Operations Coordinator

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.; Genova; On-site; EUR 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. in Genova, Italy seeks an Operations Coordinator to ensure efficient, safe vessel and port operations across assigned Italian ports.

The role liaises with terminals, port authorities and service providers to maintain schedule reliability and performance. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in container shipping or port ops, strong analytical and coordination skills, and fluent Italian with English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime Studies or related fields.
• 3-5 years of experience in container shipping, vessel operations, port operations or logistics.
• Sound knowledge of liner shipping and container terminal operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international environment with flexible hours.
• Fluent in Italian with working knowledge of English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate vessel calls and port activities in assigned locations.
• Monitor vessel schedules, turnaround times and operational performance.
• Identify disruptions, delays and risks, escalating for timely resolution.
• Support service recovery initiatives to minimize impact.
• Liaise with terminals, port authorities, agents and service providers.
• Monitor loading and discharge operations, productivity and constraints.
• Ensure operational requirements are communicated to all stakeholders.
• Review operational expenses, vendor invoices and port call costs.
• Provide regular operational updates to management.
• Collaborate with Customer Service, Trade, Logistics, Finance and regional Operations teams.
• Support compliance, safety and quality standards.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Coordination

Multitasking

MS Office

Italian fluency

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime Studies or related fields

Tools

Microsoft Office

Operations management systems

Job description

Meet the company behind the Z Factor! At ZIM, we believe shipping can be exciting. In a fast-moving industry, we’ve made our mark with a fresh and unique approach; we’re all about our people, and our people are all about the Z Factor.

So, what is our Z Factor? It’s the spirit of Innovation and Togetherness, it’s the Can-Do Approach, the Agility in thought and action, it’s the personal touch with both employees and customers.

Driving Global Trade Forward: Operating globally in over 90 countries, and serving over 32,000 customers in 300 ports worldwide, our differentiated global-niche strategy covers major trade routes with a focus on select markets.

Our mission? To deliver an outstanding customer experience. We’ve blended cutting-edge, data-driven strategies with creative, tailored solutions to keep up with our customers’ evolving needs.

Are you ready to unleash your Z Factor?

Who we are looking for:

The Operations Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe and cost-effective execution of vessel and port operations across assigned Italian ports. The role acts as a key liaison between terminals, port service providers, vessel operators, network partners and internal stakeholders to maintain schedule reliability, operational performance and compliance with company standards.

Main Job Responsibilities:

Vessel & Port Operations

• Coordinate vessel calls and related port activities in assigned locations.
• Monitor vessel schedules, turnaround times and operational performance.
• Identify operational disruptions, delays and risks, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
• Support service recovery initiatives to minimize commercial and operational impact.

Terminal & Service Provider Coordination

• Liaise with terminals, port authorities, agents and service providers to ensure smooth execution of port calls.
• Monitor loading and discharge operations, productivity levels and operational constraints.
• Ensure operational requirements are communicated effectively to all stakeholders.

Cost Control & Operational Efficiency

• Review and validate operational expenses, vendor invoices and port call costs.
• Support budget control activities and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and service quality.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Maintain accurate operational data and records.
• Prepare and analyze operational KPIs and performance reports.
• Provide regular operational updates to local and regional management.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Customer Service, Trade, Logistics, Finance and regional Operations teams.
• Maintain effective relationships with terminals, service providers and external business partners.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve operational performance and customer experience.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations and local requirements.
• Support safety, security and environmental standards related to vessel and port operations.
• Promote operational excellence and adherence to established procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime Studies or related fields.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in container shipping, vessel operations, port operations or logistics.
• Sound knowledge of liner shipping and container terminal operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international environment, together with the flexibility in working hours required by the management of vessel operations.
• Fluent in Italian working knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems.

Key Competencies:

• Operational Excellence
• Planning & Coordination
• Problem Solving
• Cost Awareness
• Stakeholder Management
• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Results Orientation

• Job Location: Genova, Italia
• Contract Type: Full time, Permanent/Temporary based on candidate’s experience.
• Salary Range: 33.000 E – 40.000 E
• Hybrid working arrangement up to 20% of the time

We believe in equal opportunities: At ZIM, we prioritize diversity of our qualified employees. We celebrate differences and embed them into every aspect of our workplace, services, and our community. ZIM is proud and committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, citizenship, nationality, disability, veteran status, or any other aspects protected by law. In addition, ZIM provides accommodation to individuals with disabilities or special needs.

The Operations teams manage supply-chain matters, including terminal services, vessel operations, procurement, and ship management.

Our teams optimize costs and maximize vessel and employee safety while complying with international sustainability conventions. Using digital tools, our operations teams monitor all vessel activities in real-time.