Area Head of Operational Excellence

Job Description

A.P. Moller – Maersk is an integrated container logistics company committed to connecting and simplifying global supply chains. As a world leader in shipping services, we operate in more than 130 countries and employ approximately 93,000 people.

About the role:

In this role, you will lead the deployment of The Maersk Way (TMW) across the Area, ensuring consistent operational excellence standards, strong capability building, and continuous performance improvement aligned with the global TMW framework. You will act as the central integrator at Area level—translating global guidance into locally relevant actions, driving adoption, and securing sustainable results.

You will champion structured routines, strong behaviours, and data‑driven insights to support the business in achieving its priorities. In addition, you will steer continuous improvement initiatives and provide governance and coordination to effectively manage Area performance and key business KPIs.

Key Responsibilities:

Deploy TMW capabilities and frameworks:

• Support Area MD & ALT in defining, achieving and measuring (KPIs) business priorities through the application of TMW framework and Operational Excellence practices.

• Constructively challenge standardization practices that do not facilitate customer quality or increase efficiency.

• Coordinate and review all functional excellence activities in Area and develop change management strategies to ensure successful implementation and adoption of changes.

• Drive deployment of core TMW tools and behaviours (e.g., problem solving, visual management) based on assessments of the Area needs.

Lead OpEx Community and Collaboration:

• Manage Area OpEx resources (including CI, SME and FinOps moved from TbM Ops into the Areas – detailed org TBD), building capabilities, succession planning, motivation, and personal development.

• Coach Area leaders and stakeholders on OpEx principles, behaviours, performance management, and cultural role-modelling, through training, best practice sharing and continuous improvement cycles.

• Identify and channel local needs to Global OpEx team for successful continuous improvement and TMW rollout.

• Sustain continuous improvement deployment in the Area teams in coordination with GSC supporting teams.

• Commit to becoming best-in class OpEx professional mastering tools, behaviors and implementation techniques on Operational Excellence.

Accountable For:

• Deploying TMW tools, global standards, and behaviours across the Area in line with global priorities and timelines.

• Building, integrating, and maturing OpEx capabilities and CI culture across frontline and leadership teams.

• Driving measurable improvements in key business KPIs related to performance, operational efficiency, and customer outcomes.

• Challenging, influencing, and driving accountability among senior leaders and cross‑functional teams.

Consulted About:

• Definition of Area strategy, including key business priorities and investment decisions.

• Design of the Area operating model.

• Alignment of performance targets and expectations with business leadership.

• Identification of blockers or enablers to capability development.

• Required adaptations to local contexts while maintaining global standards.

What We’re Looking For:

Technical Competencies:

• Knowledge of TMW framework.

• OpEx/Lean/CI experience in complex global environments.

• Ability to link enterprise vision with local execution, driving impact through structured deployment.

• Strong process governance and KPI-driven performance mindset.

• Ability to lead transformation and influence stakeholders in matrix setups.

Other Competencies:

• Strong program planning & execution discipline in fast-paced environments.

• Excellent communication, facilitation, and ability to simplify complex narratives.

• Analytical yet pragmatic mindset.

• Commitment to continuous improvement.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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