Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Expat

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)Reports to: CEOLocation: Georgetown, GuyanaJob Type: Permanent/ Expatriate (Expat)Sector: Marine, Oil & Gas, Offshore, LogisticsWork Schedule: Full-Time/ Onsite/ ResidentialNES Fircroft is a leading global workforce solutions provider specializing in engineering and technical talent across the energy, infrastructure, industrial, and marine sectors. We partner with organizations delivering critical projects worldwide, connecting exceptional professionals with opportunities that drive innovation and operational excellence.About the RoleOur client is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the operations of a world-class multipurpose port and shorebase facility in Guyana. This executive leadership role offers the opportunity to oversee a strategically important maritime asset supporting offshore energy, project cargo, commercial shipping, and integrated logistics services.The ideal candidate will bring a combination of port/terminal or shorebase operating experience and a strong understanding of the upstream oil & gas environment. Candidates may come from multipurpose ports, offshore supply bases, energy terminals, marine logistics operations, or oil & gas companies where they have held direct responsibility for physical logistics, cargo, vessel, yard, terminal, or shorebase operations.Job SummaryThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the safe, efficient, and successful operation of a multipurpose port and shorebase facility located on the West Bank of Demerara, Guyana. Reporting to executive leadership, the COO will provide strategic and operational leadership across port operations, marine services, terminal activities, and oil & gas shorebase logistics while ensuring world-class safety, operational performance, and regulatory compliance.This position requires a hands-on executive who can build and lead a high-performing organization that integrates expatriate specialists with a local Guyanese workforce, while driving operational excellence, developing local talent, and supporting long-term business growth.Relevant backgrounds may include senior leaders from port/terminal operators, offshore supply bases, shorebases, marine logistics companies, oil & gas operators, and offshore service companies.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipOversee the integration of port, terminal, marine, yard, cargo, warehousing, and shorebase operations to support both commercial and offshore energy customers.Coordinate vessel movements, cargo receipt and dispatch, load/offload activities, yard and laydown operations, warehousing, and offshore supply-chain requirements.Establish and maintain strong operating relationships with oil & gas operators, offshore contractors, vessel owners, shipping lines, government authorities, and other key stakeholders.Provide overall leadership for all port and terminal operations, including: General cargo handling (breakbulk, project cargo, containers), Vessel scheduling and berth management, Yard operations and gate management, Warehousing and laydown yards, Oil & gas shorebase logistics, Tubular/OCTG handling, and Waste management and backload operationsEnsure safe, efficient, and reliable operations that meet client service expectations and international HSE standards.Optimize berth utilization, vessel scheduling, cargo throughput, and terminal capacity.Maintain compliance with ISPS Code, ISO standards, and other applicable certifications while supporting continuous improvement initiatives.Coordinate with marine operations, dredging activities, and infrastructure development teams to align operational performance with future expansion plans.Improve operational efficiency by reducing vessel and truck turnaround times, minimizing congestion, and maximizing asset utilization.Ensure 24/7 operational readiness, including emergency response and business continuity planning.Oversee maintenance programs and ensure operational assets remain fully available and reliable.Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentBuild, lead, and develop a cohesive operational organization comprising both expatriate specialists and local Guyanese employees.Foster a unified, high-performance culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.Develop workforce capability through structured training, mentorship, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.Lead recruitment, onboarding, workforce planning, and employee retention strategies.Champion a strong safety culture and ensure consistent implementation of HSE policies across all operations.Establish operational KPIs and performance metrics to drive accountability and continuous improvement.Promote automation, innovation, and operational best practices to improve efficiency and service delivery.Develop operational strategies that support future growth, capacity expansion, and sustainability objectives.Compliance, Governance & Financial ManagementEnsure compliance with all applicable Guyanese regulations, international maritime standards, environmental legislation, and port security requirements.Maintain accurate operational, safety, workforce, and regulatory reporting.Provide regular operational and strategic performance reports to executive leadership.Manage departmental budgets while maintaining high standards of safety, operational performance, and customer service.Drive cost optimization initiatives without compromising operational integrity or safety.RequirementsBachelor's degree in Engineering, Maritime Studies, Logistics, Business, or a related disciplines is preferred.Minimum 15 years of progressive operational leadership experience in one or more of the following environments: multipurpose ports, terminals, shorebases/offshore supply bases, marine logistics, offshore energy logistics, or oil & gas operations.Must have a minimum of 10 years working directly for multipurpose port operations.Experience working at the intersection of port/marine logistics and the upstream oil & gas industry is required.Experience with physical operations including vessel movements, cargo handling, berth/yard operations, warehousing, laydown areas, load/offload activities, or offshore supply logistics.Experience supporting offshore drilling, FPSO, subsea, E&P, or other upstream energy operations is required.Proven experience leading large, multicultural operational teams, including employees, contractors, and third-party service providers.Experience scaling, commissioning, developing, or improving a complex operating facility is highly desirable.Strong commercial acumen with experience managing operational budgets, costs, KPIs, and business performance.Experience working with government, regulatory, port, maritime, and energy-sector stakeholders.Ability to relocate to and work full-time in Guyana.Key CompetenciesExecutive operational leadershipStrategic planning and executionPort and terminal operations expertiseMarine and logistics managementStrong HSE leadershipCross-cultural leadership and stakeholder managementChange management and continuous improvementCommercial and financial managementCrisis management and operational resilienceWorkforce development and succession planningWhy Work HereLead the operations of a strategically important, newly developed multipurpose port supporting offshore energy, commercial shipping, and industrial growth.Play a pivotal role in shaping the operational strategy and future expansion of a rapidly growing maritime and logistics platform.Join an executive leadership team with the opportunity to influence long-term infrastructure development and regional economic growth.Build and develop a high-performing workforce while contributing to meaningful local talent development initiatives.Work in a dynamic international environment with exposure to world-class operational standards and major energy and infrastructure projects.Apply NowIf you are an accomplished operations leader with experience across port, terminal, shorebase, marine logistics, or offshore energy operations, with a track record of leading complex physical operations and high-performing teams, we encourage you to apply.This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a leading Marine & Port Operator. The successful applicant will receive a competitive annual compensation package, STIP, LTIP, generous medical benefits, PTO, matching 401K, holidays, and more. Offer is subject to the candidate’s ability to be able to obtain a work permit in country. If interested in learning more about this opportunity, please apply directly or contact NES Fircroft for a confidential discussion, please contact Mishu Ventura.