Operations Manager (Ship Agency)

Direct Search Global; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Search Global is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee our ship-agency operations, ensuring safe, efficient and timely handling of vessel calls. The role requires coordinating with vessel owners, managers, charterers, masters, port authorities and service providers to uphold high service standards.

You will lead the operations team, manage multiple vessel calls in a fast-paced environment, handle budgeting and reporting, and ensure compliance with port regulations and HSE

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or related discipline.
• 5–8 years in ship-agency or port operations with supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of vessel-clearance procedures, port regulations and documentation.
• Experience with tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, or offshore vessels is advantageous.
• Strong leadership, cost control and stakeholder-management abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office and port-management systems.
• Excellent English communication, written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day ship-agency operations and vessel call coordination.
• Lead and allocate tasks to the operations team.
• Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, cargo operations, shifts and departures.
• Ensure all regulatory documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Review disbursement accounts and manage operational costs.
• Arrange services such as pilotage, towage, bunkering, crew changes.
• Provide principals with timely updates during each port call.
• Participate in budgeting, reporting and incident-management as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Problem solving

Time management

MS Office

English

Education

Diploma in Maritime Studies

Tools

Port management systems

Ship-billing software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the company’s ship-agency operations and ensure the safe, efficient and timely handling of vessel calls.

The successful candidate will lead the operations team, coordinate with vessel owners, managers, charterers, masters, port authorities and service providers, and maintain high standards of service delivery. This position requires strong operational knowledge, leadership ability and the capacity to manage multiple vessel calls in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day ship-agency operations and the coordination of vessel calls.
• Lead, guide and allocate assignments to the operations team.
• Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, cargo operations, shifting and departures.
• Liaise with vessel owners, managers, charterers, masters, terminals, port authorities and other relevant parties.
• Ensure all port-clearance, immigration, customs and regulatory documentation is completed accurately and on time.
• Review and monitor Proforma Disbursement Accounts and Final Disbursement Accounts.
• Manage operational expenses and ensure costs are properly controlled, documented and invoiced.
• Arrange services such as pilotage, towage, bunkering, crew changes, supplies, repairs and medical attendance.
• Provide principals with timely updates throughout each port call.
• Resolve operational issues and respond promptly to urgent or after-hours requirements.
• Ensure compliance with port regulations, company procedures and applicable HSE requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with principals, authorities, terminals and service providers.
• Monitor operational performance and identify opportunities to improve service quality and efficiency.
• Handle service complaints, investigate operational shortcomings and implement corrective actions.
• Support management with budgeting, performance reporting and operational planning.
• Participate in emergency-response and incident-management activities when required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics or a related discipline.
• 5 to 8 years of ship-agency or port-operations experience, including supervisory or team-lead responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of vessel-clearance procedures, port regulations and ship-agency documentation.
• Experience managing a variety of vessel calls, including tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels or offshore vessels, would be advantageous.
• Good understanding of disbursement accounts, vendor management and operational cost control.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Able to manage multiple vessel calls and operational priorities simultaneously.
• Service-oriented with strong client and stakeholder-management skills.
• Willing and able to respond to operational matters outside regular working hours.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant ship-agency or port-management systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.