Director of Shipping & Logistics

Job Description

Director, Shipping & Logistics

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Department: Shipping & Logistics

Division: Supply Chain / Commercial / Logistics

Reports to: Chief Commercial Officer

Level: Director

Role Purpose

The Director, Shipping & Logistics is responsible for leading Emirates Steel's end-to-end shipping and logistics operations, ensuring the safe, compliant, timely, and cost-effective movement of raw materials and finished goods across domestic and international markets.

The role is accountable for developing logistics strategy, overseeing transportation and dispatch, managing port and vessel operations, ensuring trade compliance, optimizing logistics costs, and driving operational excellence. Working closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Production, Procurement, Finance, HSE, and external logistics partners, the Director ensures uninterrupted plant operations, exceptional customer service, and profitable execution.

Key Responsibilities

Logistics Strategy

• Develop and execute the company's shipping and logistics strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Build a resilient and efficient logistics operating model supporting both domestic and export operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service levels while reducing logistics costs.

Inbound & Outbound Logistics

• Ensure uninterrupted inbound supply of raw materials.
• Manage timely and efficient dispatch of finished products.
• Optimize yard operations, dispatch planning, and transportation capacity.

Transportation & Freight Management

• Develop transportation sourcing and contracting strategies.
• Lead negotiations with carriers, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and logistics partners.
• Monitor freight costs, transport performance, and market competitiveness.
• Support chartering activities while minimizing demurrage and operational delays.

Port & Vessel Operations

• Oversee loading, dispatch, port coordination, and vessel operations.
• Manage relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, vessel agents, and surveyors.
• Improve loading productivity and reduce cargo damage, detention, and operational disruptions.

Shipping Documentation & Trade Compliance

• Ensure accurate preparation and management of all export and shipping documentation.
• Maintain full compliance with customs regulations, trade controls, and export requirements.
• Protect revenue by minimizing documentation errors and shipment delays.

Logistics Governance

• Establish logistics governance, reporting, and end-to-end shipment visibility.
• Develop KPI dashboards covering cost, OTIF, claims, service levels, and provider performance.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance across logistics operations.

Cross-Functional Planning

• Participate in S&OP planning.
• Align logistics capabilities with production, sales, inventory, and customer commitments.
• Provide logistics risk analysis and capacity planning recommendations.

Cost Management & Vendor Performance

• Own the Shipping & Logistics budget.
• Deliver measurable cost savings through optimization initiatives.
• Manage cargo claims, insurance recoveries, and service provider performance reviews.

Leadership & Capability Building

• Build and develop a high-performing logistics organization.
• Drive succession planning, capability development, and Emiratization initiatives.
• Strengthen in-house logistics expertise while reducing dependency on outsourced activities.

Health, Safety & Business Continuity

• Promote a strong safety culture across logistics operations.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, customs, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
• Lead logistics continuity planning during operational disruptions and crisis situations.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Freight cost optimization
• Logistics cost vs. budget
• OTIF (On-Time In-Full) delivery performance
• Dispatch adherence
• Vessel readiness
• Documentation accuracy
• Customs compliance
• Claims recovery
• Shipment visibility
• Provider performance
• Safety performance
• Emiratization achievement
• Employee capability development

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification or relevant professional certification is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 12 years of experience in shipping, logistics, transportation, freight, or industrial supply chain.
• Strong background within steel, metals, heavy industry, or similarly complex manufacturing environments.
• Experience across domestic transport, export logistics, port operations, customs, trade compliance, shipping documentation, and logistics service provider management.
• Proven leadership experience managing large cross-functional logistics operations.

Key Competencies

Leadership

• Strategic Thinking
• Learning Agility
• Building High-Performing Teams
• Leading Change
• Emotional Intelligence
• Customer Focus
• Talent Development

Functional

• Shipping Documentation
• Trade Compliance & Customs
• Freight & Chartering
• Port & Terminal Operations
• Road, Container & Breakbulk Logistics
• Claims Management
• Logistics Analytics & KPI Management
• Business Continuity & Crisis Management

Key Stakeholders

Internal

• Chief Commercial Officer
• Commercial & Sales
• Supply Chain Planning
• Production
• Procurement
• Finance
• HSE
• Legal
• IT
• Customer Service

External

• Shipping Lines
• Port Authorities
• Freight Forwarders
• Customs Agents
• Transport Companies
• Surveyors
• Insurance Providers
• Customers and Project Stakeholders

Working Environment

This role is primarily office-based but requires frequent presence across manufacturing sites, storage yards, dispatch areas, and port facilities. Regular site visits, operational inspections, contractor engagement, and participation in critical shipping operations are expected. Compliance with all HSE and PPE requirements is mandatory.