Operations Manager - Saudi Arabia - Dammam Maritime - Saudi Arabia الرياض

Operations Manager - Saudi Arabia - Dammam

Noatum Maritime Services, part of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, operates as local agents in ports, acting as the eyes and ears on the ground in over 799 ports across 144 countries. Offering a broad range of Port Services, Commercial Liner Services, Ship Services, and Specialized Services, Noatum Maritime Services supports clients by connecting the dots through their value chain from load port to discharge port.

Our clients include Cargo Owners, Traders, Miners, Oil Majors, Ship Owners, Ship Operators, and Ship Managers, handling a wide array of goods and vessel types such as containers, dry bulk, breakbulk, project cargo, crude oil, refined products, natural gas, and passengers.

Noatum Maritime Services differentiates itself through specific domain knowledge, local relationships, understanding of local nuances, and risks, and the ability to leverage the assets and scope of services within their broader ecosystem to provide value-added solutions to clients.

About the Role

Noatum Maritime Services Saudi Arabia is seeking a highly committed and experienced Operations Manager to lead, coordinate, and optimize our port agency operations across all Saudi locations. This is a key leadership role with strategic, operational, and commercial responsibilities, ensuring excellence in service delivery and the development of our local market presence in our services.

Business Operations Management

In coordination with the Global Operations Management:

• Provide strategic leadership and hands-on management of port operations.
• Ensure consistent quality, efficiency, and compliance across all locations.
• Regularly visit each branch to support local teams, reinforce operational standards, and address on-site challenges.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve operational performance, margins, and service delivery.
• Manage and coach local teams: foster talent, assign tasks efficiently, promote accountability, and build a collaborative work environment.
• Act as the primary liaison for major operational issues, ensuring fast and effective resolution.
• Maintain full oversight of KPIs, profitability, and cost control, reporting regularly to the AreaManager.

Business Development & Strategy

In coordination with the Global Sales Management:

• Actively support commercial efforts and client retention, especially in the tramp and husbandry segments
• Contribute to business development with a focus on market penetration and long-term growth.
• Identify and seize new commercial opportunities; an existing client portfolio will be highly valued
• Build trust-based relationships with clients, suppliers, port authorities, and key stakeholders. Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for key clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by addressing issues and delivering solutions promptly.
• Maintain close communication with regional and global headquarters to align business goals.

People Management Responsibilites:

• Lead with empathy, integrity, and dedication, maintaining a strong team spirit and a solutions-driven mindset.
• Foster a positive work culture that emphasizes teamwork, professionalism, and compliance with safety standards
• Manage the country operations staff.
• Establish performance targets and monitor employee progress.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure the agency's operations comply with international and local maritime regulations.
• Monitor risks related to port operations, trade restrictions, customs, and labor laws.
• Develop contingency plans for operational disruptions and unforeseen challenges.

Reporting & Coordination

• Provide regular reports to Country Manager on business performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the teams to ensure seamless execution of country and global strategies at the local level.
• Represent the company at industry events, forums, and networking opportunities in the country.

To fit in this role, candidates should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Proven experience (minimum 5-8 years) in maritime operations in port agency.

• Previous leadership experience managing multiple teams or offices.

• Fluent in English and Arabic (spoken and written); other languages are a plus.

• Based or willing to relocate to Dammam area.

• Willingness to travel frequently and maintain a visible leadership presence in all offices.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a natural ability to motivate and negotiate.

• Commercially oriented and capable of contributing to sales efforts and client retention.

• High proficiency in standard IT tools (Office 365, Teams, TMS/ERP systems).

• Strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and ability to handle pressure in fast-paced environments.

• Strong sense of ownership, reliability, and personal commitment

• Strong understanding of port operations, vessel handling, tramp business, commercial liner representation, customs procedures, offshore, Oil & Gas and maritime regulations.