Agency Manager (Ship Agency)

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

DIRECT SEARCH ASIA PTE. LTD. seeks an experienced port agency operations leader in Singapore to oversee daily vessel calls from pre-arrival to departure.

You will guide the agency team, coordinate berthing, towage, bunkering and documentation, and liaise with owners, authorities and service providers to ensure smooth operations. You will manage schedules, monitor costs, review disbursement accounts and ensure compliance with port regulations.

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or related discipline.
• Strong experience in ship/port agency operations.
• Experience leading an agency operations team is preferred.
• Knowledge of vessel-clearance procedures, port docs, Singapore regulations.
• Familiarity with disbursement accounts, port charges and vendor management.
• Strong operational, commercial and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond to after-hours issues.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and port/agency-management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily port agency operations and vessel calls from pre-arrival to departure.
• Lead, guide and develop the agency operations team.
• Coordinate berthing, pilotage, towage, bunkering, supplies, crew changes and documentation.
• Liaise with shipowners, charterers, Masters, port authorities, terminals, immigration and service providers.
• Ensure timely submission of port-clearance documents, permits and regulatory declarations.
• Monitor vessel schedules and respond promptly to operational changes or emergencies.
• Review pro forma and final disbursement accounts for accuracy and timely submission.
• Manage operational costs and ensure expenses stay within budgets.
• Maintain relationships with principals and support new business development.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure reliable and cost-effective services.
• Ensure operations comply with procedures, port regulations and maritime requirements.
• Monitor service quality, resolve issues and address client feedback.
• Prepare operational and commercial reports for senior management.
• Support tenders, quotations and business-development activities.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Vendor management

Operations leadership

Disbursement accounting

Education

Maritime studies degree

Tools

MS Office

Agency software

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily port agency operations and vessel calls from pre-arrival to departure.
• Lead, guide and develop the agency operations team.
• Coordinate vessel berthing, pilotage, towage, bunkering, supplies, crew changes and documentation.
• Liaise with shipowners, charterers, Masters, port authorities, terminals, immigration and service providers.
• Ensure timely submission of port-clearance documents, permits and regulatory declarations.
• Monitor vessel schedules and respond promptly to operational changes or emergencies.
• Review pro forma and final disbursement accounts for accuracy and timely submission.
• Manage operational costs and ensure expenses remain within approved budgets.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing principals while supporting new business development.
• Negotiate with vendors and service providers to secure reliable and cost-effective services.
• Ensure operations comply with company procedures, port regulations and relevant maritime requirements.
• Monitor service quality, resolve operational issues and address client feedback.
• Prepare operational and commercial reports for senior management.
• Support tenders, quotations and other business-development activities.

Requirements

• Diploma or Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or a related discipline.
• Strong experience in ship agency or port agency operations.
• Previous experience leading an agency operations team would be preferred.
• Good knowledge of vessel-clearance procedures, port documentation and Singapore port regulations.
• Familiarity with disbursement accounts, port charges and vendor management.
• Strong operational, commercial and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Able to work under pressure and respond to operational matters outside regular office hours.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant port or agency-management systems.