General Manager – Container Line

General Manager – Shipping Agency (Container Line)

Location: Qatar

Role Overview

We are seeking an accomplished General Manager – Shipping Agency (Container Line) to lead the overall business operations, commercial growth, and regional profitability of our Shipping Agency business. This leadership role carries full P&L responsibility and ownership of end-to-end business operations, including commercial, operations, customer service, agency management, finance, compliance, and strategic business expansion.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Container Line / Liner Shipping , a strong commercial mindset, and proven expertise in managing multi-functional teams while driving sustainable business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction across the region.

Key Responsibilities

Regional Business & P&L Leadership

• Assume full regional Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the Shipping Agency business.
• Develop and execute business strategies to achieve revenue growth, profitability, market share, and operational excellence.
• Drive overall business performance through effective commercial, operational, and financial management.
• Prepare annual business plans, budgets, forecasts, and financial performance reviews.
• Ensure achievement of key financial and operational KPIs.

End-to-End Shipping Agency Operations

• Lead the complete Shipping Agency operations across the assigned region.
• Oversee vessel agency operations, container logistics, customer service, documentation, and operational execution.
• Ensure seamless coordination with ports, terminals, customs authorities, transport providers, and government agencies.
• Drive operational efficiency, service quality, compliance, and continuous process improvement.
• Ensure adherence to international maritime regulations, company policies, and statutory requirements.

Commercial & Business Development

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to expand market presence and increase profitability.
• Drive customer acquisition, business retention, and market expansion initiatives.
• Build and strengthen relationships with Container Line principals, shipping lines, freight forwarders, NVOCCs, logistics providers, and key customers.
• Lead contract negotiations, commercial agreements, tenders, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify new trade opportunities, shipping routes, and business segments.

Customer Relationship Management

• Establish long-term strategic relationships with key customers and principals.
• Ensure exceptional customer experience through proactive account management.
• Resolve commercial and operational escalations effectively.
• Drive customer retention and enhance service delivery standards.

Operations & Supply Chain Management

• Ensure efficient vessel turnaround and cargo handling operations.
• Oversee container movements, equipment management, documentation, and agency coordination.
• Monitor vessel schedules and optimize operational performance.
• Improve turnaround times, cost efficiencies, and productivity.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams across Commercial, Operations, Customer Service, Finance, and Administration.
• Build a high-performance, customer-focused organizational culture.
• Drive employee engagement, succession planning, capability development, and performance management.
• Foster collaboration across regional and global stakeholders.

Financial Governance & Compliance

• Monitor financial performance, budgets, receivables, profitability, and cost controls.
• Ensure compliance with financial governance, statutory regulations, and internal controls.
• Oversee risk management, contract governance, and business continuity initiatives.

Strategic Planning & Market Intelligence

• Analyze market trends, competitor activities, customer requirements, and emerging trade opportunities.
• Develop long-term growth strategies aligned with regional business objectives.
• Provide market intelligence and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Drive digital transformation and operational excellence initiatives.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, Maritime Studies, or related discipline.
• MBA or Master's Degree preferred.
• Overall 25 years of progressive experience within Shipping Agency, Container Line, or Liner Shipping operations.
• Minimum 8–10 years in senior leadership roles managing regional business operations.
• Proven experience with internationally recognized Container Line / Liner Shipping Companies .
• Experience across the Middle East, Asia, or Africa is highly desirable.