Are you a seasoned maritime leader ready to steer a major shipping organisation through its next phase of strategic growth — in one of the most dynamic regions in the world?

GameChangers Recruitment is searching for an experienced and strategically sharp Managing Director on behalf of a leading shipping and logistics organisation based in Paramaribo, Suriname. This executive role sits at the intersection of commercial ambition, operational excellence, and people leadership — with direct accountability to the Supervisory Board and a mandate to drive sustainable growth across the region.

Role Overview

As Managing Director, you are the driving force behind the organisation’s strategic direction, profitability, and long-term development. Reporting directly to the Supervisory Board, you lead the management team and take full ownership of business performance — from operational service delivery to commercial expansion and stakeholder relationships. You represent the organisation at the highest level, internally and externally, building trusted partnerships with principals, port authorities, terminals, government bodies, and key players across the maritime sector.

This is a high-impact executive role for a leader who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and on the operations floor — someone who sets the vision, holds the compass, and brings the team along for the journey.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Business Performance

• Drive the sustainable growth, profitability, and continued development of the organisation, in close alignment with the Supervisory Board.

• Set and execute the strategic agenda — including regional commercial growth, digitalisation, and operational process improvements.

• Identify new commercial opportunities and build strategic partnerships to strengthen the organisation’s market position in Suriname, Guyana, and the wider Caribbean.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, inspire, and develop the management team; foster a high-performance, people-first culture.

• Drive management and organisational development to build long-term capability and succession.

• Apply a situational and transformational leadership style — leading from the front where needed, while empowering your team.

Operations, HSEQ & Compliance

• Oversee efficient, safe, and high-quality service delivery to principals, clients, and stakeholders.

• Ensure full compliance with applicable maritime legislation, HSEQ standards, and governance frameworks.

• Drive process optimisation and digital transformation, including ERP systems and continuous improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder & Commercial Management

• Represent the organisation at senior level in all external relationships: principals, port authorities, terminals, government agencies, and industry bodies.

• Strengthen international principal relationships and manage key stakeholder expectations with confidence and integrity.

• Lead commercial negotiations and develop strategic alliances that expand the organisation’s reach and revenue base.