Shipping Operations Manager

Mohan Mutha Infrastructure; Chennai District; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 5,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Mohan Mutha Infrastructure in Chennai seeks an experienced Shipping Operations Executive to manage end-to-end vessel operations, shipping agencies, port clearances, cargo loading/discharging, and documentation across India (Tuticorin) and the Maldives.

The role emphasizes coordinating cross-functional teams, ensuring timely vessel turnaround, minimizing idling and demurrage, handling disbursements, and drafting charter party agreements.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in dry bulk/general cargo shipping operations.
• Familiarity with Tuticorin Port (VOCPA) procedures and Maldives formalities.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-team coordination abilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee vessel operations and turnaround management with timely berthing and inspections.
• Coordinate documentation including Bills of Lading, manifests, and clearances for Tuticorin and Maldives ports.
• Support voyage planning and charter party processes for own-fleet and third-party shipments.
• Manage port dues and disbursement handling with internal teams and vendors.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Cross-team coordination

Shipping operations

Vendor management

Job description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a proactive Shipping Operations Executive to manage end-to-end vessel operations, Shipping Agencies, port clearances, cargo loading/discharging, and documentation across India (Tuticorin) and the Maldives. The ideal candidate will ensure smooth vessel turnaround times, minimize idling/demurrage, maintain seamless coordination between cross-functional teams, and handle operational disbursements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Vessel Operations & Turnaround Management

• ETA & Port Operations: Daily monitoring of vessel ETAs, coordinating berth availability at Tuticorin, and following up on inward/outward clearance formalities in Male within target timelines to avoid anchorage delays.
• Loading & Discharge Operations: Oversee loading/discharging progress with stevedores and Chief Officers on shift/4-hour intervals. Coordinate channel and jetty inspections prior to berthing at discharge islands.
• Issue Escalation: Promptly elevate cargo delays, operational stoppages, or barge damages to site in-charges and consignees to ensure quick resolution.

2. Documentation & Authority Clearances

• Departure & Arrival Formalities: Ensure timely submission of draft/final Bills of Lading, cargo/freight manifests, shipping bills, and departure checklists to Tuticorin and Maldives port teams.
• Maldives Permits & Customs: Follow up on R-Form completions, Inter-Atoll Travel Permits (IATP), and Customs officer assignments.

3. Voyage Planning & Chartering Support

• Commercial Coordination: Follow up with Sales for next-voyage details and align Purchase teams to expedite cargo movements when delays occur.
• Charter Party Agreements: Draft and process Charter Party agreements for own-fleet and third-party shipments, including extensions.

4. Financial & Disbursement Handling

• Port Dues & Invoices: Review and process VOCPA proforma invoices, port dues for extended stays, vendor bills (mooring, draft/bunker surveys, equipment), and Final Disbursement Accounts (DAs) for accounts processing.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 15 + years of experience in dry bulk/general cargo shipping operations, vessel agency coordination, or port operations.
• Domain Knowledge: Familiarity with Tuticorin Port (VOCPA) procedures, Maldives import/atoll travel formalities, draft surveys, and shipping documentation (B/Ls, Manifests, Customs clearances).
• Skills: Strong communication, proactive problem-solving, and cross-team coordination abilities (Sales, Purchase, Accounts, Stevedores, and Vessel Officers).

Business Development and Sales

• Identify and engage potential clients to drive the expansion and diversification of the vessel agency and freight forwarding business.
• Continuously monitor market trends, competitor activities and customer requirements to drive strategic growth and stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with shipping lines, agents, transporters, and clients.