Industrial Operations Director

At Maersk, we have big plans for logistics and services. Our aspiration is nothing less than to become the global expert in integrated logistics, offering a truly end-to-end service that makes trade simpler and easier than ever.

We are entrepreneurs at heart, we embrace every change as an opportunity. The diverse perspectives and contributions of our people are a unique advantage as we cross each new frontier. Every day we push ourselves to do better, and we encourage each other to do the same. If you believe you would add value to Maersk but don’t meet all the criteria we have included in this advert, we would still love to hear from you. Please explain the value you would bring in your application.

By Joining Maersk, you will become part of the global family of the company that moves 20% of global trade everyday all the way, where one of our core values is Our Employees. It goes without saying that we value diversity: we thrive on the diversity of our talent in all its forms, and we see it as a strength in building high-performance teams across brands, cultures, and locations.

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Industrial Operations Director to lead and optimize our warehouse, fulfilment, inventory, and logistics operations. This pivotal leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of warehousing and distribution facilities, ensuring best-in-class service delivery, safety, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

The successful candidate will combine strong operational expertise with outstanding people leadership capabilities, developing high-performing teams while driving continuous improvement initiatives that support business growth, customer expansion, operational scalability, and long-term value creation. They will demonstrate a growth mindset, embracing innovation, challenging the status quo, and identifying opportunities to continuously improve performance, enhance customer outcomes, and unlock future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the execution and continuous improvement of fulfilment, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics operations across multiple sites.
• Oversee operational performance within owned, managed, and third-party facilities, including warehouses, bonded warehouses, and distribution centres.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with broader business objectives and customer requirements.
• Drive operational excellence through the implementation of best practices, lean methodologies, and process optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure service delivery targets, productivity metrics, and financial objectives are consistently achieved.

Strategic Planning & Performance

• Develop departmental plans and operational roadmaps based on wider functional strategy.
• Analyse operational data and KPIs to identify opportunities for performance improvement and cost optimisation.
• Lead complex operational projects and transformation initiatives from planning through execution.
• Support long-term capacity planning, resource allocation, and network optimisation activities.
• Contribute to wider organisational decision-making and the development of operational policies, processes, and procedures.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with commercial, transport, finance, procurement, engineering, and people teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Provide expert operational guidance and influence strategic decisions across the wider organisation.
• Manage escalated operational issues and implement sustainable solutions.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, inspire, and develop a team of operational professionals and managers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Coach and mentor team members to maximise performance and support succession planning.
• Build and maintain a strong talent pipeline through effective development and engagement initiatives.
• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with all company, customer, and regulatory requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure all operational activities comply with health and safety, quality, security, and regulatory standards.
• Identify operational risks and implement mitigation plans to protect business continuity.
• Drive adherence to operational governance and reporting requirements.

About You

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant leadership experience within warehousing, fulfilment, logistics, supply chain, or industrial operations environments.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale operational teams and driving performance improvements.
• Strong understanding of inventory management, warehouse operations, fulfilment processes, and logistics execution.
• Experience managing operational budgets, KPIs, and strategic improvement programmes.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and people leadership capabilities.
• Experience leading change and managing complex operational challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement qualification.
• Experience within a global logistics, transportation, or contract logistics organisation.
• Knowledge of warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational technology solutions.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead critical operations within a global and fast-paced organisation.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Career development and leadership growth opportunities.
• Collaborative and inclusive working environment.
• Chance to influence strategic operational decisions and drive meaningful business impact.

If you are a results-driven operational leader with a passion for excellence, innovation, and developing high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

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