Chief Operating Officer

HURIS Inc. Makati, National Capital Region, Philippines

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, strategic direction, and overall performance of the Agency Operations and Logistics Team. COO ensures not only operational efficiency and safety but also the seamless orchestration of all logistics processes, from vessel scheduling to cargo movement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership and Control: Direct, coordinate, and supervise all operational activities across the Agency. This includes vessel management, scheduling, cargo logistics, port operations, and fleet deployment.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the executive team to develop, refine, and execute the company’s long-term operational strategy. This includes optimizing maritime routes, ensuring the scalability of logistics operations, and adapting to market shifts and technological advancements.
• Fleet and Vessel Management: Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and performance evaluation of all company vessels. Ensure optimal fleet utilization, safety standards, timely repairs, and environmental compliance.
• Port and Terminal Operations: Manage port calls, loading and unloading processes, berth allocation, and coordination with port authorities. Guarantee that terminal operations are handled efficiently, minimizing cargo dwell times and ensuring smooth movement of goods through the entire logistical chain.
• End-to-End Logistics Oversight: Enhance efficiency throughout the supply chain by streamlining logistical processes, reducing bottlenecks, and optimizing freight flow. Work to strengthen partnerships with shippers, freight forwarders, and port operators, and monitor the performance of logistics providers to ensure timely and reliable cargo delivery.
• Logistics Process Optimization: Evaluate, select, and implement innovative logistics solutions to improve the movement of goods. This includes leveraging technology for cargo tracking, optimizing inventory management, and ensuring seamless integration with client and partner logistics systems.
• Regulatory Compliance and Safety: Ensure full compliance with international maritime laws, conventions, and safety protocols. Foster a safety-first culture throughout the operations and lead incident investigations, ensuring root causes are addressed and preventative measures are implemented.
• Customer Service and Relationship Management: Uphold high-quality service standards and maintain open lines of communication with clients, shipping agents, government officials, and industry partners. Ensure that logistics services meet or exceed customer expectations regarding speed, reliability, and accuracy.
• Budgeting and Cost Control: Develop and manage operational budgets, monitor expenditures, and implement cost-reduction initiatives within both operations and logistics functions. Analyze operational metrics and financial reports to identify opportunities for improvement and enhanced profitability.
• People Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse operations and logistics team, including port managers, vessel operators, logistics coordinators, and engineers. Create an environment of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with both maritime and logistics operations, such as weather events, piracy, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory changes. Develop contingency and business continuity plans.
• Reporting: Provide regular operational and logistics performance reports, highlighting key metrics, strategic initiatives, safety, compliance, and risk management.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in shipping, maritime logistics, or supply chain management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or executive role overseeing operations and logistics.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of vessel operations, international shipping regulations, port and terminal logistics, and supply chain optimization.
• Global Perspective: Experience leading multinational operations and logistics teams and working with stakeholders across diverse cultural and regulatory settings.
• Innovation: Championing new logistics solutions and operational innovations that enhance the shipping line’s competitive advantage.
• Team Leadership: Inspiring and developing teams dedicated to excellence in operations and logistics.
• Customer Orientation: Understanding client logistics needs and ensuring superior service delivery throughout the supply chain.