Shipping Agency Manager

Role overview

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate vessel arrivals, departures, berthing arrangements, and port calls.
• Liaise with shipowners, charterers, port authorities, terminal operators, and service providers.
• Arrange pilotage, towage, bunkering, and crew changes where required.
• Prepare shipping documents and vessel clearance paperwork; monitor schedules and resolve operational issues.
• Supervise staff, allocate workloads, and monitor team performance.
• Handle client inquiries, complaints, and operational emergencies.
• Monitor port expenses and supplier charges; review disbursement accounts, invoices, and financial documents.
• Ensure compliance with maritime laws, customs requirements, and port regulations.
• Develop procedures, maintain vessel and client records, and prepare reports and management updates.
• Support customer retention, business development, and new client acquisition; perform other duties assigned by management.

Requirements

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• Relevant experience in shipping agency, port operations, ship operations, or maritime logistics.
• Strong leadership, communication, negotiation, organizational, customer service, and relationship management skills.
• Knowledge of vessel agency procedures, port clearance, shipping documentation, maritime regulations, and logistics coordination.
• Familiarity with port disbursement accounts, invoicing, and cost control is an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple vessel calls, meet deadlines, work independently, and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant shipping systems.
• Responsible, honest, detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, weekends, public holidays, and on-call duties when required.