1. Position Purpose
The Senior Manager Strategic & Continuous Improvement is responsible for driving strategic operational improvement, productivity enhancement, transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Operations Execution Department.
The role serves as a key strategic partner to the Operations Execution leadership team, working closely with Execution Managers and relevant cross-functional stakeholders to translate operational priorities into structured improvement initiatives and measurable performance outcomes.
A key focus of the position is to bridge the gap between planned and actual operational performance, particularly in vessel productivity, equipment and manpower utilization, shift consistency, operational efficiency, and service delivery. The incumbent will identify performance gaps, determine underlying root causes, facilitate corrective interventions, and ensure sustainable implementation across operational teams.
The role will also lead and coordinate process standardization, digital transformation, change management, cross-functional projects, and departmental governance, ensuring that improvement initiatives translate into tangible operational benefits rather than being limited to project implementation.
2. Key Responsibilities
i. Operational Performance & Productivity Improvement
- Drive and partner with Execution Managers in monitoring and improving terminal operational productivity and execution performance.
- Analyze gaps between planned and actual operational performance, including vessel moves executed, GMPH/PMPH, shift performance, resource utilisation and other key operational KPIs.
- Identify recurring performance gaps, operational bottlenecks and productivity constraints through structured data analysis and operational observations.
- Lead root-cause analysis and facilitate the development of corrective and preventive actions with relevant operational stakeholders.
- Establish structured performance review mechanisms to ensure improvement actions are monitored, measured and sustained.
- Support Operations leadership in translating strategic productivity objectives into practical execution plans.
- Develop performance insights and recommendations to support management decision-making.
- Promote greater accountability and performance ownership across operational teams.
ii. Strategic & Continuous Improvement
- Lead continuous improvement programmed aimed at enhancing operational productivity, efficiency, safety, reliability and service delivery.
- Identify improvement opportunities across terminal operations through process reviews, performance analysis, benchmarking and stakeholder engagement.
- Develop structured improvement roadmaps aligned with Operations and Company strategic priorities.
- Apply appropriate continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, process mapping, root-cause analysis and problem-solving frameworks.
- Establish measurable baselines, targets and benefits for improvement initiatives.
- Monitor post-implementation performance to ensure improvements deliver sustainable operational results.
- Promote a continuous improvement mindset and culture throughout the department.
iii. Process Standardization & Operational Excellence
- Review existing operational processes, working methods and practices to identify inconsistencies, duplication and efficiency gaps.
- Lead the development and implementation of standardized operational processes and working methods across shifts and operational teams.
- Partner with operational stakeholders to develop a consistent execution framework to support achievement of productivity targets.
- Ensure procedures and improvement initiatives remain practical and relevant to actual terminal operating conditions.
- Facilitate periodic reviews of operational SOPs, workflows and processes to ensure continued effectiveness.
- Support benchmarking against recognized industry practices and identify opportunities applicable to PTP's operating environment.
iv. Digital Transformation & Operational Innovation
- Lead and coordinate digital transformation initiatives within Operations Execution.
- Identify opportunities where technology, automation, analytics and digital tools can improve operational productivity and decision-making.
- Drive user adoption and monitor post-implementation effectiveness of new systems and tools.
- Promote data-driven decision-making across the department.
v. Project & Programme Management
- Lead and oversee strategic and cross-functional projects under Operations Execution.
- Establish appropriate project governance, scope, objectives, timelines, resources, deliverables and success measures.
- Manage project risks, dependencies, resources and stakeholder expectations throughout the project lifecycle.
- Ensure project success is assessed against both implementation objectives and actual productivity and operational KPI improvements.
- Conduct post-implementation reviews and track realization of expected benefits.
vi. Change Management & Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop and implement structured change management approaches for operational transformation initiatives.
- Engage Execution Managers, supervisors and operational teams early in the change process to strengthen ownership and adoption.
- Assess operational readiness and identify potential barriers to implementation.
- Monitor adoption and intervene where implementation gaps are identified.
- Build stakeholder confidence in continuous improvement and transformation programmed.
vii. Capability Development
- Identify capability gaps that may affect successful execution of operational improvement initiatives.
- Develop internal capability to sustain improvement programmed beyond initial implementation.
- Promote knowledge sharing and replication of successful improvement practices across teams and shifts.
viii. Departmental Governance & Management Control
- Oversee and coordinate departmental governance requirements covering audits, assets, finance, contracts, facilities, records and administrative controls.
- Ensure appropriate governance mechanisms and documentation are maintained.
ix. Safety, Security, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure all improvement initiatives comply with applicable safety, security, regulatory and Company requirements.
- Integrate safety and operational risk considerations into project and process improvement activities.
- Ensure compliance with relevant ISO, audit and governance requirements.
- Support internal and external audits and ensure timely closure of relevant findings.
- Perform any other duties as assigned by the superior from time to time.
3. Key Deliverables / Success Measures
The incumbent will be expected to demonstrate measurable contribution in areas such as:
- Improvement in vessel and terminal productivity indicators, including GMPH/PMPH.
- Reduction in gaps between planned and actual operational performance.
- Improved consistency of operational performance across shifts.
- Successful implementation and sustainability of continuous improvement initiatives.
- Improved operational data quality and performance visibility.
- Effective departmental governance and audit compliance.
- Development of continuous improvement capability within Operations Execution.
4. Qualification & Experience
Academic Qualification
- Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
- Professional certification in Project Management, Lean Six Sigma, Change Management, or equivalent will be an added advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in terminal operations, operations transformation, project management, process improvement or a related field.
- At least 3–5 years of experience in a leadership role.
- Proven experience in leading cross-functional initiatives and delivering measurable operational improvements.
- Experience within a port, terminal, logistics, maritime, heavy industrial or similarly complex operational environment would be advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience in managing transformation, continuous improvement or strategic operational projects.
- Experience in working with senior management and multiple functional stakeholders.
- Practical experience in implementing organizational or operational change is strongly preferred.
The original recruitment requirement specifies 5–7 years of relevant experience, including 3–5 years in leadership, together with a proven record of cross-functional operational improvement.
5. Technical / Functional Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate strong knowledge and capability in:
- Terminal operations and execution processes
- Terminal Operating Systems (TOS)
- Operational productivity and performance management
- Continuous improvement methodologies
- Lean / Six Sigma principles
- Process mapping and process optimization
- Root-cause analysis and structured problem solving
6. Overall Role Expectation
The Senior Manager – Strategic & Continuous Improvement is expected to function as more than a conventional project manager. The role should act as a strategic improvement partner to Operations Execution, connecting operational data, people, processes, technology and governance to improve terminal performance.
The successful incumbent must be comfortable moving between strategic discussions with senior leadership and practical engagement with operational teams on the ground. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the role will be measured by the extent to which initiatives result in sustainable improvements in productivity, consistency, operational efficiency, safety and service delivery.
