Professional Head – Rail Freight Facilities and Terminals (Bulk and Intermodal)

Position OverviewThe Professional Head – Rail Freight Facilities and Terminals (Bulk and Intermodal) provides strategic leadership for the development, mobilisation and operational management of freight terminals, ensuring safe, efficient and commercially focused terminal operations. Acting as the Technical Authority for terminals and freight facilities, the role establishes the terminal operating models, procedures, resourcing plans and performance frameworks for bulk and intermodal facilities, including the key terminals at Sohar Port and Al Buraimi. The position leads terminal readiness, equipment acceptance, workforce mobilisation and interface arrangements with customers, ports and delivery contractors, ensuring terminals are fully operational for Entry into Service. Prior to commercial operations, the role will focus on operational readiness activities in respect of freight facilities and terminals as determined by the Operational Readiness Plan.Responsibilities:Terminal Strategy and Operating Model:Develop terminal operating models, operating plans and service specifications for bulk and intermodal terminals.Establish terminal capacity plans, handling strategies and operational layouts to meet customer demand and network requirements.Define commercial and customer service interfaces, service level frameworks and terminal performance regimes.Terminal Mobilisation and Readiness:Lead terminal readiness activities, including equipment acceptance, systems commissioning, procedure validation and trial operations.Build and mobilise terminal management and operational workforces, including competence and training arrangements.Establish terminal operating systems, weighbridge arrangements and gate/yard management processes.Terminal Operations Governance:Establish operational procedures, safe systems of work and emergency arrangements for terminal operations.Define maintenance interfaces for terminal equipment and infrastructure in coordination with asset management and maintenance functions.Provide terminal-related evidence to the Operations Safety Case and regulatory submissions.Operational Readiness Management:Oversee the preparation and implementation of operational readiness strategies and plans related to freight facilities and terminal operations.Coordinate operational readiness activities including testing & commissioning support, trial operations, training and resource mobilization in line with the Operational Readiness Plan.Ensure that all systems, processes and procedures within the area of responsibility are fully functional, validated and compliant with safety and performance requirements ahead of Entry into Service.Stakeholder Engagement:Act as the focal point for internal and external stakeholders on all matters related to terminals, ports, customers and freight facility interfaces.Facilitate seamless communication and interface management between internal teams, contractors, suppliers and external partners.Ensure alignment of deliverables with stakeholder expectations, contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.Risk and Issue Management:Identify potential risks and issues impacting operational readiness and steady-state operations within the area of responsibility.Develop mitigation plans and implement corrective actions as needed.Maintain the relevant risk registers and report regularly to senior management on status, progress and emerging risks.Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:Establish quality benchmarks and ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and management system requirements.Conduct reviews and audits to identify lessons learned and implement improvements for future initiatives.Promote a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision making and operational excellence.Leadership and Team Management:Lead, develop and manage terminal managers and terminal operational teams, ensuring the right structure, capability and capacity to deliver.Develop team capabilities through training, coaching and mentorship, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.Ensure clear communication between teams, management and stakeholders to align on objectives and deliver results.Compliance and Safety:Ensure adherence to regulatory, safety and environmental requirements across all terminal and freight facility operations activities.Drive a strong safety culture, supporting audits, inspections and the close-out of corrective actions.Support the development and maintenance of the Operations Safety Case, safety management system and associated assurance processes.Technical and Industry Knowledge and Experience:Significant leadership responsibilities within railway bulk or intermodal freight facilities and terminals, with a strong track record of logistics and freight handling facilities.Experience establishing operational procedures, terminal readiness, safety management and customer service within a heavy haul bulk and/or intermodal environment.Strong knowledge of terminal equipment, handling systems and terminal operating systems.Experience with port interfaces and multi-modal logistics chains desirable.Technical Skills:Proficiency in terminal planning, capacity analysis and performance management tools.Capability in terminal operating systems, yard management and weighbridge/gate systems.Ability to develop and approve terminal procedures, plans and technical documentation.Leadership and Management Skills:Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and achieving results in high-pressure environments.Strong planning and organisational skills with a focus on delivering operational efficiency.Excellent problem-solving, decision-making and risk management abilities.Communication Skills:Strong verbal and written communication skills in English to ensure seamless stakeholder engagement and high-quality technical documentation.Strong interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.Ability to manage relationships across departments, contractors, vendors and regulatory bodies.Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills:Ability to analyse complex operational and technical situations and develop practical, risk-based solutions.Skilled in identifying risks and implementing effective mitigation strategies.Proficient in the use of data and performance information to drive decisions and improvements.Education and Certifications:Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Engineering, Business Administration or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).Professional certifications in logistics, port/terminal management or project management are a plus.Work Experience:Minimum of 15 years’ progressive railway bulk or intermodal freight facilities and terminals experience, including significant leadership responsibilities.Demonstrated mobilisation of new terminals or major terminal expansions highly desirable.Additional RequirementsExpertise in Bulk and Intermodal Terminal OperationsStrategic Planning and ExecutionTeam Leadership and MentoringProject Management and Risk MitigationCommunication and Stakeholder ManagementWillingness to travel to project sites across the UAE and Oman as neededAbility to work under tight deadlines and adapt to dynamic project environmentsDifferentialsPort-Rail Interface: Direct experience managing rail terminals integrated with major port operationsGreenfield Start-up Experience: Direct involvement in the operational readiness, testing & commissioning and entry into service of a new railway or major infrastructure assetRegional Experience: Direct experience delivering railway projects or operations within the GCC or comparable international environments, with strong cultural awareness and multi-national team leadership