Chief Operating Officer (COO)
About the Employer
Job Description
WE ARE HIRING
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
LEAD. OPERATE. DELIVER EXCELLENCE.
We are seeking an exceptional COO to lead our entire operations and drive end-to-end excellence across our freight forwarding, logistics and related services.
If you are a results-driven leader with deep industry expertise and a passion for operational excellence, we want you on our team.
OVERALL LEADERSHIP
Own the full end-to-end operations and drive business performance.
CLIENT FOCUS
Build lasting client relationships and ensure exceptional service.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Optimize processes, resources and systems for maximum efficiency.
COMPLIANCE & GOVERNANCE
Ensure adherence to laws, regulations and industry best practices.
PROFITABLE GROWTH
Drive performance, manage costs and enhance profitability.
STRATEGIC IMPACT
Partner with the Board and contribute to long-term strategic goals.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- OVERALL OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP
Lead and oversee the full end-to-end operations across freight forwarding, customs brokerage, transport, warehousing and related services. Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve business objectives and deliver sustainable growth.
- CLIENT & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Drive client acquisition, retention and account growth. Understand client needs and deliver tailored logistics solutions. Ensure exceptional service delivery and client satisfaction.
- STRATEGIC PLANNING & EXECUTION
Develop business plans, set KPIs and ensure alignment across all functions. Identify market trends, competitor activities and opportunities to strengthen market position.
- OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Design, implement and continuously improve operational processes and procedures. Optimize resources, capacity, cost and productivity. Ensure high-level service quality, efficiency and on-time performance.
- COMPLIANCE, RISK & GOVERNANCE
Ensure full compliance with laws, regulations, trade policies and industry standards. Identify operational risks and implement mitigation strategies. Maintain strong internal controls and governance framework.
- STAKEHOLDER & REGULATORY REPRESENTATION
Represent the company with regulatory authorities and stakeholders. Build and maintain strong relationships with regulators, trade associations and government bodies.
- FINANCIAL & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT
Oversee budgets, cost control and profitability across operations. Review performance reports, financials and recommend actions to improve margins and cash flows.
- TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT
Lead, mentor and develop teams across departments. Foster a high-performance culture and drive accountability and collaboration.
- REPORTING & BOARD SUPPORT
Provide regular operational and performance reports to the Directors and Board. Offer insights and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in operations management within freight forwarding, logistics, shipping, customs brokerage or related industries.
- Proven track record of successfully leading and managing end-to-end operations and delivering business growth.
- Comprehensive knowledge of import & export procedures, Incoterms 2020, Letters of Credit, trade documentation and international trade regulations.
- Expert understanding of Sri Lanka Customs procedures, CUSDEC, ASYCUDA World, trade policies, HS Codes, tariffs, exemption schemes, valuation, rules of origin, and other trade compliance topics.
- Experience in handling all types of customs declarations (Imports, Exports, Transshipments, Warehousing, Re-exports, Drawbacks, Temporary Imports, Project Imports, etc.).
- Documented experience dealing with regulatory authorities including Sri Lanka Customs, Port Authority, Quarantine, Ministry of Trade and other regulatory bodies.
- Strong knowledge of HS Code classification, tariff interpretation, valuation methodologies and trade compliance.
- Strong leadership, negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to drive operational efficiency, process improvement and digital transformation.
- Degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Maritime Studies, Business Administration or related field. Professional qualifications (CILT, FIATA Diploma, etc) are an advantage.
- Candidates based in Colombo and surrounding areas are preferred.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION NOTICE
- ONLY INDIVIDUALS WHO FULLY MEET EVERY REQUIREMENT STATED ABOVE WILL BE CONSIDERED.
- Incomplete, ineligible or partially qualified applications will be rejected without any response.
- If you do not meet the criteria in full, please do not apply.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: +94 77 771 5441
