Managing Director

Job description

Mpulungu Habour Corporation Limited (MHCL) is Zambia’s only inland water port and a strategic national asset located on the southern shores of Lake Tanganyika in Mpulungu District, Northern Province. Established in 1930, the Port provides integrated port and marine services, including vessel operations, cargo handling, logistics, shipping agency, and transport support for both domestic and cross-border trade. In 2015, Government transferred ownership of the Port to the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) as part of the consolidation of State-Owned Enterprises to strengthen Zambia’s industrial, logistics, and trade infrastructure. Under IDC oversight, MHCL is positioned as a catalyst for trade facilitation, regional connectivity, and job creation.

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A need has arisen to fill the following position:

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Job Purpose

The Managing Director (MD) shall act on behalf of the Board of Directors in accordance with the Company’s mandate, policies, and strategic objectives. The MD will provide strategic leadership, executive direction, and operational oversight to ensure efficient port operations, commercial sustainability, regulatory compliance, and long-term competitiveness.Zambia job market

The role is responsible for driving the transformation of Mpulungu Port into a modern, efficient, and commercially viable inland port, supporting Zambia’s trade corridors, regional integration, and national development agenda.

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Key Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Provide visionary, and results-driven leadership to drive institutional performance, operational efficiency, and a high-performance organisational culture.
Ensure effective implementation of the Port’s strategic and business plans, aligned to national transport, trade, and industrialisation priorities.
Champion innovation, infrastructure modernisation, and service excellence across port, shipping, and logistics operations.
Lead organisational transformation initiatives aimed at improving productivity, service delivery, and commercial sustainability.
Drive growth through diversification of services, expansion of cargo handling capacity, and development of new revenue streams.
Ensure compliance with corporate policies, statutory requirements, maritime regulations, and best international practices.
Promote a safe, secure, and inclusive working environment in line with occupational health, safety, and environmental standards.
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Business Transformation and Growth

Lead the transformation of Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited into a commercially viable, customer-centric, and regionally competitive inland port.
Identify and implement growth opportunities in cargo handling, logistics, shipping agency services, and regional trade facilitation.
Drive process re-engineering, digitalisation, and operational optimisation to enhance efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
Oversee change management initiatives to align organisational structures, skills, and systems with evolving business needs.
Strengthen partnerships with regional ports, shipping lines, logistics providers, and corridor management institutions to grow throughput volumes.
Position the Port as a strategic enabler of Zambia’s regional trade, export competitiveness, and industrial value chains.

Financial Management

Ensure financial sustainability through prudent revenue management, cost control, and optimisation of port operations.
Oversee the preparation and submission of annual operating and capital budgets for Board approval.
Monitor financial performance and submit timely management and Board reports, including variance analysis and corrective actions.
Ensure adherence to approved accounting standards, procurement regulations, audit requirements, and financial controls.

Corporate Strategy and Policy Oversight

Translate the Company’s mandate into actionable strategies that enhance trade facilitation, logistics efficiency, and regional competitiveness.
Oversee the development, implementation, and periodic review of policies, procedures, and operational frameworks.
Guide infrastructure development, port expansion, and optimisation of maritime and logistics services.

Governance, Risk, and Compliance

Strengthen governance systems that promote accountability, transparency, and ethical conduct.
Oversee enterprise risk management frameworks covering operational, financial, environmental, and security risks.
Coordinate internal and external audits and ensure timely implementation of recommendations.
Ensure business continuity planning, disaster preparedness, and adequate insurance coverage.

Board and Stakeholder Relations

Maintain an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors through timely submission of reports, proposals, and strategic briefs.
Support the Board Chairperson in ensuring effective governance and execution of Board resolutions.
Build and maintain strong partnerships with IDC, Government Ministries, regional port authorities, shipping operators, customs agencies, regulators, and local communities.
Represent the Port in national, regional, and international maritime and logistics forums.

Commercial Development and Port Operations

Lead business development initiatives to grow cargo volumes, diversify revenue streams, and enhance customer satisfaction.
Oversee port operations, shipping agency services, logistics coordination, and fleet or vessel-related activities.
Promote regional trade corridors and strengthen Mpulungu Port’s positioning as a strategic inland port.

Human Capital and Operational Excellence

Ensure effective human capital management, performance management, and skills development aligned to operational needs.
Promote labour law compliance, sound industrial relations, and staff productivity.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and service delivery excellence.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience

Required

Grade 12 Certificate.
Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Transport and Logistics, Business Administration, Engineering, Economics, or a relevant field.
Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), Transport Economics, Logistics, or Maritime Management will be an added advantage.
Membership to a relevant professional body.
Minimum of ten (10) years’ senior management experience in ports, transport, logistics, maritime services, infrastructure management, or a related sector.

Skill Specifications

Strategic planning and execution.
Financial management and commercial analysis.
Stakeholder engagement and public-sector governance.
Risk management and regulatory compliance.
Port, maritime, logistics, or transport operations management.
Infrastructure and asset management.

How to Apply

All applications must be submitted online via the link provided below:

https://forms.office.com/r/d5W6Lf1PMn

OR scan QR Code below

Deadline: 15th February 2026

Physical applications will not be accepted.

Only candidates meeting the stated qualifications should apply.

Any form of lobbying will result in disqualification.

Mpulungu Harbour Corporation Limited is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.