Head of Shipping – Netherlands
(Also known as: Head of Marine Logistics / Shipping Director / General Manager – Port & Project Cargo Europe)
About the Role
A global shipping and logistics group is expanding its European operations and establishing a new regional base in the Netherlands to manage project logistics, port operations, and cargo management across the region.
We are seeking an experienced shipping leader to build and lead the company’s European organisation — someone with deep operational knowledge of European ports, strong commercial networks, and proven experience in international shipping, heavy-lift, or project cargo.
This is a key strategic role driving the company’s European expansion and establishing strong port partnerships and cargo networks across the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Establish and lead the European shipping organisation, overseeing project execution, port partnerships, and commercial development.
- Lead day-to-day shipping operations, management, and order handling across European projects.
- Oversee port and yard operations, including cargo discharge, storage, and vessel turnaround at project-cargo terminals and lay-down yards.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with European ports and terminal operators to enhance operational efficiency and secure competitive access.
- Develop and manage relationships with port operators, shipowners, chartering brokers, and EPC clients to generate new cargo opportunities, including backhaul flows within Europe.
- Lead heavy-lift or multipurpose vessel chartering, voyage planning, and port coordination.
- Collaborate with HQ on commercial strategy, cost control, and operational optimisation.
- Travel required across major European port hubs.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of leadership experience in shipping, port operations, or project cargo logistics within Europe.
- Proven track record managing operations at major ports.
- Strong knowledge of European ports, project-cargo terminals, and lay-down/storage yards, ideally with established port authority and terminal operator contacts.
- Experience in heavy-lift or multipurpose vessel chartering, voyage planning, and port coordination.
- Understanding of EU port regulations, ESG and green-shipping initiatives, and customs/project-cargo compliance frameworks.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in European language a plus.
- Based in Europe and open to travel.
Preferred Background
- Senior management experience in shipping, fleet management, or heavy-lift project logistics companies.
- Exposure to offshore wind, oil & gas, or offshore engineering logistics.
- Knowledge of semi-submersible, flatbed, or heavy-lift vessel operations.
Ideal Profile
- Strong strategic planning and market analysis skills.
- Excellent cross-cultural communication and negotiation ability.
- Able to work independently while collaborating closely with global teams.
- Commercially minded, hands-on, and execution driven.
👉 This role offers the opportunity to build and lead the European organization of a fast-growing international shipping group.