Head of Operational Excellence – IMEA

Would you like to be part of a value-driven, commercially oriented international environment where we enable global trade every day?

We are hiring a Head of Operational Excellence (Op Ex) who will be responsible for leading the deployment of The Maersk Way (TMW), our operational excellence framework, across ocean operations in the India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA) region. This role plays a critical part in embedding a strong continuous improvement culture, building capabilities, and driving performance across the organization.

WHAT WE OFFER:

When you join Maersk, you’ll find that the world is your workplace. You’ll work in a culturally diverse, stimulating environment, surrounded by new ideas and different ways of doing things. We believe in individual performance within highly professional teams supported by our distinctive values. To us teamwork means acceptance, respect, dedication, and the idea that we can achieve more when we all pull together.

Living our values means competing in the marketplace in an ethical way so our name is synonymous with being a credible and valuable business partner. Through Constant Care and Humbleness, we strive to prepare for the future, while never forgetting that our customers and competitors are key to our ability to improve. In our daily work, Uprightness and Our Employees mean that transparency and accountability in everything we do go hand in hand with being an inspiring, challenging place to work. At Maersk, we take pride in hiring the best person for the job – irrespective of gender, age, nationality, or religious belief.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Deploy The Maersk Way (TMW) & Frameworks:

• Lead the deployment of TMW frameworks, tools, and behaviours across the Region in line with global priorities and timelines.

• Support leadership teams in defining, executing, and measuring business priorities through structured Op Ex practices and KPI governance.

• Drive adoption of core TMW tools such as problem solving, visual management, KAIZEN, and standard work based on Ocean Operations’ needs.

• Define and execute Region-wide deployment plans, ensuring sustainable implementation and measurable impact.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that deliver tangible improvements in business KPIs, efficiency, and customer outcomes.

• Provide governance and coordination for performance management routines across the Area.

• Identify systemic blockers and enablers impacting capability building and performance.

• Ensure local adaptations of global standards without compromising consistency or quality.

Leadership, Capability & Community Building:

• Lead and develop the Regional Op Ex team.

• Build a strong continuous improvement culture across frontline and leadership teams.

• Coach leaders and stakeholders on Op Ex and LEAN principles, behaviours, performance management, and cultural role modelling.

• Develop Op Ex capability through training, coaching, best-practice sharing, and structured improvement cycles.

• Drive talent development, engagement, retention, and succession planning for critical Op Ex roles.

Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Act as the integrator between Regional and Global Op Ex teams.

• Channel Regional improvement needs and insights into the Global Op Ex and TMW communities.

• Collaborate closely with CX, GSC supporting teams, Global process teams, Finance Business Partners, and People Partners.

• Engage externally with customers, local vendors, and authorities where required to support Op Ex initiatives.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Proven expertise in LEAN, Operational Excellence, Continuous Improvement, Lean in complex global environments

• Minimum 7 – 10 years’ relevant industry experience within supply chain, logistics, manufacturing, automotive or engineering led organizations preferred

• Relevant educational background in Engineering preferred

• Strong process governance driven mindset with focus on KPIs, performance enablement, and data driven problem solving

• Track record of building high performing teams, developing talent, and leading change

• Proven experience leading transformation, influencing senior leaders, and driving cross functional accountability

• Confident communicator with strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills

• Comfortable operating in fast paced, ambiguous, and demanding operational environments

• Willingness to travel across the Region as required

What will make you successful in this role?

• Analytical yet pragmatic approach — Strong problem-solving skills balanced with practical decision-making.

• Continuous improvement mindset — Dedication to learning, adapting, and enhancing processes for lasting impact.

• Program planning & execution — Demonstrated discipline in driving initiatives forward within fast-paced, dynamic environments.

• Clear communication & facilitation — Ability to engage diverse stakeholders, simplify complex ideas, and craft compelling narratives.

Maersk is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Maersk is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, colour, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with all legal requirements.

We are happy to support your need for any adjustments during the application and hiring process. If you need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website, apply for a position, or to perform a job, please contact us by emailing accommodationrequests@maersk.com.