Senior Manager - Project Cargo

Role Overview

Senior Manager – Project Cargo at Noatum Logistics (part of AD Ports Group), based in the UAE. This role combines operational leadership, commercial ownership, and contract management, ensuring successful execution of complex logistics projects while maintaining strict cost control, contractual compliance, and profitability.

Company Overview

Noatum Logistics, part of AD Ports Group, is a leading company in Supply Chain Management with global coverage positioned in the Top 50 freight forwarders worldwide. The company acts as a global client-centered logistics operator providing integrated value-added solutions for the supply chain, and specializes in international transport, project cargo, logistics and customs. Noatum Logistics is present in 33 countries through a team of over 1,680 professionals with extensive sector experience, delivering the motto "Excellence in Logistics Services" through high-quality services to customers.

Role Purpose

Lead and oversee Project Solutions operations in the UAE at the country level. Combine deep project logistics expertise with a strong financial mindset to drive margin optimization through disciplined operations, effective contract management, and proactive risk mitigation. Ensure efficient and profitable execution of complex logistics projects while maintaining alignment between operational execution and financial and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead and manage country-level Project Logistics operations to ensure efficient and profitable execution.
• Oversee end-to-end project coordination including planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery.
• Maintain active involvement in field operations to ensure alignment with budgets and scope.
• Ensure solid field experience in project execution environments.

Cost Control & Financial Management

• Monitor and control operational costs, subcontractor costs, vendor costs, and variation orders.
• Implement and maintain project cost tracking tools and processes.
• Take full ownership of operational cost control aligned with business targets.
• Drive project profitability and oversee country-level operational P&L.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, financial performance, and operational cost efficiency.

Contract & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with client contracts and manage contractual terms and conditions.
• Identify and mitigate contractual risks impacting operations and costs.
• Manage variation orders, claims, and contract deviations.
• Support negotiation of client and subcontractor contracts to protect margins.

Financial Systems & Reporting

• Ensure effective use of CargoWise for job costing, revenue allocation, and financial tracking.
• Maintain reporting accuracy for operational and financial decision-making.
• Drive discipline in system usage (CargoWise) for accurate and real-time reporting.

Risk & Insurance Management

• Manage insurance aspects and oversee claims resolution.
• Insurance management in logistics and project environments.

People Management

• Embed a commercial mindset within the operations team.
• Drive accountability for cost control and budget adherence across the team.
• Support team alignment between operations, finance, and commercial functions.
• Build a performance-driven culture focused on efficiency and profitability.

Strategic Growth

• Lead strategic growth and cultivate high-value partnerships to guide the future of the Logistics division.
• Identify new opportunities and influence key stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment between operational execution and financial and commercial objectives.
• Consistently achieve measurable outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 10–15 years of experience in Project Logistics and EPC project coordination.
• Proven track record in operational leadership with strong cost control and commercial exposure.

Skills & Competencies

• CargoWise ERP (high proficiency required).
• Invoicing control and revenue tracking.
• Multimodal transport and heavy lift operations.
• Contractual and commercial terms in project logistics.
• Cost structures and pricing mechanisms.
• Dynamic leadership and ability to identify new opportunities.
• Keen ability to influence key stakeholders.