Senior Vice President – Ports Authority

About the job:The Senior Vice President – Ports Authority holds overall accountability for the strategic leadership, governance, and operational excellence of Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s that’s including the marine operations, licensing, and port tariff framework. The role ensures safe, secure, and efficient port operations across all group limits, enforces regulatory compliance, and maintains Abu Dhabi’s global competitiveness through effective tariff, licensing, and concessioner management. The job holder will serve as the single point of accountability for Harbour Master and Licensing & Tariff Governance functions, aligning with international best practices and Abu Dhabi’s maritime strategy. The job holder requires innovation, efficiency, and stakeholder value creation across port operations, infrastructure development, tariff management, and concessionaire agreements.Core Responsibilities:Oversee and monitor the performance of port operations, including vessel traffic management, pilotage, berthing/un-berthing, communications, and departures to ensure the delivery of high-quality port services meeting agreed service levels across all Abu Dhabi Ports Group.Oversee and monitor the performance of Contractors delivering port services such as vessel arrivals, communications, data processing, pilotage, … etc. ensuring compliance with agreed service levels.Ensure effective implementation of licensing policies and concession agreements, safeguarding compliance and performance of concessioners.Develop, review, and approve port tariffs, charges, and fees in line with competitive positioning, cost recovery, and regulatory compliance.Lead enforcement of laws, maritime conventions, and regulatory requirements in coordination with government and security agencies.Lead the planning and oversee all survey or dredging operation within Abu Dhabi Ports limits.Drive tariff and pricing strategies across all ports, balancing competitiveness with financial sustainability.Direct incident response as Marine Incident Commander when required; oversee investigations and corrective measures.Monitor and regulate monopolistic behavior, price dumping, and other risks within port services.Oversee navigational safety standards, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives in line with IMO and international benchmarks.Lead the annual tariff review process in collaboration with internal stakeholders and external regulators.Drive digitalization, automation, and sustainability initiatives across port operations.Safeguard the Group’s ports from maritime threats by working closely with security and border authorities.Establish and maintain strong relations with government and economic authorities (MoE, Customs, DED, etc.) to align policies with national economic priorities.Build and maintain strong relations with key external stakeholders such as international port organizations, shipping companies and port operators, key customers etc.Provide high-level arbitration for disputes, claims, and grievances with concessioners, clients, and service providers.Oversee economic modelling, analysis, and policy formulation to support AD Ports Group’ role in regional and global trade competitiveness.Qualifications:Master Mariner certification or advanced degree in Maritime Studies, Economics, Port Management, or related discipline.Fluency in English is required; Arabic proficiency is highly desirable.Minimum 18–20 years of experience in senior leadership roles within ports, maritime, or regulatory sectors, with international exposure preferred.Proven expertise in port operations, licensing governance, economic regulation, and maritime safety/security.Strong track record of leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing high-level stakeholder relationships.