DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS
The Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for export and transshipment activities, port operations, and stakeholder partnerships. This role ensures safe, compliant, and efficient end to end vessel operations; drives service performance and cost stewardship; and strengthens relationships with terminals, port authorities, and regulatory bodies. The Director builds and leads a high performing team, enables data driven decision making, and fosters a collaborative, high accountability culture that consistently meets service, quality, and financial objectives.
Level of Responsibility
Ownership of short to mid-term (1-3 years) execution of functional strategy and operational direction of area. Decision-making with broad and strategic implications. Problems faces are often complex and may require extensive investigation / analysis.
Key Tasks
- Build and sustain constructive business relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
- Develop, establish, and maintain executive-level relationships with port terminals, port captains, port authorities, vendors, and other strategic partners.
- Ensure transparent, proactive communication of priorities, regulatory changes, and operational impacts across stakeholder groups.
- Provide strategic oversight of import, export and transhipment operations to ensure alignment with organizational goals, service reliability, and regulatory compliance.
- Define workforce strategies (staffing plans, prioritization of roles) and secure key talent to meet long-term business objectives.
- Set performance frameworks, KPIs, and review cadences; ensure continuous monitoring and course correction against strategic objectives.
- Communicate an inspiring, enterprise-aligned vision that drives accountability, operational excellence, and cross-functional alignment.
- Oversee port operations expense governance, ensuring TSA contracts/rates are strategically negotiated, validated, and applied consistently.
- Review and approve high-value/complex invoices and exceptions to safeguard financial accuracy and contractual compliance.
- Optimize utilization of financial and material resources to drive cost efficiency and long-term value creation.
- Lead high-level analysis of complex operational, financial, and regulatory scenarios to identify systemic risks, trends, and strategic opportunities.
- Anticipate significant impacts and obstacles; set contingency strategies and guide decision-making in ambiguous or adverse conditions.
- Resolve multi-party issues at an executive level by aligning competing priorities and securing win–win outcomes across stakeholders.
- Additional responsibilities may be added or modified to meet changing business requirements.
Qualifications
Skills / Experience:
All MSC Canada employees are expected to exhibit the MSC Values, striving to drive customer centric results in all interactions with colleagues and customers alike.
- University degree in Supply Chain, Operations, or related field.
- 10+ years in supply chain, logistics, or port operations, including leadership roles.
- 5+ years demonstrated success leading managers, large teams, or multi-site operations.
- Deep knowledge of export documentation (e.g., OBL), vessel/port operations, transshipment, and customs/security compliance (CBSA or equivalent).
- Deep understanding of industry trends, regulatory frameworks, and organizational-level planning.
- Skilled at influencing senior stakeholders, negotiating contracts, and managing high-value partnerships.
- Strong strategic judgment; able to make high-impact decisions under uncertainty.
- Proven financial acumen (budgeting/forecasting, invoice control, rate application, cost variance analysis).
- Track record of leading cross‑functional initiatives and delivering measurable improvements in service, cost, and compliance.
- Strong bilingual verbal and written communication skills (English and French).
Additional Information
Why Join MSC Canada?
MSC is a world leader in global container shipping. MSC Canada has been serving the Canadian market for over two decades, rapidly expanding our presence nationally to become the number one carrier.
Our values are the beating heart of our business. They are the cornerstone of our company, supporting our vision, shaping our culture, and establishing our future direction.
Great people who work hard and look out for each other because we’re a team—it’s that simple!
Just to name a few of our perks:
- Flexible health and dental benefits coverage (for all permanent full-time roles).
- RRSP coverage with the Company matching a portion of employee contribution (for all permanent full-time roles).
- Tailored training program opportunities for employee development.
- Employee mentorship, leadership, and assistance opportunities.
- Employee referral incentive program.
- Community Involvement.
- Health & Wellness Program.
MSC Canada’s Commitment to a fair talent acquisition process:
AI Disclosure
At MSC Canada, we are committed to transparency and fairness in our recruitment process. We do not use any artificial intelligence in our talent acquisition efforts.
Vacancy Clarity
• Existing Vacancy: This position is for an established role that is currently open.
Timely Communication
MSC Canada ensures timely updates for candidates. All individuals selected for an in-person interview will be notified within 45 days of their initial discussion with us.
Hurry, and apply now!
MSC Canada is an equal opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage applications from all interested parties. Accommodations are available, upon request, for those with a disability or medical need during any stage of the recruitment process. We thank all candidates for their interest in MSC Canada however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.