Global Director – Smart Terminal Automation

The Global Director – Smart Terminal Automation leads a portfolio of technologies and operational solutions designed to improve terminal performance through automation. The role includes oversight of smart-terminal concepts such as high-bay storage and the integration of automated systems into the wider terminal operating model, including quay, yard, horizontal transport, infrastructure and terminal operating systems. The director guides solutions from development and early deployment through operational readiness, stabilisation and wider adoption. A key responsibility is to establish a practical automation roadmap that connects productivity, capacity, labour, energy, capital requirements and operational risk with measurable business returns.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the global portfolio and roadmap for smart-terminal automation solutions, including BOXBAY and related terminal technologies.
• Guide integration of high-bay storage and automated systems into quay, yard, horizontal transport, infrastructure and TOS operations.
• Oversee readiness, initial rollout, stabilisation and scaling of new solutions across terminal environments.
• Develop automation playbooks and deployment models that reflect operational requirements and local terminal conditions.
• Build impact and investment models covering productivity, capacity, manpower, energy consumption, capital expenditure, risk and return.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and senior stakeholders across engineering, operations, technology and commercial functions.
• Ensure lessons from early deployments are captured and used to improve future implementations and portfolio performance.

Requirements and Qualifications

• A degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechatronics, Control, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering or a related field.
• At least fifteen years of experience in industrial automation, complex technical solutions or major capital projects.
• Experience taking first-of-kind implementations into stable operations and scaling them across multiple sites.
• Exposure to Industry 4.0, ports, material handling, robotics or terminal automation is desirable.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and engaging senior operational and executive stakeholders.

Skills and Employment Details

• Portfolio strategy and technology leadership.
• Business-case development and investment appraisal.
• Operational integration and change management.
• Executive communication, governance and team leadership.

Full-time global director role based in Dubai, UAE, with responsibilities spanning international terminal operations.