Marine Operations Manager

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services in Virginia Beach seeks a Marine Operations Specialist to plan and supervise vessel activities within the coastal region. The role requires coordinating port operations, berthing windows, and sailing instructions to ensure smooth, cost-efficient voyages.

Key tasks include issuing coastal schedules, communicating with stakeholders, and optimizing port calls with local offices, pilots, tugs, and cargo handling teams.

Qualifications

• Maritime degree required.
• 7–10 years shipping industry experience.
• Experience in agency or terminal ops.
• Working knowledge of containerized supply chain.
• High level of Excel competency.

Responsibilities

• Issue and update Coastal Schedule with BU approval.
• Coordinate port operations and berthing windows to minimize dead time.
• Communicate schedules and sailing instructions to vessel and stakeholders.
• Liaise with partner lines on joint services and slot charter.
• Coordinate Panama Canal crossings and securing appointments.

Skills

Vessel operations coordination

Stakeholder communication

Cost optimization

Education

Maritime Degree

Tools

Excel

Job description

Main Purpose of the Role:

Planning and supervising all vessel activities within the area, subject to line proforma

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Issuing and updating Coastal Schedule under BU approval
• Managing all facets of coastal voyage within the region
• Coordinating all Port Ops activities within the region, in effective and cost-efficient way.
• Assessing different Ops alternatives upon deviation from Coastal Schedule.
• Coordinating Panama Canal crossings and securing appointments for vessel crossings.

Main Tasks:

• Communicate Coastal Schedule to relevant Stakeholders
• Address operational issues raised by local offices
• Liaise with partner lines on joint services and slot charter
• Coordinate operations with Managers facing stevedores to reduce dead time
• Secure berthing windows in region according to line requirements
• Design and distribute initial Coastal Schedule based on voyage Proforma
• Monitor vessel’s voyage execution within region
• Communicate sailing instructions to vessel within region
• Proactively inform all relevant parties and manage information flow regarding vessel schedule and vessel related operations at terminals
• Instruct Local Offices to coordinate port/terminal activities:
• Vessel related port activities (Pilots, Tugs, Lines, anchoring)
• Cargo related activities (gangs – incl. special cargo)
• Ensure effective and cost efficient port Ops within the Area
• Update Coastal Schedule, following changes from exception handling, including securing new berthing windows and required resources

Requirements:

• Academic education: Maritime Degree
• Maritime operational experience (Agency, Terminal Ops)
• Experience: 7-10 yrs in Shipping Industry
• Working knowledge of containerized supply chain
• High level of Excel competency