UK - Senior Agency Operator (Port Agent)

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Who Are We:

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 organisations.

Role Summary:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Agency Operator (Port Agent) in our South East UK Port Agency team covering a region comprising of the Thames, East Anglia, Medway, Sheerness and Dover. This role can be based either in Dartford or Sheerness.

We are looking for someone who has proven customer service skills, ideally with experience in shipping and specifically port operations or port agency, but if you are a university / college graduate, have experience in a similar industry (for example travel or airlines etc) and have a transferrable skillset then we would love to hear from you. In this role, we will provide you with the tools, experience and confidence to build a career in front line operations, learning our business and with opportunities to develop into a future leader or professional in the port agency and marine services industry.

Whilst our core working hours are Monday to Friday, shipping is a 24-7 industry, and you will participate in a shared out of hours on-call service and there will be regular travel to ports expected.

Hours: Standard working week (9am - 5pm) but with evening, weekend and public holiday on call coverage on a rotational basis
Contract type: Permanent full time
Based: Dartford or Sheerness, UK

In line with company policy, Inchcape does not provide visa sponsorship for candidates and cannot consider applicants who will require this now or in the future.

Key Accountabilities:

• Ensure outstanding port agency services are rendered to all our customers (ship owners, operators, charterers, ship managers, traders and brokers)
• Board vessels as/when business needs dictate
• Prepare proforma port and husbandry costs and request pre-funding from customer as required
• Manage the booking of port services (pilots, tugs, lines etc) and the pre-arrival documentation process between vessel, port/terminal and government authorities
• Keep customer and all stakeholders updated with berthing and sailing prospects and provide real time progress reports when vessels are in port and working cargo
• Prepare cargo and customs documentation as required
• Coordinate husbandry services for vessel, including but not limited to crew changes, technicians and ship visitors, spares, provisions, Cash to Master, bunkers, fresh water and the off-load of garbage
• Maintain up-to-date records of port, terminal and berth information, restrictions and tariffs

Candidate Requirements:

• Driven and ambitious to further a career in the maritime sector in an operations role
• Prior port agency experience or a background or education in the maritime, shipping or logistics field is desirable
• Experience of working in a customer service facing role
• Have strong communication and leadership capacities with a hands-on attitude
• Ability to prioritise workload to meet strict timelines calmly
• Excellent time management skills; multi-tasking in a fast-paced pressured environment
• Full UK Driving License
• Willing to participate in the out-of-office hours (evening, weekends and public holidays) roster with a duty phone on a rotational basis
• Prepared to travel to ports across the region which fall under the port office jurisdiction

In return, we will offer you:

• A competitive salary including monthly inconvenience payment for out of hours work
• Company car or car allowance
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Employee discount scheme for retail/travel/leisure
• Discounted cinema tickets
• Life assurance cover
• Remote GP and second medical opinion service which gives you, and your family members that live in the same household, timely access to medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year
• Contributory company pension scheme
• Full Employee Assistance Programme including access to care support covering work, family, relationships, money and health
• Career development and progression opportunities, including travel to other Inchcape port locations across the UK
• Financial support to complete ICS Shipping qualifications
• Values Award celebration events
• Team building days

Plus, much more!

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse andhigh-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 realise 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 candidatewill 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.

Inchcape is an Equal Opportunities Employer - equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a diverse society, we recognise that our customers, colleagues, and contractors are central to our success.

Additional Information:

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

To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.

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