Operations Director

Job description

Drive Performance. Lead People. Shape Growth. At DFDS, we move goods, people, and businesses across Europe. We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Operations Director to lead our Belgian non-accompanied trailer operations. As Operations Director, you will have full responsibility for the business unit's performance, profitability, and operational excellence. You will provide strategic leadership, drive continuous improvement, and ensure sustainable growth while developing a high-performing team and strengthening key customer and supplier relationships. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a critical operation within one of Europe's leading transport and logistics companies. Key Responsibilities People Leadership Lead, motivate, develop, and manage employees across the business unit. Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Act as a visible and inspiring leader who leads by example. Promote effective communication between employees and the management team. Support talent development through coaching, training, and succession planning. Business & Commercial Management Hold full P&L responsibility for DFDS Belgium's non-accompanied trailer operation. Drive profitability through strong commercial focus, cost management, and operational efficiency. Ensure achievement of monthly and annual budget targets. Lead operational performance, including fleet utilization, cost per kilometre, empty running reduction, and national and international haulage activities. Participate in tender processes and take ownership of ad hoc pricing activities. Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes. Negotiate annual pricing agreements and contractual terms with key suppliers and business partners. Maintain full operational and administrative control of the business unit. Monitor market developments, industry trends, and competitive activity to identify opportunities and risks. Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and company policies. Establish and maintain a structured performance management and continuous improvement framework. Business Development Develop and expand the customer and supplier network. Build strong partnerships with customers, suppliers, DFDS stakeholders, and colleagues across the wider DFDS network. Participate in customer visits alongside the sales team and lead customer business review meetings. Identify new opportunities to strengthen revenue, service quality, and operational performance. Drive innovation and digitalization initiatives that improve workflows and business efficiency. Continuously invest in your own professional development through learning, coaching, and industry engagement. About You We are looking for a results-driven leader who combines strategic thinking with hands-on operational expertise. Qualifications & Experience Extensive knowledge of the unaccompanied dry freight market between Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Continental Europe. Strong understanding of the European haulage industry, transport legislation, and the short sea shipping market. Minimum of 5 years of senior management experience within a large transport, logistics, or supply chain organization. Proven experience managing P&L responsibility and leading multifunctional teams. Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of improving profitability and operational performance. Well-established network and strong market intelligence within the transport and logistics sector. Skills & Competencies Highly driven self-starter with strong energy and initiative. Excellent leadership and people management skills. Strategic mindset combined with strong analytical and financial capabilities. Strong commercial awareness and customer focus. Structured, methodical, and disciplined approach to execution and follow-up. Ability to identify and implement digital solutions and process improvements. Strong focus on cost reduction, margin optimization, and sustainable business growth. Commitment to health, safety, environmental, and compliance standards. What We Offer A visible leadership role with significant business impact. P&L Management of a critical DFDS operation. The opportunity to shape strategy, improve performance, and drive growth. A collaborative international environment with support from senior stakeholders across the DFDS network. Competitive salary and benefits package including company car. Ready to make an impact? Join DFDS and help shape the future of transport and logistics by leading a business unit where operational excellence, commercial success, and people development go hand in hand.