Regional Operations & Procurement (OPPC) Head

About the job

With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If you're fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.

At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.

Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.

The Regional Operations & Procurement (OPPC) Head is a member of the Regional Leadership Team and provides overall operational leadership for the region, with accountability for safe, reliable, and cost‑efficient liner operations. 

The role works in close partnership with PIL Head Office OPPC, the Regional Head, and key internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent execution of operational standards, strong vessel and port performance, and effective cost and service outcomes across the region. 

The position carries functional leadership responsibility for Operations Managers within the respective country agencies and plays a critical role in aligning regional execution with Group strategy, governance, and performance expectations. 

Regional Operations Strategy & Performance 

• Lead and embed a culture of continuous improvement across regional Liner operations by identifying inefficiencies and operational bottlenecks and initiating actions to enhance performance and reliability. 

• Own the delivery of OPPC‑related KPIs for agencies and branches within the region through continuous monitoring, performance assessment, and timely corrective actions. 

Vessel Operations & Turnaround Management 

• Work closely with Head Office Liner Operations on vessel call planning, schedule integrity, and required adjustments to minimize delays and optimize overall network performance. 

• Partner with terminals to optimize berthing plans, port productivity, and vessel turnaround time, driving Terminal Velocity improvements across locations within the region. 

• Ensure maximum vessel utilization upon departure from the region. 

Agency Operations Management 

• Provide operational oversight and functional leadership to country agencies to ensure consistent execution of operational processes, timely system updates, and adherence to required standards. 

• Oversee operational coordination with partners and agents, as required, to ensure smooth vessel and port operations across the region. 

Terminals, Marine Vendors & Third-Party Feeder (3PF) Operations 

• Drive cost‑efficiency initiatives across liner operations, marine, terminal, agency, and Third‑Party Feeder (3PF) activities within the region, in collaboration with Head Office Procurement. 

• Partner with Head Office Procurement on:  

• Contract renewals and negotiations with marine and terminal vendors 

• Regular review of vendor service quality, tariffs, and market benchmarking 

• Third‑Party Feeder (3PF) procurement activities within the region 

Liner Operations Support & Compliance 

• Provide regional oversight for the safe and compliant handling of special cargoes (e.g. project cargo, OOG), working with terminals to build handling capability and secure competitive tariffs. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Main Responsibilities 

• Ensure stowage planning processes at terminals within the region meet basic safety parameters, IMDG requirements, and special cargo stowage instructions issued by Central Planners. 

• Ensure implementation of Head Office circulars and operating procedures and provide feedback on process improvements relating to IMDG bookings, cargo handling, operational systems, and staff training. 

Incident & Emergency Management 

• Lead the management of vessel emergencies within the region and coordinate with local authorities, classification bodies, and internal stakeholders to support Fleet and Safety teams and expedite vessel dispatch. 

• Partner with the Regional Head to enable commercial requirements and support value‑added service (VAS) initiatives as new services are developed.

2. Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide overall operational leadership for the region by setting clear direction, priorities, and expectations aligned with OPPC strategy and regional operations objectives. 
• Translate regional operations strategy into execution by establishing clear governance, performance cadence, and accountability across country operations teams 

• Lead and mobilize country operations teams to deliver agreed operational and cost efficiency targets 

• Lead cross‑functional collaboration across Operations, Procurement, Commercial, Finance, Logistics, Fleet, and HQ stakeholders to resolve operational challenges and drive continuous improvement. 

• Build and maintain strong leadership relationships with agencies, as well as key operational stakeholders to ensure alignment on goals, performance expectations, and compliance standards. 

• Provide senior‑level stakeholder leadership with terminals, marine vendors, third‑party feeder operators, and partners to drive performance, reliability, and long‑term collaboration. 
• Act as the senior escalation and decision authority for significant operational issues, disruptions, and emergencies, providing clear leadership, timely decisions, and effective coordination during critical situations.  

3. Personality Traits 

• Strategic, analytical, and results‑oriented leader with the ability to assess complex operational situations, identify root causes, and drive practical, data‑based solutions. 

• Strong communicator with the ability to articulate operational issues, risks, and recommendations clearly and effectively to senior management, cross‑functional stakeholders, and external partners. 

• Highly organized and resilient, capable of managing multiple priorities in a dynamic operating environment while maintaining focus on service performance and cost 

• Proactive and decisive, with the ability to anticipate operational challenges, respond effectively to disruptions and emergencies, and lead country operations teams

4) Qualification & Experience Required

• Master Mariner with a minimum of 10 years’ shore‑based experience in the transportation and logistics industry, specifically within container liner shipping and commercial operations; or 

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree from a recognized institution in Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or MBA (General Management), with a minimum of 15 years’ experience in senior operations leadership roles within container liner shipping and commercial operations 

• Sound knowledge of Liner operations is essential; working knowledge of logistics and supply chain operations will be an advantage 

• Excellent written and spoken English is required 

4. Professional Skill Sets 

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, with the ability to analyze data and present insights clearly to support decision‑making
• Experience with business intelligence and visualization tools (e.g. Tableau, Power BI) to monitor performance trends and drive operational improvements will be an advantage
• Solid knowledge of liner shipping, marine operations, terminal operations, and broader supply chain concepts, with the ability to apply this knowledge across regional contexts
• Advanced capability to analyze operational KPIs, identify trends and performance gaps, and translate insights into actionable improvement initiatives
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to lead discussions, align diverse stakeholders, and achieve outcomes

(7) Performance Criteria 

Performance will be assessed based on the effective delivery of regional operational, cost, safety, and service outcomes in line with the responsibilities outlined above.

(8) Interactions with  

HQ OPPC, RO Commercial/Finance/Logistics, Other RO OPPC Heads 

Application Process

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume in English outlining your qualifications and experience via the PIL Career Website.

Eligibility to Apply

This position is open to candidates who currently have the legal right to work in the country of employment. Please note that applicants without this eligibility may not be considered.

About Us

Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked among the world's leading container shipping lines and is the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.

Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide.

Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also operates businesses in container manufacturing, depot management, and logistics services.

With its focus on "Driving Connectivity" and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready shipping line.

For more information, visit  www.pilship.com

Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.