We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join the team as the Operations Director (OD). 

Port St. Maarten's vision is “To be the leading port in the industry through operational excellence while providing a safe and secure environment. Our team is motivated and adds value to stakeholders while collectively contributing to communities. We are committed to upholding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, reflecting our dedication to sustainable, ethical, and responsible business practices.”

For one of their clients, BDO is looking for a

Operations Director (OD) 

Port St. Maarten Group 

Role Summary

The Operations Director at Port St. Maarten is responsible for managing and overseeing the daily operations of the port, including its cruise and cargo terminals, yachting activities, and real estate investments and facilities (collectively “Port St. Maarten Operations”). This role focuses on ensuring the efficient, effective, and compliant execution of all activities across these areas. The Operations Director is pivotal in strategic planning, maintaining operational efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and driving customer satisfaction. Additionally, this position ensures that the port's operations align with its business objectives, regulatory standards, and high service expectations for both cruise passengers and cargo clients. The Operations Director reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and leads the operations team. 


Key Responsibilities

Operational Management:

  • Oversee all port operations, including vessel scheduling, berth allocation, and cargo handling.
  • Ensure optimal turnaround times for cruise ships, yachts, and cargo vessels.
  • Coordinate with the Operations Division and other departments to streamline operations and optimize resources.
  • Ensure the maintenance and optimal operation of cruise and cargo terminals, piers, bridges, and other infrastructure.
  • Implement and monitor safety and security standards in compliance with local and international regulations.
  • Possess knowledge of Corporate Governance to ensure transparency, accountability, and strategic oversight in port operations, maintaining Port St. Maarten's reputation, compliance with global standards, and sustainable growth


Strategic Planning:

  • Assist with the development and implementation of long-term strategies that align with the port's growth objectives and respond to industry trends.
  • Align operational strategy with the overall vision and objectives of Port St. Maarten Group.
  • Monitor industry trends and adapt operations to meet changing demands.
  • Establish KPIs to measure the success of strategic initiatives and adjust operations accordingly.
  • Prepare annual business plans, including operational and investment budgets.
  • Leverage maritime industry insights to anticipate and address future challenges, integrating digital strategies that align with the evolving global maritime landscape.


Safety & Compliance:

  • Ensure all port activities comply with local, national, and international regulations.
  • Oversee the implementation of safety protocols to protect personnel, passengers, crew, cargo, and all port users and ensure strict adherence to maritime safety regulations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) convention, and other relevant maritime laws.
  • Oversee safety audits and emergency preparedness drills.
  • Lead incident investigations and enforce corrective actions to prevent recurrences.

 

Customer Relations:

  • Foster strong working relationships with the key internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations
  • Implement communication strategies in close communication with the C-Suite to keep stakeholders informed and engaged.
  • Resolve conflicts and issues promptly, aligning solutions with the port’s strategic objectives.


Financial Management:

  • Understand the economic factors influencing the maritime industry, ensuring that financial planning aligns with both port and broader industry trends.
  • Oversee the preparation and management of the annual operational budget, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
  • Identify and implement cost-control initiatives without compromising service quality. 
  • Evaluate and recommend investment opportunities for infrastructure and technology upgrades.

 

Staff Management:

  • Develop a skilled maritime workforce, ensuring team members are well-versed in port operations and maritime safety standards.
  • Set clear performance goals aligned with organizational objectives.
  • Support employee development through career growth opportunities and improvement plans.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and provide actionable feedback.
  • Monitor overtime, sick leave, and vacation schedules for the department.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning within the department.

 

Operational Efficiencies:

  • Optimize port assets to maximize throughput and minimize downtime.
  • Promote and implement technologies to improve operational efficiency.
  • Stay informed about technological advancements in port management and logistics.
  • Advise on and communicate the integration of new maritime technologies, like automation and digital tracking systems, to boost port efficiency and competitiveness.


Other Activities:

  • Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Managing Board.
  • Chair various operations committees.


Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field.

Minimum of 7 years in port operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Strong operational, technical, commercial, and financial acumen with an in-depth understanding of maritime laws, regulations, and industry standards.

Proven experience in managing complex operations and large teams.

Excellent communication, management, negotiation, and organizational skills.

Fluency in English is required for this role, while proficiency in Dutch is considered an asset

 

Key Competencies

Strong, confident leader with vision and authority, fostering trust, focus, accountability, talent development, and succession planning.

Deep knowledge of maritime operations, laws, and regulations, with the ability to apply this expertise to strategic planning and operational management.

Ability to resolve complex issues autonomously, considering both short-term and long-term impacts.

Managing budgets, stakeholder relationships, and operational goals with a focus on minimizing risks and achieving strategic objectives.

Confident, adaptable, and persuasive communicator with exceptional interpersonal abilities.

Entrepreneurial mindset, effective influencer, and negotiator turning strategy into results.

Adaptable decision-maker with emotional intelligence, ensuring regulatory compliance.

Digital savvy, leveraging technologies for growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.


Terms of the offer 

Remuneration is competitive and will be negotiated with the successful candidate.

The position may require occasional travel to attend meetings, conferences, and site visits.

 

Application Process

If you are a proactive and visionary leader with a strong background in port operations and a proven track record of executive success, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal role. Please submit your resume and a cover letter by October 15, 2024, to:

BDO Dutch Caribbean

E-mail: applications@bdo.cw

Reference: Application for Operations Director Port St. Maarten

 

All applications should be submitted along with the following documents:

  • Cover letter with short motivation; 
  • Updated Curriculum Vitae;
  • Certified copies of all academic transcripts, professional membership qualifications, and certifications;
  • Names of three referees, two of whom have closely supervised your performance at work during the last 5- 7 years.

 

Note

 A clean police record and a comprehensive assessment are mandatory for the selection process.

Upon nomination, the application process will include a VDSM screening relevant to the role, which is a mandatory requirement for the continued execution of the contract.

Only candidates shortlisted will be contacted for interviews.