Chief Operations Officer (COO) - Bahrain

Job Description

APM Terminals

Chief Operations Officer

Business Unit: APM Terminals Bahrain
Division: Operations Management
Job Level: Management – JL6
Reports to: CEO / Managing Director

About APM Terminals

APM Terminals is a global leader in port and terminal operations, serving over 60 ports and terminals across 40+ countries. With a commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence, APM Terminals connects world trade and enables businesses and communities to thrive. We combine advanced technology with a people‑first culture to deliver reliable, efficient, and resilient supply chain solutions.

About APM Terminals Bahrain

APM Terminals Bahrain operates Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), a key maritime gateway for Bahrain and the wider Gulf region. As an essential hub for regional trade, APMT Bahrain is focused on delivering world‑class operational performance, customer‑centric services, and continuous improvement. The terminal plays a vital role in supporting Bahrain’s economic growth through safe, efficient, and sustainable logistics operations.

About the Role – Chief Operations Officer

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a core member of the terminal’s leadership team, responsible for providing strategic and operational direction across Operations. This role ensures high productivity, strong safety performance, cost‑efficient processes, and excellent customer service while driving operational transformation and innovation. This role also requires working in close partnership with terminal leader and subject matter experts to prepare terminals for critical transformation programs — including top-line growth, asset management, Flow (our Lean, pull-based operating model), and FPS (Flow Production and Operating System) maturity — while building the systems and capabilities required to deliver Operational Excellence 2030.

We are looking for a proven operations leader — a change agent who combines strategic and commercial thinking with deep operational insight, and who is passionate about solving problems at the root, building strong teams, and delivering measurable impact.

In return, you will join a strong learning culture with access to a comprehensive development and certification program and the opportunity to shape the future of the terminal.

Purpose of the Role

• Provide leadership and direction for all Operations activities across the terminal.
• Ensure high levels of productivity, service quality, and overall operational efficiency.
• Contribute significantly to strategic planning, business growth, and terminal development.
• Deliver operational strategies that align with both functional capabilities and organizational objectives.

Principal Accountabilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and manage all port/terminal operations to achieve safety, productivity, and efficiency targets.
• Establish and execute long‑term and short‑term operational goals, plans, and policies.
• Drive continuous improvement and implement new operational strategies, methods, and technologies.
• Ensure full compliance with HSSE policies, procedures, and duty‑of‑care requirements.

Execution & Performance Management

• Oversee execution of operational initiatives to improve terminal performance.
• Provide measurable input to business plans and ensure delivery of key operational outcomes.
• Monitor and track performance against KPIs, guidelines, and standards set by APM Terminals.
• Ensure operational teams are trained in best practices, systems, and technologies.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with Customs, port authorities, shipping lines, logistics partners, vendors, and external consultants.
• Represent terminal operations in negotiations, service agreements, SLAs, and project discussions.
• Participate in steering committees for major projects and lead operational contributions to project management.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop, manage, and achieve departmental budgets.
• Optimize operational costs while maintaining best‑in‑class service levels.
• Support technology and system improvements to drive cost efficiencies and improved customer experience.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop teams across Operations and Transformation.
• Manage performance, training, development, grievance handling, and workforce engagement.
• Promote an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑performance culture across all operations.

Reporting Structure

Direct Reports:

• Head of General Cargo
• Head of Container Operations
• Head of Planning
• Head of Marine

Reports to: CEO / Managing Director
Scope: Domestic (Bahrain)

Work Contacts & Authority

Internal

• Senior Management Team
• Terminal employees across related functions
• Regional Management Team
• Global Management Team

External

• Port Authorities and other government stakeholders
• Vendors & suppliers
• Contractors
• Customers and shipping line representatives
• Business partners
• External consultants

Critical Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• University degree in Logistics, Maritime Studies, Port/Industrial Engineering, or Equivalent.
• 12+ years in operational leadership within terminals, logistics, or industrial sectors.
• Proven experience in cost optimization, productivity improvement, and process enhancement.
• Strong understanding of IT systems and digitalization within terminal environments.
• Solid experience in budget planning, financial management, and reporting.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Effective negotiation, stakeholder management, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Fluent in English and local language (where applicable).
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams, collaborate effectively, and drive results.

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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