Operations Manager (Ship Agency)

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the company’s ship-agency operations and ensure the safe, efficient and timely handling of vessel calls. The successful candidate will lead the operations team, coordinate with vessel owners, managers, charterers, masters, port authorities and service providers, and maintain high standards of service delivery. This position requires strong operational knowledge, leadership ability and the capacity to manage multiple vessel calls in a fast-paced environment. Key Responsibilities • Oversee day-to-day ship-agency operations and the coordination of vessel calls. • Lead, guide and allocate assignments to the operations team. • Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, cargo operations, shifting and departures. • Liaise with vessel owners, managers, charterers, masters, terminals, port authorities and other relevant parties. • Ensure all port-clearance, immigration, customs and regulatory documentation is completed accurately and on time. • Review and monitor Proforma Disbursement Accounts and Final Disbursement Accounts. • Manage operational expenses and ensure costs are properly controlled, documented and invoiced. • Arrange services such as pilotage, towage, bunkering, crew changes, supplies, repairs and medical attendance. • Provide principals with timely updates throughout each port call. • Resolve operational issues and respond promptly to urgent or after-hours requirements. • Ensure compliance with port regulations, company procedures and applicable HSE requirements. • Maintain strong relationships with principals, authorities, terminals and service providers. • Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve service quality and efficiency. • Handle service complaints, investigate operational shortcomings and implement corrective actions. • Support management with budgeting, performance reporting and operational planning. • Participate in emergency-response and incident-management activities when required. Qualifications and Experience • Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or a related discipline. • 5 to 8 years of ship-agency or port-operations experience, including supervisory or team-lead responsibilities. • Strong knowledge of vessel-clearance procedures, port regulations and ship-agency documentation. • Experience managing a variety of vessel calls, including tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels or offshore vessels, would be advantageous. • Good understanding of disbursement accounts, vendor management and operational cost control. • Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities. • Able to manage multiple vessel calls and operational priorities simultaneously. • Service-oriented with strong client and stakeholder-management skills. • Willing and able to respond to operational matters outside regular working hours. • Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant ship-agency or port-management systems. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.