General Manager, Fleet Operation

Roles & Responsibilities The General Manager, Fleet Operation is responsible for driving the commercial performance of assigned trade lanes by developing market strategies, optimizing pricing and capacity utilization, and strengthening relationships with customers and business partners. The role focuses on identifying growth opportunities, maximizing revenue, and ensuring the successful execution of trade and service initiatives. Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and manage commercial shipping programmes with key corporate customers, driving customer engagement and maximizing business performance across assigned trade lanes. Evaluate new business opportunities and service proposals by conducting market analysis, demand forecasting, and commercial feasibility assessments. Lead the planning, implementation, and successful rollout of new services and trade initiatives. Monitor the progress of business projects, identify operational or commercial gaps, manage escalations, and ensure timely resolution with internal and external stakeholders. Formulate and execute sustainable business development strategies to strengthen customer retention while expanding market share and capturing new business opportunities. Manage pricing strategies, freight rates, and space allocation to optimise vessel utilisation, revenue generation, and overall trade profitability. Collaborate with Commercial, Operations, Marketing, and Agency teams to develop and implement trade strategies, service structures, and logistics solutions. Coordinate closely with overseas agents and regional offices to ensure consistent pricing, timely responses to freight enquiries, and effective customer support. Prepare comprehensive trade performance reports, including market analysis, competitor benchmarking, cargo volume, revenue performance, utilisation trends, and commercial insights. Monitor market conditions, industry developments, and customer demand to provide accurate forecasts and strategic recommendations to management. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, business partners, and internal stakeholders to support long-term commercial success. Support management with strategic planning, budgeting, and business performance reviews. Undertake other duties and special projects as assigned by Management. Requirements & Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline. Minimum of 10 years of experience within the liner shipping industry, with substantial exposure to trade management, pricing, and space allocation. Strong knowledge and hands-on experience managing Asia–Europe–Mediterranean (AEM) trade or other major international trade lanes. Proven experience in developing pricing strategies, capacity management, and trade optimisation to achieve commercial objectives. Sound understanding of liner shipping operations, market dynamics, freight pricing, and commercial negotiations. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data, develop forecasts, and formulate strategic business recommendations. Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills. Demonstrated ability to build strong customer relationships and work effectively with regional offices, agents, and international partners. Highly organised with excellent planning and time management skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Results-oriented with strong commercial acumen, problem-solving ability, and sound decision-making skills. High level of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and a collaborative team-oriented approach. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Experience with shipping or ERP systems will be an advantage. Bilingual in English and Mandarin (spoken and written) to effectively communicate with English- and Chinese-speaking customers, overseas offices, and business partners.