Head of Port Operations

Kintec Recruitment Limited; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine operations firm seeks a Head of Port Operations to lead and manage all port operations, ensuring safe and efficient vessel movements. This role involves overseeing marine logistics, enforcing safety standards, and guiding marine teams. Candidates should possess a Bachelor's in a related field and a valid Pilot License, along with extensive marine experience. The position is based in Qatar with responsibilities encompassing compliance, operational planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, or a related field.
• Engineering qualifications preferred.
• Valid Pilot License with proven marine pilot experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day port operations and marine logistics.
• Ensure all marine movements follow best practices and regulations.
• Lead initiatives for digitalisation, automation, and optimisation of workflows.

Skills

Leadership in port operations

Marine traffic control

Safety compliance

Operational planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marine Science, Marine Engineering, or Nautical Science

Engineering qualifications

Tools

Pilot License

STCW and Class-approved certifications

Job description

Job Title: Head of Port Operations (HOS – Port Operations)
Location: Qatar

Role Purpose
Lead and manage all port operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant movement of vessels and marine activities. This role oversees piloting standards, port operational procedures, marine traffic control, operational planning, safety compliance, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders. The position ensures optimal port performance aligned with organisational goals and regulatory expectations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day port operations, vessel traffic management, berthing plans, and marine logistics.
• Ensure all marine movements follow best practices, port guidelines, and international maritime regulations.
• Supervise and guide marine teams, including pilots, marine officers, and port operations staff.
• Establish, review, and enforce piloting standards, navigation procedures, and marine safety protocols.
• Provide expert oversight of pilotage functions and ensure compliance with licensing and competency requirements.
• Support and mentor marine pilots to drive continuous improvement in operational safety and efficiency.
• Implement and monitor port safety systems, including incident reporting, risk assessments, and emergency response planning.
• Ensure compliance with IMO, ISPS, local port authority regulations, and environmental guidelines.
• Conduct regular audits of port operations, marine assets, and navigational systems.
• Develop operational strategies to enhance marine traffic flow, vessel turnaround times, and port performance.
• Oversee maintenance planning for marine equipment and navigational systems.
• Lead initiatives for digitalisation, automation, and optimisation of port operational workflows.
• Liaise with harbour authorities, shipping lines, terminal operators, contractors, and internal departments.
• Coordinate with HSE, Engineering, and Logistics teams to maintain smooth and integrated operations.
• Represent the port in audits, client meetings, and regulatory inspections.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science, Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, or a related field.
• Engineering qualifications preferred.

Certifications (Preferred/Required)

• Valid Pilot License with proven marine pilot experience.
• STCW and Class-approved marine competency certifications.
• Other relevant marine or port-operations certifications are an advantage.

Minimum Experience

• Extensive marine experience with direct pilotage background.
• Leadership experience in port operations, harbour management, or marine traffic control.
• Strong exposure to international port standards, marine safety systems, and vessel operations.