VIE Strategy & Operations Coordinator (R&D) - Chennai

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

About the Hub

Inaugurated on October 15, 2025, the R&D Hub India is the CMA CGM Group’s first offshore R&D center, dedicated to digital twins of ships & terminals, automation & robotics. Based in Chennai, the Hub aims to accelerate technological developments for shipping & logistics activities, in close collaboration with the Group’s global R&D teams based in Marseille, France.

The Hub is now entering its operating phase, deploying the ramp-up of projects and resources, while implementing the key processes, local strategic partnerships, that will define its long-term impact.

YOUR ROLE

The Strategy & Operations Coordinator (VIE) will support the Head of the R&D Hub India in structuring the Hub’s operations, strengthening strategic partnerships, and improving overall performance monitoring and governance.

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ?

1. Operational Coordination (PMO & Processes)

• Support the setup and optimization of operational processes across the Hub
• Maintain KPIs and dashboards covering budgets follow up, resources, planning, delivery milestones, and vendor performance
• Coordinate the monthly Steering Committee: agenda preparation, consolidation of contributions, minutes, follow up actions, and alignment with global R&D governance & vendor’s PMO
• Coordinate weekly and monthly routines, ensuring clear reporting and alignment
• Ensure compliance with CMA CGM procedures & Head Office support teams (finance, legal, R&D admin, procurement)

2. Strategic Support & Executive Communication

• Prepare strategic notes, analyses, and reports for top management
• Contribute to presentations for internal and external communication
• Support strategic planning activities, including annual budgeting, roadmap consolidation, and cross stream alignment

3. Partnerships & Ecosystem Development

• Assist in the identification, preparation, and follow up of partnerships with Indian universities, research institutes, startups, and industrial players
• Prepare MoUs, SoWs, visit agendas, meeting notes, and briefs
• Coordinate visits, workshops, and follow ups with partners (e.g., IIT Madras, AMET, IMU, ATAI, Addverb).

4. Technology Intelligence

• Support global technology watch activities across AI, digital twins, robotics, maritime innovation, and emerging tech trends
• Produce structured insights and benchmark summaries to support decision making

5. Financial & Resource Monitoring

• Assist in tracking the Hub’s operational budget, vendor costs, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Support resource ramp-up planning across internal teams and external partners
• Consolidate monthly financial summaries and contribute to internal reviews

6. Happiness & Culture Development

• Develop and promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture within the R&D Hub
• Act as a point of contact for day to day team engagement topics, helping to create a motivating and safe work environment
• Proactively identify ways to improve work atmosphere, employee satisfaction, and internal cohesion

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR ?

• Solid academic background with a dual‑skill profile (e.g., engineering + management, business + tech fundamentals)
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent writing and communication abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to foster a positive team culture
• Interest in innovation, AI, robotics, maritime technologies (no deep technical expertise required)
• Proficiency in PowerPoint, Excel, Gen AI and modern collaboration tools
• Fluent English required

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !