VP of Operational Excellence (Ports/Logistics)

About the role

We are partnering with a major Abu Dhabi‑based investment platform to appoint an Operational Excellence leader for its Ports & Logistics portfolio. The role sits alongside portfolio company CEOs, driving performance improvements in ports, terminals, logistics, delivery and last‑mile operations. It is an operating‑partner position focused on delivering measurable results rather than pure strategy.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain clear visibility of operational performance across portfolio companies and identify value loss.
• Challenge and support OpCo management on productivity, asset utilisation, service quality and cost.
• Build KPI frameworks, benchmark against leading global operators and create executive performance dashboards.
• Lead and track improvement programmes through to measurable value realisation.
• Work alongside CEOs and operations leaders as a trusted, credible peer.

Required profile

• 7–14 years of hands‑on operational experience in ports, terminals, logistics, express delivery, last‑mile or transport.
• Proven track record of delivering quantified operational improvement.
• Strong grounding in Lean, Six Sigma or continuous‑improvement methodologies.
• Ability to engage senior executives and hold ground on performance data.

Required skills

• Lean Six Sigma
• Continuous improvement methods
• KPI framework development
• Performance dashboard creation

What we offer

• Competitive tax‑free salary with performance bonus.
• Education allowance and full benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape performance across some of the region’s most significant transport and logistics assets.