Head of Operational Technology

Role Overview

The Head of Operational Technology (OT) is accountable for the end‑to‑end strategy, performance, governance and lifecycle management of all Operational Technology systems of the terminal. The role establishes clear business ownership for OT across process systems and terminal OT platforms, ensuring measurable operational value through improved reliability, resilience, safety, standardisation and productivity. It also delivers all integrated technology solutions across the Elizabeth Upgrade Project scope, defining and rolling out a future‑proof system landscape in close collaboration with stakeholders, creating minimal disruption and delivering within budget and time.

• Running the business OT Strategy & Governance: Define and own the OT strategy aligned with the global OT framework. Translate business priorities into structured OT roadmaps. Enforce OT architecture standards and reduce system variation. Establish governance for interfaces, change management and integration. Accountable for OT budget planning and execution, striving to implement cost‑efficient ways of working.
• Operational Performance & Reliability: Define reliability and resilience targets for all critical systems. Drive improvement in system reliability. Ensure structured root‑cause analysis and corrective actions. Partner with Heads of functions to leverage technology to support terminal business objectives.
• Digital Transformation: Drive data‑driven and intelligent terminal operations. Ensure integration between OT systems and analytics platforms.
• Stakeholder & Global
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Lead vendor management, including OEM governance, performance monitoring, contract alignment, escalation management and strategic supplier development. Liaise with Labor Relations to ensure compliance with labor union jurisdictions and local/master contracts with the ILA. Act as the primary interface with Global OT Product Owners. Ensure compliance with enterprise IT standards and cybersecurity policies.
• Transforming the Business – Modernisation Project: Define and own the future solution landscape. Own end‑to‑end deployment of new OT products within E‑UP, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and site‑specific requirements. Support development of comprehensive Project Management Plans (PMPs), including scope, timelines, resource allocation, risk mitigation and compliance. Guide product deployment approach, ensuring product integrity, integration and testing, and aligning OT ramp‑up with overall project delivery pace.
• People & Organisation Leadership: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary OT organization. Manage a team of operational technology experts, ensuring engagement, motivation and alignment with project goals. Establish accountability and performance management frameworks and support structured technical and leadership career paths.

• Master’s degree in industrial engineering, Industry 4.0, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Project Management Certification preferred (or equivalent).
• Professional expertise and deep knowledge in container terminal operations and relevant experience in port digitisation / modernisation.
• Proven experience in project management, particularly within the container terminal industry or related fields.
• Strong IT / software programming background.
• Ability to develop and maintain comprehensive Project Management Plans (PMPs).
• Strong understanding of technology systems (Terminal Operating System, Equipment Control System, PLC/SCADA, API/Middleware, OPCUA, 5G, cybersecurity).
• High familiarity and proven proficiency in delivering results within a project/product deployment environment.
• Versatile resource management and planning skills.
• Strong prioritisation abilities and a can‑do mindset.
• Methodological know‑how to lead iterative design, development and testing cycles from end‑to‑end throughout deployment.
• Capability to balance short‑term deliverables and long‑term business objectives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills in a structured manner.
• People‑leadership skills for driving success of deployment teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management & communication skills.
• Continuo…