Chief Operations Officer

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group's shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

Position Overview

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. The COO is charged with developing and implementing strategies to maximize operational efficiency, drive continuous improvement, and ensure that all operational functions—from ship dispatch to turnaround—are aligned with business objectives.

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. The COO also initiates projects aimed at expanding market presence and improving the shipping and logistics network.

Fleet and Vessel Management: Oversee the daily operation, maintenance, and performance evaluation of all company vessels. The COO ensures optimal fleet utilization, safety standards, timely repairs, and environmental compliance. Responsibilities include monitoring vessel voyages for schedule adherence, minimizing downtime, and ensuring rapid response to operational disruptions.

Port and Terminal Operations: Manage port calls, loading and unloading processes, berth allocation, and coordination with port authorities. The COO is responsible for guaranteeing that terminal operations are handled efficiently, minimizing cargo dwell times and ensuring smooth movement of goods through the entire logistical chain. Implementing new port handling technologies and optimizing cargo throughput are critical aspects.

End-to-End Logistics Oversight: Enhance efficiency throughout the supply chain by streamlining logistical processes, reducing bottlenecks, and optimizing freight flow. The COO works to strengthen partnerships with shippers, freight forwarders, and port operators, and monitors 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. The COO must 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. The COO ensures 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. The COO analyzes 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. The COO creates 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. This includes developing 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.

Come along on CMA CGM's adventure