Role Purpose
The Country Manager, US & Canada is responsible for the development and execution of the Swire Shipping strategy to ensure the business achieves safe, diverse and sustainable operations and growth through the engagement and development of its people, customers, suppliers and partners, in alignment with Head of Divisions, CCO and Executive team.
Role Accountabilities
Strategic Leadership
- CM role will work across all division executives ensuring the organizational structure of the North America Region is fit for purpose, complimentary of Swire Shipping’s global organizational structure, and sets out a robust platform for achieving the growth targets of Swire Shipping while implementing appropriate governance processes.
- Operate at all times within the limits defined by Swire Shipping’s DOA (Delegation of Authority) matrix.
- Identify new growth opportunities for Swire Shipping and discuss them with CCO
- Successful alignment of key Partnerships, Government and industry relationships and strategic initiatives.
- Projects - management of regional projects and key relationships required to grow Swire Shipping relevant to Swire Shipping Liners trades
- Work closely with the divisional GM's, CM’s, RM’s and commercial teams to create “One Team” approach with customers. Projects to be aligned with divisional scorecards.
- External & internal governance - Ensure all relevant Government laws & Swire Shipping policies are adhered to.
- Proactively identify business development opportunities aligned with Swire Shipping's strategy.
- Lead the identification of local sustainability programs aligned with SD strategy
Commercial
- New trades - Work with the Business Development team and respective Swire Shipping functional owners, identify and develop new opportunities that complement existing liner network and support Swire Shipping's Scorecard.
- Act as senior representative to customers and suppliers and overall representative of Swire Shipping and throughout the region.
- Actively oversee country VIP customer & vendor relationships (as defined in the respective global account matrix).
- Key Account Management as appropriate
- Continue to develop growth by promoting the Swire Shipping brand.
- Partnerships – develop and promote regional shipping partnerships that support the Fortress operating strategy and underpin Swire Shipping regional service proposition.
- Proactively build relationships with relevant local industry groups and governments
Customer
- Oversee the execution of regional commercial strategy and quality customer relationships.
- Oversee the enhancement of processes in Customer Service and champion Business Development across the Branch.
- Oversee and ensure optimal performance from Swire Shipping’s 3rd party agents and other suppliers in the region (if any).
- Customer - development of key relationships and innovative services that enhance the Liner Trades competitive advantage and add value to Swire Shipping’s top regional customers. Focus on developing new customer relationships with industrial, mining & agricultural businesses that support growth of SSL’s business in the region.
Operations
- Oversee the regional execution of Port/Stevedoring strategy and quality vendor relationships working closely with the Operations management teams.
- Develop, execute and manage appropriate governance processes for SSL’s activities in the region.
- Support and develop a cross-functional team in the day-to-day operation.
P&L Accountability
- Work with Finance to establish and maintain administrative cost budgets for North America.
- Local SG&A Budget and optimization of country resources.
People Management
- Take a lead role in period reviews of the regional organizational design of Swire Shipping. Lead employees to meet the organization’s expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.
- Actively support the identification and development of HiPo staff (aligned with Swire Shipping's talent management policies).
- Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the team in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures.
- Plan staffing levels and work with Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ the right people within budgetary guidelines.
- Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employees onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
- Consciously creates an engaging workplace culture that emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the organization.
- Lead employees using performance management and development processes including goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning.
- Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility, drive accountability and provide regular feedback for continuous improvement.
- Manage and maintain effective employee work schedules including assignments, job rotation, training, vacations and paid time off, cover for absenteeism, and overtime scheduling.
- Maintain two-way transparent communication. Appropriately communicate organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, IM, and regular interpersonal communication.
- Deliver key people related activities in conjunction with HR that will lead to the enhanced engagement and retention of team members.
- Team & Reputational leadership - Act as a role model for Swire Shipping values and make Swire Shipping a great place to work.
- Coach and support Commercial & CS Manager to ensure commercial targets (annual volume targets per customer) are met.
- Coach and support OpsLogs Manager to ensure operational targets (port productivity and logistics) are met.
Safety
- Safety is at the core of our decision making and a guiding principle. We work as a team with integrity to require all our employees to set a good example of safe behavior, adhere to the Health & Safety Policy and encourage partners to incorporate safe practices in their work.
- Responsibility for safety by displaying safety leadership principles (i.e. Safety I’s & Accountability ladder).
- Challenging and stopping unsafe acts and behaviors or unsafe conditions.
- Comply with the Global Safety Standards, Policies and Operating Procedures.
- Ensure our safety policies are adhered to locally for all operational and office activities.
Crisis Management
- Act as senior representative in the region for any SSL crisis.
- Lead crisis management response (internally and media).
- Make every effort to be aware of and understand your role in the event of a crisis.
- Make every effort to attend any relevant training, simulations and or meetings relating to Crisis Management.
- Perform your role as best as possible in a calm and collaborative manner in line with the relevant policy and procedures in the event of a Crisis.
- Provide input and feedback towards the ongoing improvement of the Crisis Management framework and procedure.
Key Qualifications & Skills
Qualifications
- Tertiary qualification, minimum bachelor's degree level in business, or relevant discipline
Technical Skills
- 15+ year’s proven success in a senior management role
- Experience in the Shipping Industry and exposure to various business departments
- A strong knowledge and previous experience in Sales and Marketing
- Knowledge of a global Market
- Knowledge of workplace health and safety regulations
Professional Skills
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop department and department staff members
- Strong budgeting and cost management ability
- Ability to practice with a high level of confidentiality
- Well-developed communication (both oral and written), interpersonal, negotiation and influencing skills
- Outstanding relationship building skills and a team orientated approach
- Presentation Skills
- Problem solving skills
- Comfort around using technology
Company Profile
Swire Shipping is a leading Asia-Pacific shipping company and the deep-sea shipping arm of the multinational Swire Group. With over 150 years in the industry—including 50+ years in Fiji and the Pacific Islands—it focuses on connecting communities and supporting regional trade.
Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Shipping operates:
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High-frequency liner services across Asia-Pacific
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A transpacific service between North Asia and the Pacific Northwest
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Project logistics under the Swire Projects brand
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Integrated logistics solutions
It specializes in project, heavy lift, refrigerated, breakbulk, and mini bulk cargoes, backed by expert teams and global reach through 40+ offices and an international agency network.
Swire Shipping employs over 3,000 people from 52 countries, fostering a respectful, inclusive workplace with strong support for career development. The company invests in people, technology, and sustainability for long-term growth.
Learn more: www.swireshipping.com
Employee Benefits:
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Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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Life and disability coverage
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Paid time off
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401(k) retirement plan
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Employee Assistance Program
EEO/AA/Vets/Disabled
