Chief Operating Officer at CMA CGM Group

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group is a world leader in shipping and logistics.
Its 566 vessels serve more than 420 ports around the world, on all five continents. In 2020, they transported nearly 21 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) containers. With CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics services, CMA CGM handles 400,000 tons of airfreight and 2.8 million tons of inland freight every year.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Terminal

Location: Lekki Peninsula, Lagos
Job type: Full-time
Level: Director

Job Description

CMA Terminals will open and operate in Nigeria a state-of-the-art container terminal in Lekki located 80 Kms East from Lagos.
The Phase 1a / 1b of the project will include 680 m of berth, 5 (+2) STS cranes, 15 (+6) RTGs and an OCR gate complex for a capacity of 1.2 million TEU’s in order to offer an innovative, efficient, and reliable alternatives to shipping lines and local stakeholders.

Job Summary

CMA Terminals is looking for an experienced and well qualified Chief Operating Officer who is ready to take the responsibility to lead:
- The Ops & IT project team during the pre-ops phase prior terminal opening
- The Ops & IT department to ensure highest terminal performance within a safe working environment
As a strategic Officer within the organization, the COO leads the operation department to ensure terminal services are rendered to terminal’s customers and shareholders through the highest, safest & most cost-efficient manner.
As COO, you are member of the Terminal Steering Committee and you report directly to the CEO.

Responsibilities
Pre-ops phase:

COO is responsible to organize and all pre-ops tasks to be executed to ensure Operator readiness at the time of the commencement date which includes but are not limited to:

Lead & build all recruitment program for Ops Managers, planning and execution staffs, interview and selection processes
Successfully deploy, set up and test all software and hardware (TOS, OCR gate complexes, network, CCTV...)
Meet and build with all local stakeholders (Customs, local authorities, shipping lines, forwarders, trucking companies...) constructive relationship to ensure smooth start for both inland and maritime operations
Identify Ops & IT needs, prepare tender & negotiate agreement with the CEO whenever is required specific outsourced services
Lead & build creation all training programs for all operation staffs
Lead & build redaction of all SOPs, JDs, working procedures, all required interfaces with other departments (finances, technical, …)
Participate, in coordination with HSSE dpt, to the creation and the good application of the HSSE policies
Any other operational tasks required on site to ensure that the Terminal will open at the defined date and ready to offer the best performance.

Operating phase:

From the opening date, the COO is in charge to lead, supervise and guide all operational activities on the Terminal in respect of the goals and budget defined with the CEO and CMAT.

Job Details

Defining, reevaluating and implementing best operational strategies (berthing, yard, resources, etc…)
Ensuring performant and cost-efficient operation by optimizing resources utilization & planning
Leading, guiding and supporting his 3 key direct Managers (IT, Planning & Execution Manager)
Leading IT team to guarantee IT services are rendered as per terminal standards
Implementing a Continuous Improvement Program in all fields of operations to promote a constant improvement & ownership mindset among the workforce
Negotiating agreements & contracts with suppliers & customers including TSA & SLA
Evaluating providers/terminal performance and deliverables on regular basis
Developing a staff management system to ensure staff happiness, performance analysis, carrier path, safety and competences.
Implementing a permanent training program for the workforce to develop polyvalence, maintain & improve skills, train as per latest best practice in force in the terminal and CMAT standards
Being in close relationship with all labor unions
Checking the correct implementation and execution of all operational procedures
Ensuring a safe working environment by a strict compliance with HSSE policies
Setting and monitoring terminal performances and initiating improvement solutions whenever it is required
Preparing Ops Monthly Performance Report submitted to CEO and CMA Terminals
Preparing annual budget
Preparing and implementing short, middle and long-term goals defined with the CEO
Being involved in all development projects related to operations and IT
Working closely with the all stakeholders to ensure high customer satisfaction
Maintaining regular communications with all stakeholders & communities for satisfaction/need evaluation

Job Requirements
Ideally the candidate should have:

University Degree in Logistics, Maritime and Port or a Marine qualification (Master)
Minimum 10 to 15 years in operations management roles in modern STS/RTG container terminals with at least 5 as COO (planning, execution, COO).
At least one recent experience in container terminal setup
Good knowledge of several worldwide recognized TOS and a confirmed experience in CT in Africa

Skills & know hows: