Job Description: Head of Operations – Port Agency
Position Title: Head of Operations – Commercial Port Agency
Department: Commercial Port Operations
Reports To: Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer
Location : Singapore
Position Summary
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead and oversee all port agency operations to ensure timely and efficient vessel turnaround.
- Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives.
- Standardize operating procedures and promote best practices across all ports.
- Ensure uninterrupted 24/7 operational support for vessel calls.
Customer Service & Client Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with ship owners, operators, charterers, and clients.
- Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through responsive and professional service delivery.
- Monitor operational KPI performance.
- Resolve operational issues and customer escalations promptly.
Port Agency Operations
- Supervise Operations team ensuring boarding, crew changes, cargo operations, bunkering, repairs, surveys, and husbandry services are carried out promptly.
- Coordinate with port authorities, customs, immigration, terminals, pilots, towage providers, andother service providers on critical issues.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of vessel documentation and operational reports.
- Monitor vessel schedules and proactively manage operational disruptions.
Compliance & Risk Management (Vendors and Local Authorities)
- Ensure compliance with local maritime regulations, customs requirements, immigration laws, environmental standards, and company policies.
- Promote a strong culture of safety and operational excellence.
- Identify operational risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Ensure adherence to quality management systems and audit requirements.
- Ensure adherence to Code of Conduct.
Financial & Cost Control
- Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
- Review port disbursement accounts (PDAs) and ensure accuracy before submission.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial performance monitoring.
- Ensure accurate vendor management and timely approval of operational expenditures.
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team.
- Establish clear performance objectives and conduct regular performance reviews.
- Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and accountable working environment.
- Identify training and development needs for operational personnel.
Continuous Improvement (Operational and Technology advancement)
- Drive digitalization and process improvement initiatives.
- Monitor operational KPIs and prepare performance reports for senior management.
- Recommend improvements to enhance service quality, operational efficiency, and profitability.
- Lead change management initiatives within the operations function.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Vessel turnaround performance
- Customer satisfaction and retention
- Operational compliance
- On-time document submission
- Cost control and budget adherence
- Safety performance
- Team productivity and engagement
- Operational incident reduction
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
Experience
- Minimum 3 –10 years of experience in shipping, port agency, or maritime operations.
- At least 5 years in a senior operational leadership role.
- Extensive knowledge of port agency operations, vessel husbandry, cargo operations, and maritime regulations.
- Experience managing multi-port or regional operations is preferred
Skills & Competencies
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent operational planning and organizational abilities.
- Strong commercial awareness and customer relationship management.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Sound knowledge of maritime regulations and port procedures.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and port agency/shipping management systems.
Working Conditions
- Office-based with regular visits to ports and terminals.
- Availability for after-hours support and emergency operational situations.
- Occasional domestic and international travel may be required.
Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted
About Intermarine UK
We specialise in connecting skilled professionals with projects that are integral to shaping the future. For over two decades, we have been dedicated to supporting strategically vital industries that face increasing skills shortages, assisting individuals in building fulfilling careers across marine, defence, nuclear, offshore energy, and heavy industry. What started as a specialist workforce provider for the defence and marine sectors has evolved into a group of businesses that support the entire lifecycle of complex programmes, all the while remaining committed to creating opportunities for individuals and delivering value to our clients.
We believe that successful careers are founded on strong relationships, open communication, and meaningful work. This is why we adopt a people-first approach to recruitment, taking the time to understand your skills, aspirations, and objectives. By operating with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to quality, we connect talented individuals with opportunities that allow them to make a genuine impact while fostering long-term careers in some of the world's most significant industries.
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