Country Head / GM (Shipping Line) Jobs in Chennai Port and Shipping Company

📋 Job Description

Jobzi is sourcing qualified candidates for Country Head / GM (Shipping Line) positions in Chennai's private Port and Shipping Company sector. This is a full-time opportunity with a reputed Port Services and Shipping employer in Chennai offering competitive salary, structured growth, and a professional work environment. Tamil communication skills are preferred alongside English for professional and business interaction in Chennai.

📌 Key Responsibilities

• Own the full P and L for the shipping line's India operations including all trade lanes, port locations, and commercial and operational functions across the country
• Set and execute the India business strategy including market growth targets, trade lane priorities, customer portfolio development, and office network expansion
• Lead and develop the senior leadership team across commercial, operations, finance, and compliance functions in India
• Manage the shipping line's principal and alliance partner relationships at the global and regional level to secure space, equipment, and service support for India trades
• Ensure full regulatory and statutory compliance across all India offices and port operations including customs, DGFT, foreign exchange, and employment regulations
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with major Indian exporter and importer accounts at the CXO level for long-term volume and commercial partnership
• Liaise with port authorities, Ministry of Shipping, and customs administration at the policy and senior management level on port development and regulatory matters
• Report India P and L, strategic performance, and market outlook to the global or regional head office principal on a monthly and quarterly basis

🎓 Qualifications and Requirements

• MBA from a premier or recognized institution; Post-Graduate qualification in Shipping or Maritime Management is an advantage
• 10 - 20 Years of experience in ocean freight and shipping operations with at least 5 years in a country head, GM, or national operations leadership role
• Proven track record of P and L ownership for a shipping line or maritime services company's India operations with measurable revenue and margin outcomes
• Strong commercial and operational background spanning ocean freight trade lane management, port operations, customs, and customer service functions
• Demonstrated experience managing international principal and alliance partner relationships for space, equipment, and joint trade lane initiatives
• Excellent government and port authority liaison capability at senior levels including Ministry of Shipping, port trust boards, and DGFT regional offices
• Leadership capability to build a high-performance national team, drive culture, and represent the shipping line at industry and government forums in India
• Good Tamil and English communication skills for team coordination and client interaction in Chennai.

✅ Required Skills