Director of Maritime Operations

Key Responsibilities: 

The Director of Maritime Operations holds end-to-end responsibility for the safe, efficient and consistent execution of maritime operations across Höegh Autoliners’ global fleet. The role combines operational oversight with strategic development, requiring both hands-on leadership and the ability to build scalable structures across a complex, international operating environment.  

Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to: 

Operational Leadership and Execution   

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  Ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations across all vessels, ports and cargo activities globally.  

  
  

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  Act as the senior authority on maritime and nautical matters, providing direction in both routine and complex operational situations.  

  
  

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  Drive consistency in operational standards, execution and performance across regions and functions.  

  
  

Cargo and Port Operations  

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  Oversee global cargo planning and handling, ensuring efficiency, quality and compliance.  

  
  

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  Lead and develop port operations globally, including performance optimization and cost control.  

  
  

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  Ensure effective coordination with port authorities, agents, stevedores and other key stakeholders.  

  
  

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  Establish and maintain robust contractual frameworks with suppliers and port partners.  

  
  

Safety, Risk and Compliance    

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  Hold overall responsibility for operational safety and adherence to international and local regulations.  

  
  

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  Strengthen Höegh’s safety culture and ensure continuous improvement in risk management and incident prevention.  

  
  

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  Play a central role in managing maritime crises and critical incidents as a vital part of the Crisis Management Team (CMT).  

  
  

Strategy Execution and Operational Development   

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  Translate strategic priorities into operational execution, including decarbonization, digitalization and  fleet renewal initiatives.  

  
  

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  Contribute to the development of future operating models, including more integrated and data-driven  ways of working.  

  
  

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  Support the implementation of new technologies, fuels and operational processes across the fleet.  

  
  

Organizational Leadership   

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  Build, lead and developing a high-performing, international organization across Maritime Operations.   

  
  

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  Drive collaboration across technical, commercial and compliance functions to ensure aligned execution.  

  
  

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  Strengthen organizational capability, including talent development and succession planning in line with the evolving structure of the organization.   

  
  

The Candidate  

Experience and Professional Qualifications  

Höegh Autoliners are looking for a highly experienced maritime professional with a strong operational foundation, coupled with a proven leadership track-record in complex, safety-critical environments.  

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  Experiences and qualifications required for the role as Director of Maritime Operations include, but are not limited to:   

  
  

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  Extensive experience within maritime operations, ideally 15+ years, with a solid understanding of vessel operations, cargo handling and port activities.  

  
  

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  Proven experience from senior leadership roles, with responsibility for international operations and multi-disciplinary teams.  

  
  

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  Relevant seagoing background and/or higher maritime or technical education 

  
  

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  Strong knowledge of international maritime regulations, safety standards and compliance frameworks.  

  
  

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  Demonstrated experience in managing operational risk, including handling of incidents or crisis situations.  

  
  

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  Experience working in or with global organizations, including exposure to cross-border operations and stakeholder environments.  

  
  

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  Track record of driving operational improvements, implementing structures, and leading change initiatives.  

  
  

Skills and Competencies  

The role requires a combination of operational authority, strategic capability and strong interpersonal effectiveness. Skills and competencies required for the role include, but are not limited to:  

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  Leadership and influence – ability to lead, develop and align teams across geographies and functions, and to build trust at all levels of the organization.  

  
  

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  Decision-making and judgement – structured and analytical approach, coupled with the ability to make sound decisions in complex and high-pressure situations.  

  
  

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  Operational excellence – strong understanding of what drives safe, efficient and high-quality maritime operations, with attention to detail and execution.  

  
  

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  Strategic mindset – ability to translate strategic priorities into practical operational outcomes and long-term capability building.  

  
  

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  Communication and stakeholder management – clear, confident communicator with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders globally.  

  
  

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  Collaboration – team-oriented with a collaborative approach across functions and disciplines.  

  
  

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  Change and development capability – ability to drive improvement, implement new ways of working and contribute to organizational development.  

  
  

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  Integrity and accountability – high ethical standards, strong sense of ownership, and commitment to delivering results.  

  
  

Personal Qualities and Attributes   

Personal Qualities and attributes required for the role include, but are not limited to:  

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  Credible and composed authority. Brings natural authority, confidence and robustness, with the ability to lead in high-stakes  

  
  

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  environments and command respect across both vessel and shore organizations.  

  
  

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  Calm under pressure.Operates with clarity and sound judgement in demanding and time-critical situations, maintaining control and direction when complexity is high.  

  
  

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  Structured and disciplined. Approaches challenges with rigor, consistency and attention to detail, ensuring high standards in both execution and follow-through.  

  
  

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  Collaborative and inclusive. Builds strong relationships across functions, cultures and geographies, fostering trust and alignment in a global organization.  

  
  

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  Pragmatic and solution-oriented. Combines analytical thinking with practical judgement, focusing on workable solutions and continuous improvement.  

  
  

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  High integrity and accountability. Acts with strong ethical standards and a clear sense of ownership, setting the tone for professionalism and responsibility across the organization.  

  
  

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  Resilient and adaptable. Thrives in a dynamic environment shaped by operational complexity, regulatory change and external uncertainty.  

  
  

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  People-oriented leader. Invests in team development, creates engagement, and builds a performance culture grounded in clarity, accountability and support.