Shahid Ali Syed
Summary
Strategic leader with over twenty Five years in Container Terminal Management, progressing from planning to full operational oversight. Coordinated a diverse team of 850, leveraging comprehensive knowledge of TOS systems and process optimisation to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness. Drove operational improvements through targeted training and stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration in multicultural settings.
Overview
1
1
Certification
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Execution/Planning Manager
WACT APMT Onne-Nigeria
05.2024 - 05.2026
- I have been appointed as Execution Manager where I was dedicated to coaching the operation execution team and planning staff to optimize overall terminal performance and optimize their skills. My role involved not only imparting knowledge and best practices but also fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within the team. I focus on identifying individual and team strengths, aligning them with group strategic objectives, and implementing tailored training programs that enhance operational efficiency. By cultivating an environment where feedback and innovation are encouraged, I aim to empower our staff to take ownership of their roles and contribute to achieving terminal's operational excellence and long-term success.
- Eliminated waste, reduced delays, improved operational predictability, and maximised asset utilisation by managing overall container flow instead of optimising individual activities. Focused on identifying and eliminating bottlenecks disrupting operational flow.
- Contributed to FLOW Project at terminal, a global operational excellence initiative by APM Terminals Group to optimise end-to-end container movement. Collaborated with cross-functional teams during two-year implementation to support successful rollout of FLOW principles, enhancing process optimisation and collaboration across terminal operations.
- The FLOW concept is based on the principle that every container should move through the terminal smoothly, predictably, and with the minimum number of touches. Rather than optimizing individual functions such as gate, yard, or vessel operations, FLOW adopts a holistic approach by optimizing the entire container journey from arrival to departure, resulting in improved productivity, operational efficiency, and customer service.
- Coordinated APMT Flow Project implementation to improve container movement processes.
Terminal Operation Manager
Port of Djibouti (SGDT)
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Implemented dynamic yard management strategy at Port of Djibouti, reducing machine over-utilisation and optimising space, resulting in 17% decrease in machine running hours and maintenance costs. Achieved 32 Gross Moves Per Hour (GMPH) on quay side, reduced Truck Turnaround Time (TTT) for commercial vehicles to 50 minutes, and maintained strong performance for RTG, RS, and ECH equipment, enhancing overall terminal operations. These initiatives significantly boosted operational efficiency, enhanced productivity, and delivered measurable cost savings, demonstrating my ability to lead transformative improvements in terminal operations.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by leading and motivating a high-performing team.
- Monitored team activities closely, providing timely feedback and recognition to enhance performance.
- Resolved customer issues efficiently by actively listening and providing tailored solutions.
Operation Manager
DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah
Jeddah
01.2013 - 06.2021
- Increased volume by 50% in 2017/2018 by participating in ramp-up of operational resources within 3 to 6 months and conducting training for new hires according to DPW operation and safety standards.
- Led improvement plan in operations, revising processes, training personnel, and motivating team members to adapt to organisational changes and optimise terminal layout.
- Enhanced process visibility by identifying and monitoring KPIs, collaborating with clients to develop mutually beneficial solutions.
- Delivered key performance results through effective strategies.
- Jeddah Islamic port (Mawani) KPI achieved alongwith customers and DPW KPIs
- Productivity in 2017 v/s 2018 from 18gmph to 27gmph.
- Productivity in 2018 v/s 2019 from 27gmph to 28gmph with throughput (1.6M/Teu)
- 2017 throughput 1.08 m/teu Then 2018 1.42 m/teu ramp up.
- 2020 throughput 1.91 m/teu. With 29.0 GMPH
Operation Planning Manager
DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah
Jeddah
06.2006 - 01.2013
- DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah managed 1.7 m/teu throughputs in 2008:
- Coordinated planning and supervised stevedoring and yard operations, ensuring adherence to safety standards and optimising cost effectiveness.
- Coordination of Berthing Plan with Shipping Lines as well as Berthing Coordinator.
- Coordination with Engineering for availability of equipment to meet Operations requirements.
- Troubleshot shipping lines queries, discrepancies, and operational problems to maintain service quality.
- Improvement of existing system performance and continues improvement of productivity.
- Implementation of International Standard within the limits of applicable law and regulations.
- Participated in annual operations budgeting alongside operations manager and terminal manager to align resources with strategic goals.
- Facilitated planner training sessions to enhance human resources capabilities.
- Selecting employees for continuous training of different type of job categories of operators & planners.
- Setting up of OAP for TOS.
Planner Trainer
Port De Djibouti in DPW container terminal
Djibouti
08.2005 - 02.2006
- Trained yard planners, ship planners, and dispatchers at Port De Djibouti in DPW container terminal according to international standards and monitored performance to address future operational challenges. Berth planning and communicating with shipping lines for troubleshooting of shipping lines and terminal operations problems.
- Monitored project progress and adjusted schedules to ensure adherence to timelines.
- Provided expert advice including daily, weekly or monthly schedule updates.
- Compiled and presented information at regular planning and progress meetings to support decision-making.
Deputy Planning Manager
Pakistan International Container Terminal
02.2004 - 06.2005
- Pakistan International Container Terminal managed implementation of TOS, preparation of yard layout and trained the planners; liaise with shipping lines for operational activities, taking full responsibility for all matters related to vessel/Yard and terminal operation, cost effectiveness of equipment utilization customer’s discrepancies or queries etc.
- Collaborated with team members to successfully achieve project goals.
- Resolved customer complaints through effective communication and resolution strategies, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Ensured cleanliness and safety in the workplace to prevent accidents.
Yard and Vessel Planner
Salalah Port Services
Salalah
11.1999 - 01.2004
- Coordinated yard/vessel operations at Salalah Port Services, ensuring vessel stability and preventing yard clashes during loading and discharge to optimise operational flow.
- Supported dispatch operations to meet service demand.
- Prepared resources and paperwork ahead of transportation.
- Designated drivers to vehicles to optimise transportation operations., matching to appropriate routes.
Equipment Controller and Yard Planner
Qasim Int’l Container Terminal
Karachi
10.1997 - 11.1999
- Developed internal controls and corrective actions to mitigate risks and address deficiencies.
- Coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to achieve financial targets, promoting fiscal responsibility across the organisation.
- Collaborated with external auditors during annual audits to ensure timely provision of necessary documentation and explanations.
- A Joint venture of P&O ports and Terminal and now DP World.
Section Supervisor in shipping line agency
Shipping agency of DSR-Senator Lines
01.1994 - 10.1997
- Coordinated import/export documentation and operational activities for ship arrivals, departures, stevedoring, and container movements, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Supervised daily production activities, monitored employee performance, and addressed inefficiencies to optimise workflow.
- Instructed staff on production processes to enhance efficiency.
- Planned and communicated daily manufacturing tasks and targets.
Education
B.A. - with major Economics
Karachi University
Karachi01-1988
Skills
- CTIS (Container Terminal Information System)
- BELCOS (Graphical Ship cargo data management system)
- Database management system for container terminal (introduced by HPC - Hamburg Port Consultation)
- TOS systems knowledge
- KPI monitoring
- Process optimisation
- Planning procedures
- Terminal operations
- Safety standards
- Strategic planning
- Analytical thinking
- Operations understanding
- Business relationship
- Customer relationship
- Stakeholder management
- Strategy implementation
- Team leadership
- Team collaboration
- Team motivation
- Multicultural environments
- N4 (including ED & PRTT)
- MS Office
- Terminal operations
Certification
- PTO (Planning Terminal operation), 2013-01-01, DPW Institute
- MTO (Managing Terminal operation), 2014-01-01, DPW Institute
- TBM (Terminal Business Management), 2015-01-01, DPW Institute
- Six Sigma Green Belt, 2016-01-01
Custom
- Some locations in the resume do not specify state/zip/country explicitly (e.g., DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah; country not stated). Those fields are left null.
- The resume includes 'Terminal Operation Manager Sept 21-May 2023' which is interpreted as starting 2021-09-01 and ending 2023-05-01; however the text also includes 'Operation Manager Jan 2013- June 2021'. To avoid overlap, the parsed dates for 'Terminal Operation Manager' were set to 2021-05-01 to 2023-05-01 based on the provided 'Sept 21' ambiguity. If you want strict month-accurate parsing, confirm the intended start month/year.
Timeline
Execution/Planning Manager
WACT APMT Onne-Nigeria
05.2024 - 05.2026
Terminal Operation Manager
Port of Djibouti (SGDT)
09.2021 - 05.2023
Operation Manager
DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah
01.2013 - 06.2021
Operation Planning Manager
DPW Container Terminal in Jeddah
06.2006 - 01.2013
Planner Trainer
Port De Djibouti in DPW container terminal
08.2005 - 02.2006
Deputy Planning Manager
Pakistan International Container Terminal
02.2004 - 06.2005
Yard and Vessel Planner
Salalah Port Services
11.1999 - 01.2004
Equipment Controller and Yard Planner
Qasim Int’l Container Terminal
10.1997 - 11.1999
Section Supervisor in shipping line agency
Shipping agency of DSR-Senator Lines
01.1994 - 10.1997
B.A. - with major Economics
Karachi University