Senior Agency Operator (Port Agent)

Inchcape Shipping Services; Dartford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary including out-of-hr

Car allowance

Travel across UK ports

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Inchcape Shipping Services in the UK is seeking a Vessel Coordinator to support 24/7 operations across ThamesPort and surrounding ports. You will manage port calls, liaise with authorities and crews, and prepare PDAs and reports.

This permanent role requires flexibility for out-of-hours work and regular regional travel. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to ensure compliant, smooth vessel turnarounds.

Qualifications

• Experience in port or maritime operations is preferred.
• Able to work a 24/7 on-call rota.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate vessel port calls, acting as the primary point of contact from nomination to completion.
• Liaise with port authorities, terminals, government agencies, suppliers and vessel crews to ensure smooth vessel operations.
• Coordinate all pre-arrival, arrival and departure activities, including documentation, customs formalities, port services, berth arrangements and husbandry requirements.
• Prepare port disbursement accounts (PDAs), request pre-funding where required and maintain accurate operational and financial records.
• Provide timely updates and real-time operational reports to Principals and stakeholders throughout the port call.
• Arrange vessel services including pilotage, towage, crew changes, surveys, inspections, bunkers, provisions, spares and waste disposal.
• Board vessels as required to complete formalities, meet Masters, exchange documentation and gather operational information.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, customer requirements, KPIs and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Vessel coordination

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

MS Office

Port operations

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Who We Are:
At Inchcape Shipping Services, our vision is to create a connected world where customers can trade successfully and make informed decisions in every port, everywhere. We achieve this by combining our worldwide infrastructure with local expertise, through our global network of more than 250 proprietary offices and a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals. Our diverse customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container, and bulk commodity sectors, as well as naval, government, and intergovernmental organisations.

Role Summary:
The role holder will be a key member of a team responsible for providing a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on-call service to our Principals to ensure the safe and smooth turnaround of all appointed vessels within the jurisdiction of the port office which includes the Thames, the Medway, Sheerness, Dover, Felixstowe and the East Anglia region.

In addition to a standard working week, you will be required to undertake work out of usual office hours on a rota basis. There will be regular travel expected to all ports in the region.

Contract: Permanent

Location: UK Thames - Dartford or Sheerness

Salary: Competitive plus inconvenience payment and car allowance

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate vessel port calls, acting as the primary point of contact from nomination to completion.
• Liaise with port authorities, terminals, government agencies, suppliers and vessel crews to ensure smooth vessel operations.
• Coordinate all pre-arrival, arrival and departure activities, including documentation, customs formalities, port services, berth arrangements and husbandry requirements.
• Prepare port disbursement accounts (PDAs), request pre-funding where required and maintain accurate operational and financial records.
• Provide timely updates and real-time operational reports to Principals and stakeholders throughout the port call.
• Arrange vessel services including pilotage, towage, crew changes, surveys, inspections, bunkers, provisions, spares and waste disposal.
• Board vessels as required to complete formalities, meet Masters, exchange documentation and gather operational information.
• Ensure compliance with company procedures, customer requirements, KPIs and regulatory obligations.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including interaction with vessel Masters and international crews.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel and Word).
• Self-motivated, adaptable and customer focused, with a hands‑on approach and a desire to develop a career in the maritime industry.

You will receive

• Competitive salary including monthly inconvenience payment for out of hours work
• Company car allowance
• Work with talented, committed, and supportive team mates.
• Value Award celebration events.
• A place to grow your career
• Career development and progression opportunities, including travel to other Inchcape port locations across the UK
• Financial support to complete IC Shipping qualifications

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse and high‑performing workforce, that works together to provide our customers with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training and expertise. We realise the value of our staff and know that your unique experiences, skills and passions will help you to build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry.

Our values

Global Perspective - we connect the world and see the bigger picture.

The Power of People - we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships.

Progress - we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry.

#WeAreInchcape

Additional Information

To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.