Operations Manager/Senior Operations Manager

Inchcape Shipping Services; Shah Alam; On-site; MYR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement savings plan

Life assurance

Holiday

Competitive salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development and progression

Values Award celebration events

Job summary

Inchcape Shipping Services is seeking an Operations Manager for Malaysia to lead and manage all shipping operations in the region. You will ensure vessels, cargo and port activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with local regulations.

The role emphasizes stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in shipping operations, strong leadership, and a track record of driving improvements in port-related processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in maritime or related field.
• 5+ years in shipping operations or port services.
• Experience with Malaysia port regulations and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day port operations, vessel scheduling, berthing coordination and turnaround performance.
• Liaise with Malaysia Port Authority, terminal operators, customs and regulators for smooth vessel clearance.
• Lead local operations team to ensure SOPs, safety standards and SLAs are met.
• Monitor vessel movements and port congestion; mitigate delays and bottlenecks.
• Provide timely reporting of vessel performance, cargo handling and costs to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with commercial, customer service and logistics teams to support continuity and efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement across Malaysia operations, including digitization and process enhancements.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Port operations

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Project management

Communication

English proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Port Operations, or related field

Job description

Who are Inchcape

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 organizations.

We have an ambitious growth model, and a career here is certainly going to be a rewarding one that will allow you to bring your skills & experience. We embrace change and are open to new thinking and pushing for positive change in our industry

Main Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of the Operations Manager – Malaysia is to lead and manage all shipping operations within the Malaysia region, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely handling of vessels, cargo, tanker, and port activities in line with company standards and local regulatory requirements. This role is critical in maintaining operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and strong stakeholder relationships across the Malaysia port environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing day-to-day port operations, including vessel scheduling, berthing coordination, cargo discharge/loading, and turnaround performance.
• Building and maintaining close working relationships with Malaysia Port Authority, terminal operators, customs, and other regulatory agencies to ensure smooth vessel clearance and compliance.
• Leading and guiding the local operations team to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety standards, and service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Monitoring vessel movements and port congestion, taking proactive steps to mitigate delays and operational bottlenecks.
• Responding swiftly to operational disruptions, including last-minute vessel schedule changes, weather impacts, or documentation issues, with timely escalation and resolution.
• Ensuring accurate and timely reporting of vessel performance, cargo handling activities, and cost control measures to regional and global stakeholders.
• Collaborating with commercial, customer service, and logistics teams to support business continuity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across Malaysia operations, including resource optimization, digitization, and process enhancements.

Key Accountabilities:

• Controlling and monitoring of all Port Agency operations within Malaysia.
• Key PIC for Customer in term case of services issues and responsible for resolving the same.
• Drive Port Agency performance & service quality according to Standards of Operations (SOO).
• Ensure continuous monitoring & attendance to all incoming shipments. Proof reading appointments and voyage orders to minimize errors.
• Follow up on local Enquiry/Estimates.
• Participate in port call preplanning.
• Local ISS representative towards Port Authorities, other authorities and other third-party suppliers.
• Follow up and evaluation of local suppliers/contractors’ performance.
• Ensure the correct amount of pre-funding is received, or the correct level of authority has approved any deviation, prior to the port-call.
• Communicate proactively & clearly with Customers or related parties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ensure all arrangements are made, and properly executed, including pre-arrival security notification, avoiding costly berthing delays of vessel.
• Ensure all reporting and documentation requirements are correct and executed as per- principal’s instructions.
• Controlling Sub-agent performance.
• Port Agency QHSSE compliance within in assigned site.
• QHSSE matters in own function, including PPE requirements.

Core:

• Excellent communication skills
• Proven track record in debt collection and customer engagement
• Technical knowledge and practice – care and conservation
• Ability to quantify risks
• Strategic thinking

Key

• Confidence to deal with a range of stakeholders.
• Dynamic to the organization changes.
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize a demanding workload.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Good business acumen for problem solving

Management

• Ability to lead and contribute across functions.
• perform autonomously, initiate and manage complex cross functional tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role
• Strong understanding of operations.
• Conversant with local port, terminal and statutory requirements and regulations.

Desirable

• Time and project management skills.
• Strong Leadership, Organizational and communication skills
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to customers and support to staff members.
• Comfort working with multiple groups within business.
• Experience working in Malaysia or within the Southeast Asia region with knowledge of local maritime regulations.
• Exposure to digital tools for port planning, real-time vessel tracking, or operational dashboards.
• Knowledge of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) best practices in shipping operations.

Essential

• Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Port Operations, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of port operations, vessel handling procedures, and local maritime regulations in Malaysia.
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant port operation systems (e.g., terminal management systems, vessel scheduling tools).
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.

Desirable

• Training or certification in vessel scheduling, port operations, or shipping software systems is a plus
• Continuous learning mindset with willingness to update knowledge on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) regulations and compliance in port operations.
• Experience in managing cross-border or regional shipping operations within Southeast Asia.

Management of Risk:

(Operational Risk, Health and Safety, Compliance and Corporate Mission Statement) I will ensure that I read, understand and comply with all company HSSE, Compliance and Ethics policies and procedures in effect in the Company’s Intranet, Athena, which may be updated from time to time- and avoid any activity that might lead to, or suggest, a breach of these policies. If there is an element of doubt, I will seek clarification. The term ‘Compliance’ covers all legislation, rules and codes in which the company must adhere to.

I confirm that I will satisfactorily complete any training in relation to HSSE, Compliance and Ethics, as deemed necessary by the Company and will continually support and demonstrate the principals laid out in the ISS Code of Excellence and ISS Mission Statement.

I understand that a breach of Company policies or failure to carry out necessary training may lead to disciplinary action being taken.

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 realize 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 are at the centre of everything we do and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these:

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.

In return, we will offer you:

• A retirement savings plan
• Life assurance
• Holiday
• Competitive salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Values Award celebration events

Plus, much more!

#ISSthebiggerpicture

Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending upon your geographical location.

Inchcape is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and equality, diversity and inclusion are at the centre of everything we do. We recognise that our customers, colleagues, contractors and other partners are central to our success and that we work in a diverse society. We acknowledge not only our legal, but also our moral responsibility to ensure all groups have equality of opportunity.