Global Manager – Automation RTG

Job Purpose 

As ports and terminals accelerate automation to enhance sustainability, safety, and yard efficiency, the Global Manager Automation – RTG plays a pivotal role in advancing the global automation strategy for Rubber-Tired Gantry crane systems across all automation levels — from semi-automated to fully automated and driverless RTG operations. This role supports the Automation Lead Team in executing RTG automation projects and Proof of Concepts (PoCs), ensuring alignment with global standards while tailoring solutions to diverse terminal environments. The majority of DP World’s operations rely on RTGs, which require close attention due to ongoing technological developments. Focusing on this area can significantly improve efficiency across all relevant operational aspects.

The position is responsible for coordinating with cross-functional stakeholders to drive knowledge sharing, facilitate data collection, and ensure lessons learned are effectively applied across Business Units (BUs) and Regional Offices (ROs). It also contributes to identifying, evaluating, and tracking potential automation solutions and improvements sourced from internal R&D, innovation initiatives, vendors, and regional programs.

A core responsibility includes gathering and analyzing RTG performance data using specialized tools, maintaining accurate technical and operational records, and providing structured input to Automation, R&D, and Energy domains. The role also supports the development of robust technical specifications that enable scalable and standardized global rollouts across all RTG automation levels. Identify smart automation features to improve overall all areas of concern.

Additionally, the Global Manager Automation – RTG leads the exploration and application of new automation technologies, addresses integration and quality challenges, and prepares detailed reports and recommendations. Close collaboration with Engineering, Operations, ROs, and BUs ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation, safety compliance, energy efficiency, and operational excellence in yard automation. Regular engagement with BUs and ROs is required to monitor performance, follow up on actions, and document both short-term wins and long-term transformation outcomes.

Key Accountabilities

• General Responsibilities

- Asses worldwide DP World RTG Assets and provide full analysis on what areas to be identified as Quick wins with less effort with big impact.

- Support and guide process modelling for RTG crane systems across all automation levels (semi-automated, fully automated, and driverless) using dedicated automation platforms and tools.

- Demonstrate deep expertise in industrial automation technologies, including HMI, PLC, CMS, and crane control systems, with the ability to recommend and implement modifications to enhance RTG performance, reliability, and efficiency.

- Assist in the development, documentation, and maintenance of reports, records, and correspondence related to DP World’s automation, decarbonization, and R&D initiatives.

- Analyse operational and performance data from RTG equipment databases to identify trends, bottlenecks, and improvement opportunities.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, IT, Energy, Technology, Operations, and terminal engineering, to collect and analyse data, system requirements, and process models, providing actionable recommendations.

- Propose enhancements to safety protocols, operational parameters, and fleet management for automated RTG equipment to ensure optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

- Advise on process improvement opportunities, incorporating OEM recommendations and industry best practices.

- Maintain a comprehensive backup library of system configurations, operational records, and software versions for RTG automation systems.

- Contribute to the development, implementation, and monitoring of automation projects, including retrofitting RTGs to improve yard productivity, reliability, and energy efficiency.

- Support the achievement of short- and long-term sustainability goals by quantifying automation benefits and optimizing energy consumption.

- Assist in designing automation solutions, products, and platform services based on terminal operational requirements and industry standards.

- Engage with external stakeholders, including suppliers, consultants, and terminal teams, to gather inputs for new service development in collaboration with R&D, Energy Management, Operations, and Engineering.

- Drive performance and engagement across multiple RTG automation projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and global standards.

- Assist in planning, executing, and optimizing intelligent automation processes for yard operations.

- Monitor advances in automation and AI technologies in other industries and support Proof-of-Concept implementations for RTG applications, presenting results in clear, actionable formats.

- Promote knowledge sharing within the department and across regions, identifying areas to accelerate implementation and maximize benefits.

- Collaborate with team members across the department and other functions to guide, support, and standardize RTG automation practices globally.

• Other Responsibilities

- Act as a brand ambassador for DP World, consistently demonstrating behaviours aligned with company principles, values, and safety culture.

- Ensure adherence to DP World’s Code of Conduct and Ethics policies in all activities.

- Perform additional duties as assigned to support the broader automation and innovation strategy.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronics, robotics, automation or mechatronics engineering or similar field.

• Proficiency in maintaining automation equipment.

• Experience with robotics, AI and machine learning.

• Experience with project management.

• >8 years of terminal automation industry experience mainly with 5+ years of experience in various PLC programming and/or developing and delivering end to end system/products modifications, efficiency reports for ports and container terminals.

• Expertise in modern automation technology instrumentation and controls; operation data acquisition and safety systems; automation integration and automation control/execution systems.

• Knowhow in providing operationally critical technology services on the industrial automation solution side.

• Experience in structure solutions which can be horizontally scalable, distributed, resilient, fault tolerant and monitored.

• Understanding automation industry trends and relevant innovations in solution delivery methods.

• Knowhow with Information Security management - Maintain the data confidentiality & integrity and relevant compliance of information systems.

• Understand product lifecycle implementation of Automation architecture solutions and associated industry (IT/OT) industrial automation standards.

• Professional Experience Enhancements:

• Specific focus on RTG operations and fleet automation, generic automation would be added advantage.

• Included end-to-end project delivery and retrofitting experience.

• Added collecting, analyzing, and reporting operational and performance data for decision-making.

• Stressed identifying rapid deployment areas for intelligent automation.

• Included understanding of industry trends and emerging technologies.

• Added awareness of terminal operations, fleet management, and container handling processes.

• Linked decarbonization, energy efficiency, and sustainability goals to automation role.

• Added knowledge of compliance, information security, and data integrity requirements in industrial automation.

• Mentioned operational KPIs, benchmarking, and reporting frameworks for automation performance.

• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development.

• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and perform complex system tests.

• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Creative thinking skills.

• Strong analytical skills.

• Ability to communicate well with other members of the development team.

• Ability to keep up with the latest technologies.

• A desire to continually upgrade technical knowledge.

• Capable to identify the areas where Intelligent Automation could be implemented rapidly.

• Good communication and cross-functional cooperation capabilities – a team player with positive Can-Do, result-oriented attitude.