Head of Operations - Maritime Logistic

WireHire; Indonesia; On-site; IDR 1.312.982.000 - 1.641.228.000; Full time

Job summary

A maritime logistics company is seeking a Head of Operations to lead daily tug and barge operations in Indonesia. The ideal candidate will have extensive maritime logistics experience, operational leadership skills, and a background in vessel utilization and crew coordination. Responsibilities include overseeing operational workflows, managing a team, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing processes for efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operational role within maritime logistics, with oversight of tug and barge operations.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Master Mariner or Chief Engineer license is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day tug and barge operations.
• Supervise voyage planning, scheduling, dispatch, and routing.
• Manage and mentor operational staff including dispatchers and marine superintendents.
• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations.

Skills

Maritime logistics experience

Operational leadership

Vessel utilization

Crew coordination

Process optimization

Education

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

Job description

Overview

Our client is seeking a highly capable and hands-on Head of Operations to lead, manage, and streamline all facets of daily tug and barge operations. This strategic role demands a professional with extensive maritime logistics experience, operational leadership skills, and a deep understanding of vessel utilization, turnaround efficiency, and crew coordination.

The Head of Operations will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of inter-island shipping and transshipment services, aligning field operations with commercial goals while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Oversight
• Lead and coordinate all day-to-day tug and barge operations, ensuring optimal fleet utilization, on-time cargo delivery, and operational efficiency.
• Supervise voyage planning, scheduling, dispatch, and routing to meet service-level commitments and client expectations.
• Collaborate with fleet management, HSE, and technical teams to ensure seamless execution of shipping activities.

• Process Optimization & Efficiency
• Analyze operational workflows and implement process improvements to reduce downtime, fuel consumption, and logistics costs.
• Monitor KPIs such as fleet turnaround times, vessel availability, and voyage profitability.
• Leverage data and digital tools to improve visibility and decision-making across operations.

• Team Leadership & Performance Management
• Manage and mentor operational staff including dispatchers, port coordinators, marine superintendents, and vessel crews.
• Establish clear performance targets and ensure accountability across the operations team.
• Foster a culture of operational excellence, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Stakeholder Coordination
• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external operational matters, including coordination with clients, port authorities, agents, and service providers.
• Ensure alignment between operations and commercial teams to meet contractual commitments and resolve service issues.

• Compliance & Safety Assurance
• Ensure that all operational activities comply with local and international maritime regulations, company safety standards, and environmental guidelines.
• Support the HSE and compliance teams in audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Promote a strong safety culture onboard vessels and at shore facilities.

• Resource & Cost Management
• Oversee operational budgeting, cost tracking, and resource planning.
• Identify and control cost drivers without compromising service delivery or safety.
• Coordinate with the procurement and technical departments for the timely availability of spare parts, consumables, and service needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven experience in a senior operational role within the maritime logistics, shipping, or offshore support sectors, with direct oversight of tug and barge operations.
• Deep understanding of vessel operations, voyage planning, dispatch management, and marine logistics in Indonesia.
• Strong knowledge of port and terminal operations, chartering concepts, and shipping documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities, team-building skills, and a results-driven mindset.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and communication abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering, Nautical Science, Logistics, or a related field. Holding a Master Mariner or Chief Engineer license is a strong advantage.