Lead Today. Shape Tomorrow.
Scandinavian Auto Logistics (SAL) was established in 1999 and is a leading automotive port compound and multiterminal in Denmark. SAL is a gateway to worldwide markets connecting Port Esbjerg via Sea, Rail, Road. Servicing some of the largest Roll-on/Roll-off carriers in the world, multiple shipping lines are calling at our terminal every week.
From colossal deep-sea vessels to fast short-sea vessels, at SAL it is “all hands-on deck” to ensure efficient port operations and bring the vessel back on route. Around 100 vessels arrive at our terminal yearly to discharge and load cargo via SAL terminals. With offices in Esbjerg and Copenhagen, SAL have 40 dedicated employees across the 2 company divisions, Automotive & Multiterminal and Shipping. Our teams deliver integrated logistics services from port agency, stevedoring, cargo booking & handling, customs, storage, distribution, VPC/PPO & much more.
SAL operates multiple terminals in Esbjerg, open all hours of the day servicing a diverse mix of clients and cargo types. The Automotive port compound 150,000 sqm adjacent to quay area, and Cars & Vans arriving by Train, have a yearly through put +80.000 units. Our VPC/PPO center specialize in customization of new Car & Vans offering tailormade solutions to automotive clients. The Multipurpose terminal is equipped with machinery for handling Project cargo, RORO, Containers and Trailers. There is a constant flow of Containers and RORO units. Every year thousands of Cubic meter high-value industry machines and components for windmills are handled via SAL Multiterminal.
Recently SAL celebrated its 25 years anniversary marking its status as a company that generates work and economic opportunities for the local community in Esbjerg. The company is ISO certified and continually strives to raise the standards in quality management and ensure a safe work environment for our staff. We run on 100% renewable energy from windmills, and our company have adopted the UN-SDG goals 9, 7 and 12 into our strategy.
As our business continues to grow, we are looking for an experienced General Manager for our office in Esbjerg to take lead on operations excellence, stakeholder management, and business projects and help shape the future of our company.
Why Join Us?
At Scandinavian Auto Logistics, you will not simply manage a business. You will play a key role in a company with a strong foundation, international ownership, and ambitious plans for the future. We offer:
- A key leadership position in a financially strong and growing company
- Significant influence on the future development of the business
- An international environment with strong industry ownership
- A key role in one of Europe’s leading automotive port operations
The Role
As General Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the operational, commercial, and financial performance of our activities in Esbjerg. You will lead a dedicated team of 7 white collar & 9 blue collar in the Automotive and Multiterminal division. You will drive operational excellence, and ensure that safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and profitability is delivered in all aspects of the company from Agency, stevedoring and cargo handling to management of activities on all terminals and workspaces.
As a member of the leadership team, you will also act as an ambassador for the company towards customers, shipping lines, authorities, employee representatives, and other important stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a motivated, high-performing organization
- Drive operational excellence across stevedoring, terminal and port activities
- Ensure high standards in safety, quality, compliance, and environmental performance
- Optimize terminal workflow and capacity against fluctuating pipeline forecast
- Represent the company towards customers, authorities, and industry partners
- Contribute actively to the continued growth, identifying new business opportunities and mitigate commercial risk
- Participate in negotiation of contracts and business reviews
- Identify, research, present and evaluate business development and ad-hoc projects
Your Profile
We imagine that you bring around 8-10 years minimum experience from the maritime sector, ideally gained in or around Port Esbjerg, where you have built a strong understanding of port operations, stakeholder dynamics, and the day-to-day realities of a busy port environment.
You are a well-regarded and credible figure in the port industry, with the confidence and ability to engage constructively with unions, employee representatives, port authorities, pilots, port tugs, suppliers, customers, and other key stakeholders. You are comfortable leading high-level discussions, creating alignment, and forming strong strategic alliances.
You lead by example and combine operational drive with a pragmatic, LEAN mindset. You look for smarter ways of working, challenge complexity, and translate ideas into practical improvements that strengthen safety, quality, efficiency, and performance.
As a self-driven and proactive leader, you thrive in an environment where you can take ownership, build trust across all levels, and bring people together around clear priorities. We believe great leadership starts with people.
Professional Experience
A background in the maritime or logistics sector, together with solid knowledge of Port Esbjerg, is considered essential for success in this role.
- Port, terminal, shipping, logistics, transport, or supply chain operations
- Experience leading operational organisations with multiple employee groups and a strong focus on people, safety and performance
- Experience working in international business environments with customers, partners and cross-border stakeholders
- Safety and quality management (ISO) with a strong LEAN mindset and focus on continuous improvement
- Cooperation with unions and employees covered by collective bargaining agreements
- Stakeholder management, risk mitigation and conflict resolution
Leadership & Personal Qualities
You understand that successful leadership is not only about delivering results. It is about creating an environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to succeed.
- An inspiring leader who creates trust at all levels, motivates and develops people
- Proactive and commercially minded , motivated by sustainable growth
- Decisive and able to remain calm under pressure
- An excellent communicator in both Danish and English
- Comfortable presenting to audiences ranging from operational teams to executive stakeholders
Diversity & Inclusion
At Scandinavian Auto Logistics, we believe diverse teams create stronger businesses. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or background. As the transport and logistics industry has traditionally been male dominated, we particularly encourage qualified women to apply.
Language requirement: Fluent Danish and English, both written and spoken.
Location: Esbjerg, Denmark.
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