Maritime Supply Chain Executive Search | JOH Partners
Executive Search Excellence

Maritime &
Supply Chain

Specialized executive search for maritime and supply chain operations. Connecting global shipping lines, port operators, and logistics providers with senior leaders across vessel operations, terminal management, and integrated supply chain networks.

C-suite and VP-level appointments across shipping lines and port authorities
Operations specialists in vessel management, terminal operations, and cargo handling
Supply chain strategists for end-to-end logistics and digital transformation
125+
Executive Placements
15+
Years Experience
6
GCC Countries
96%
Success Rate

Functional & Sector Expertise

Shipping OperationsVessel Management

Senior maritime leaders across vessel operations, fleet management, and commercial shipping serving container, bulk, and tanker segments.

  • Chief Operating Officers & Fleet Directors
  • Marine Operations Managers
  • Vessel Performance & Technical Directors
  • Crewing & Manning Specialists
  • Maritime Safety & HSEQ Heads

Port & Terminal OperationsInfrastructure

Port operators and terminal management professionals across container terminals, ro-ro facilities, and multi-purpose cargo handling operations.

  • Port Directors & Terminal CEOs
  • Operations & Planning Managers
  • Cargo Handling & Stevedoring Heads
  • Port Engineering & Maintenance Directors
  • Harbor Master & Marine Services Leads

Logistics & Freight Forwarding3PL/4PL

Logistics specialists and freight forwarding leaders managing multimodal transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance operations.

  • Logistics Directors & VP Operations
  • Freight Forwarding & Agency Heads
  • Warehouse & Distribution Center Managers
  • Customs & Trade Compliance Directors
  • Last-Mile Delivery Network Leads

Supply Chain StrategyEnd-to-End

Supply chain strategists and optimization experts driving network design, demand planning, and integrated logistics solutions.

  • Chief Supply Chain Officers
  • Network Design & Optimization Directors
  • Demand Planning & Forecasting Heads
  • Procurement & Sourcing Strategy Leads
  • Supply Chain Analytics & BI Directors

Commercial & Business DevelopmentRevenue Growth

Commercial leaders and business development specialists driving route optimization, customer acquisition, and revenue management.

  • Chief Commercial Officers
  • Business Development Directors
  • Pricing & Revenue Management Heads
  • Trade Lane & Route Strategy Managers
  • Customer Experience & CRM Directors

Digital Transformation & TechInnovation

Technology leaders and digital transformation specialists implementing IoT, blockchain, automation, and data analytics solutions.

  • Chief Digital & Technology Officers
  • Maritime IT & Systems Directors
  • Smart Port & Automation Heads
  • Blockchain & IoT Implementation Leads
  • Data Analytics & AI Strategy Directors

Executive Placement Case Studies

Container Terminal Expansion

Port Authority
Challenge

Major port authority expanding container terminal capacity requiring automation expertise, operational excellence, and smart port technology integration.

  • Terminal Operations Director - Automated container handling and throughput optimization
  • Port Engineering Manager - Infrastructure expansion and crane automation systems
  • Digital Port Strategy Head - IoT integration and port community systems
  • Commercial Development Director - Liner service attraction and volume growth
1M
TEU Capacity
4 weeks
Search Duration

Fleet Modernization Program

Shipping Line
Challenge

Regional shipping line modernizing fleet with eco-efficient vessels requiring technical operations expertise and sustainability focus.

  • Fleet Director - Vessel acquisition strategy and fleet optimization
  • Technical Operations Manager - Engine performance and fuel efficiency programs
  • Environmental Compliance Head - IMO 2020 regulations and emissions reduction
  • Marine Superintendent - Vessel maintenance and dry-docking coordination
35%
Fuel Savings
100%
Retention Rate

End-to-End Supply Chain Integration

Logistics Provider
Challenge

Third-party logistics provider building integrated supply chain platform combining freight forwarding, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.

  • Chief Supply Chain Officer - End-to-end network design and service integration
  • Warehouse Network Director - Distribution center expansion and automation
  • Technology & Systems Head - WMS/TMS integration and real-time tracking
  • Customer Solutions Director - Customized logistics solutions and key account management
$30M
Revenue Growth
2
New Facilities

Smart Port Transformation

Terminal Operator
Challenge

Container terminal operator implementing smart port technologies including automated gate systems, AI-driven planning, and blockchain documentation.

  • Chief Digital Officer - Digital transformation roadmap and technology strategy
  • Automation & Robotics Director - Automated guided vehicles and crane systems
  • Data Analytics Head - Predictive maintenance and operational optimization
  • Cybersecurity Manager - OT/IT security and risk management framework
45%
Efficiency Gain
12 months
Implementation

Regional Trade Network Expansion

Freight Forwarder
Challenge

International freight forwarder expanding across Middle East and Africa requiring customs expertise and multi-country operations capabilities.

  • Regional Operations Director - Multi-country network expansion and branch management
  • Customs & Trade Compliance Head - AEO certification and cross-border regulations
  • Air & Ocean Freight Manager - Carrier relationships and capacity management
  • Business Development Director - Market entry strategy and client acquisition
2
New Markets
8
New Clients

Market Intelligence & Trends

A

Automation Revolution

Ports and terminals accelerating automation adoption with AGVs, automated cranes, and robotic systems. Smart port technologies and AI-driven operations becoming essential for operational efficiency and competitiveness.

S

Sustainability Mandate

IMO 2030 and 2050 emissions targets driving demand for green shipping expertise. Alternative fuels, energy-efficient vessels, and carbon reduction strategies now critical for maritime leadership appointments.

D

Digital Integration

Blockchain for documentation, IoT for cargo tracking, and cloud-based platforms transforming maritime operations. Digital literacy and technology integration skills increasingly valued across all maritime roles.

R

Supply Chain Resilience

Post-pandemic focus on supply chain risk management and diversification. Demand for leaders with multi-modal logistics expertise and ability to design resilient, flexible supply chain networks.

Compensation Benchmarks & Market Insights

GCC Maritime & Supply Chain Compensation (2025)
CEO AED 120K - 180K
COO AED 95K - 110K
Country Manager AED 60K - 90K
General Manager AED 75K - 110K
Terminal Operations Director AED 70K - 100K
Fleet Director AED 75K - 100K
Chief Supply Chain Officer AED 80K - 160K
Director - Logistics AED 60K - 120K
Commercial Director AED 65K - 130K
Marine Operations Manager AED 50K - 70K

Executive Search Process

Our methodology ensures comprehensive candidate evaluation and optimal placement outcomes.

Typical Timeline

  • Role definition, market mapping and outreach: Week 1
  • Screening, benchmarking and shortlisting: Weeks 2-3
  • Client interviews, final selection and offer: Week 4

Key Differentiators

  • Deep maritime and logistics sector expertise
  • Global network across shipping and port communities
  • Technical and operational competency assessment
  • Long-term placement success focus

Our Clients Believe In Us

HERE IS WHAT
THEY ARE SAYING

We'd Love To Hear From You

contact us