Director, Stowage Planning

Main Objective

The Stowage Director is responsible for setting the strategic direction and overseeing the regional execution of vessel stowage planning to enable safe, efficient, and cost-effective vessel operations. Reporting to the Director of Marine Operations, the Stowage Director leads a team comprising Stowage Senior Managers, Managers, and Planners, and ensures that all stowage activities are aligned with company goals for operational excellence, schedule reliability, service delivery, and asset optimization.

Responsibilities and Tasks

• Defining and executing the regional stowage planning strategy in alignment with business and operational objectives.
• Leading and developing a high-performing stowage organization, including senior managers, managers, and planners, to deliver safe and efficient stowage solutions across all regions and services.
• Overseeing performance of all stowage activities, ensuring vessel safety, regulatory compliance, and optimal cargo placement that supports schedule integrity and network efficiency.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with Network Execution, Terminal Performance, Equipment Flow, Cargo Control, Cargo Operation & Transshipment, Network Design, Revenue Management, and other key business units to deliver customer-centric outcomes and maximize vessel utilization.
• Driving standardization and digitization of stowage processes, tools, and best practices across the organization to improve productivity, cost control, and consistency.
• Monitoring industry trends, operational risks, and technological developments to identify strategic opportunities for innovation, competitive advantage, and long-term resilience.
• Leading the governance of stowage planning policies, SOPs, and safety protocols, and ensuring that operational teams are trained, resourced, and aligned.
• Managing resource allocation and workforce planning to meet business needs and support employee growth and retention.
• Development of capable, empowered leaders aligned with company values and strategic goals.
• Acting as the key escalation point for major stowage-related contingencies and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to ensure swift resolution.
• Supporting the Director of Marine Operations with strategic planning, reporting, and execution of marine and fleet-wide initiatives.

The success of the role will be demonstrated by:

• Delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient stowage plans that support schedule integrity and service delivery.
• High levels of vessel utilization and cost efficiency across the fleet.
• Consistent execution of standardized stowage practices globally.
• Strong alignment between the stowage function and commercial, network, and terminal strategies.
• A high-performing, engaged, and future-ready stowage planning team.

Required Experience

• 12+ years of experience in shipping or container operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity in stowage planning or vessel operations.
• Deep technical knowledge of vessel stability, stowage principles, port operations, and terminal productivity.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience leading multi-level and cross-regional teams.
• Strategic thinking with a track record of process innovation and operational improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing capabilities.
• Familiarity with stowage software, digital platforms, and data-driven performance management.

Personal Characteristics

• Visionary leader with a high level of accountability and integrity.
• Resilient and decisive under pressure, with a strong safety mindset.
• Collaborative and customer-focused, with a bias for execution.
• Continuous improvement mindset, open to innovation and change.
• Strong business acumen and a strategic yet hands-on leadership style.

Primary Internal Stakeholders

• Network Execution
• Terminal Performance
• Cargo Operation
• Transshipment
• Equipment Team
• Vessel Command Teams (Captain and Chief Officer)
• Cargo Control

Primary External Stakeholders

• Hub Terminals
• Gateway Terminals
• Partner Company