Chief Operating Officer

Alcott Global is partnering with a leading ports and terminals organisation to search for a Chief Operating Officer, based in the United States.

The organisation operates a diverse portfolio of marine terminal assets, encompassing container and non-container operations across multiple cargo categories. This is a senior executive leadership opportunity for an experienced ports and terminals professional with a proven track record of managing complex, large-scale maritime operations, including deep-sea container terminals, conventional cargo and multi-purpose terminal facilities.

Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will provide strategic and operational leadership across a diversified portfolio of port and terminal assets, with responsibility for driving operational excellence, safety, productivity, financial performance and sustainable growth. The role requires a leader with extensive experience in container terminal operations as well as multi-category cargo handling, including bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, automotive, project cargo and other conventional cargo segments.

The successful candidate will combine strong commercial and financial acumen with hands-on operational expertise, the ability to lead geographically dispersed operations and experience managing complex stakeholder environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Excellence & Financial Performance

• Lead operational performance across container, conventional cargo and multi-purpose terminals, ensuring high standards of safety, productivity, service and efficiency.

• Drive P&L performance, budgets, forecasts, cost management, asset utilisation and capital planning across multiple operations.

• Champion regulatory compliance, risk management and continuous improvement across the portfolio.

• Identify opportunities to improve operational performance through process optimisation, technology and best practices.

2. Commercial Growth & Stakeholder Management

• Develop and execute strategies to drive revenue growth, profitability and long-term customer relationships.

• Build strong relationships with shipping lines, customers, port authorities, labor representatives and government agencies.

• Support commercial negotiations, pricing strategies, capital investments and business development opportunities.

• Identify opportunities to strengthen operational capabilities and expand the business.

3. Strategic Leadership & People Development

• Translate business strategy into operational priorities, performance objectives and measurable outcomes.

• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams across multiple sites, fostering accountability and collaboration.

• Oversee workforce planning, talent development and succession planning while managing employee relations both in unionised and non-unionised set ups.

• Partner with corporate functions to ensure consistent execution, organisational effectiveness and adoption of best practices.

Desired Candidate Profile 

• An accomplished maritime operations executive with 15+ years of industry experience, including significant leadership responsibility within large-scale port and terminal businesses.

• Knowledge of deep-sea multi category terminal operations is essential, complemented by practical experience across diversified cargo-handling environments.

• Exposure to multi-purpose and non-container terminals, including bulk, breakbulk, Ro-Ro, automotive and project cargo operations.

• Demonstrated ability to oversee a portfolio of terminal assets, balancing operational efficiency, financial performance and customer service across different locations.

• Strong understanding of the U.S. maritime and port operating landscape, including industry dynamics, labor frameworks and regulatory requirements.

• Experience navigating complex workforce environments, building constructive labor relationships and leading large operational teams. 

• Ability to combine commercial judgement with operational expertise, driving profitability, investment decisions, productivity and business growth.

• A forward-looking leader with experience implementing operational improvements, developing leadership capability and driving organisational change.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the credibility to engage effectively with customers, port authorities, business partners and senior stakeholders.

• Relevant academic qualifications in Maritime, Engineering, Business, Logistics or a related discipline; postgraduate education would be advantageous.