Operations Director

<p><span><strong>Drive Performance. Lead People. Shape Growth.</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>At DFDS, we move goods, people, and businesses across Europe. We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven <strong>Operations Director</strong> to lead our Belgian non-accompanied trailer operations.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>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.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span>This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a critical operation within one of Europe's leading transport and logistics companies.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Key Responsibilities</strong></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>People Leadership</strong></span></p><ul><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Lead, motivate, develop, and manage employees across the business unit.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Foster a high-performance culture built on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Act as a visible and inspiring leader who leads by example.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Promote effective communication between employees and the management team.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Support talent development through coaching, training, and succession planning.</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Business & Commercial Management</strong></span></p><ul><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Hold full P&L responsibility for DFDS Belgium's non-accompanied trailer operation.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Drive profitability through strong commercial focus, cost management, and operational efficiency.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Ensure achievement of monthly and annual budget targets.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Lead operational performance, including fleet utilization, cost per kilometre, empty running reduction, and national and international haulage activities.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Participate in tender processes and take ownership of ad hoc pricing activities.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Negotiate annual pricing agreements and contractual terms with key suppliers and business partners.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Maintain full operational and administrative control of the business unit.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Monitor market developments, industry trends, and competitive activity to identify opportunities and risks.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and company policies.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Establish and maintain a structured performance management and continuous improvement framework.</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span><strong>Business Development</strong></span></p><ul><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Develop and expand the customer and supplier network.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Build strong partnerships with customers, suppliers, DFDS stakeholders, and colleagues across the wider DFDS network.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Participate in customer visits alongside the sales team and lead customer business review meetings.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Identify new opportunities to strengthen revenue, service quality, and operational performance.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Drive innovation and digitalization initiatives that improve workflows and business efficiency.</span></p></li><li class="MsoNormal"><p><span>Continuously invest in your own professional development through learning, coaching, and industry engagement.</span></p></li></ul><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal&q