriented, strong in identifying opportunities, developing strategies, and executing business plans.
- Ability to develop effective relationships, and therefore operate successfully at all levels, within and outside the organization together with excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Assessing restructuring operating models, organizational structures, and business processes to streamline core operations’ delivery.
- Demonstrable experience in finance and budget management including budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and financial analysis to enable data-driven recommendations.
- Able to make sound decisions in ambiguous situations that are not covered by explicit rules by applying general principles and guidelines and is able to flex the decision-making process and methodology to answer to changing circumstances or new information that surfaces.
- High energy and commitment to task.
- Proven leadership record and ability to develop confidence, enthusiasm and respect amongst peers and subordinates in a fast pace intercultural setting
Working Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is regularly required to sit, talk and hear. The incumbent regularly uses hands and fingers in the course of daily job duties, including the use of a personal computer. The vision requirement includes close vision. May incur mental stress due to time deadlines. May need to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
