Port Operations Manager

CMA CGM | ABOUT US

Led by Rodolphe Saadé, the CMA CGM Group, a global leader in shipping and logistics, serves more than 420 ports around the world on five continents. With its subsidiary CEVA Logistics, a world leader in logistics, and its air freight division CMA CGM AIR CARGO, the CMA CGM Group is continually innovating to offer its customers a complete and increasingly efficient range of new shipping, land, air and logistics solutions.

Committed to the energy transition in shipping, and a pioneer in the use of alternative fuels, the CMA CGM Group has set a target to become Net Zero Carbon by 2050.

Through the CMA CGM Foundation, the Group acts in humanitarian crises that require an emergency response by mobilizing the Group’s shipping and logistics expertise to bring humanitarian supplies around the world.

Present in 160 countries through its network of more than 400 offices and 750 warehouses, the Group employs more than 155,000 people worldwide, including 4,000 in Marseilles where its head office is located.

MAIN PURPOSE

 
The Port Operations Manager is ‘the eyes, ears and face’ for CMA CGM in the South East of England, a strategically important region.
 
An accomplished problem solver with the ability to manage often-conflicting priorities in a fast-paced operational environment, you will have the autonomy to make real-time decisions which change the flow of trade through the ports of London Gateway (base location), Tilbury and Felixstowe; decisions which have a big influence on our global network. 
 
By fostering effective stakeholder relationships with our valued suppliers and partners, i.e. the Ports and Terminals that we work with, coupled with a passion for excellence and continuous improvement, you will be the conduit between local operations and the wider CMA CGM network and Head Office, and in doing so, inform and influence key operational decisions that effectively position CMA CGM take advantage of opportunities whilst successfully navigating the complex challenges that may arise.
 
You will be a strong people leader, creating a culture of high performance and high engagement amongst your talented teams and taking already high-performing teams to the next level and beyond in our pursuit of service excellence for our customers.

YOUR ROLE | KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (in addition to husbandry duties)

• To embody CMA-CGM as its principle local representative and match its ambitions to provide the best product in the market and grow the business.
• Lead by example, apply and embed the Company Values as part of the culture of the Port Operations Department
• Ensure Customer First principles are maintained and developed at every level within the Department
• Lead and manage a team of 3x Port Operations Officers, monitoring activity and performance of the team, ensuring high standards are achieved in all areas including in-house husbandry (as well as Third Party Agents where applicable), compliance with UK company procedures and all legislative requirements in each port in area of responsibility.
• It is expected that the holder of this position will play an active husbandry role and the exact proportion and scheduling of this is to be agreed in conjunction with the Port Operations General Manager.
• Liaison with Head Office and the ports and terminals to ensure all vessels (deepsea, short sea and feeders) are handled as per programme, safely, within port windows and inside agreed productivity targets.
• Meeting & striving to exceed corporate or local KPI targets for port operations functions, which include functions directly conducted by the team (mostly reporting) as well as well as those which have been offshored under the supervision of UK Port Operations (such as laden exec’s, Cargo Operations, Feeder Operations, Transhipment etc).
• Work closely with Head Office Purchasing and UK Cost Control teams, ensuring the best cost efficiency and that suppliers are paid effectively.
• Ensure all internal systems and records covering port operations are up to date and regularly checked and verified.
• Provide the link between UK Ports and all other functions.
• Spot check port costs/invoices and port performance by making regular visits to suppliers
• As required, cover for other Port Operations Managers and Port Operations General Manager during periods of absence, leave or business travel.
• Maintain a positive and pro-active relationship with all Port stakeholders inc Third Party Agents, Transport Operators (Road / Rail / Feeder & Barge), Customs, Port Authorities, Terminals and other suppliers.
• Office Management for the London Gateway office

Duties of Husbandry Agents:

• Make all arrangements for CMA CGM Group operated vessels to berth and sail on schedule.
• Be available to board vessels as required (24/7).
• Handle all documentation associated with vessel calls and provide to authorities as necessary.
• Keep vessel Masters, Ship Managers and all other interested parties informed of vessels‘ prospects, and provide regular operational updates.
• Arrange delivery and collection of ship's spares and supplies.
• Arrange transport and accommodation for on/off-signing crew.
• Issue light dues certificates.
• Identify any opportunities for cost-savings or operational improvements
• Liaise regularly and develop good working relationships with terminal operators, port authorities and service providers

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR | KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrable experience within the Shipping / Logistics / Supply Chain industries would be very advantageous, particularly within Port Operations 
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally
• Demonstrable people management experience, with ability to foster a team culture of high performance and engagement
• High levels of resilience, with ability to manage  multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Strong analytical skills, with high levels of attention to detail
• Ability to work unsociable hours in line with operational demands
• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrate ability to negotiate and influence others 
• Ability to travel within the region, to other UK locations and occasionally internationally as required.
• Knowledge of Destin8 and CNS port community systems desirable

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

Not only do we offer a competitive salary, we also offer a generous benefits package including:

• 25 days annual leave (plus public holidays) increasing with length of service plus additional day over Christmas period and the opportunity to buy/sell annual leave

• Discretionary annual bonus

• Enhanced pension scheme up to 15% total contribution

• Life assurance x4

• Commitment to promoting awareness and understanding of Mental Health through our Mental Health and Wellbeing Charter

• Private healthcare (BUPA) + Healthcare Cash plan, including an Employee Assistance Programme

• Local and global development opportunities across 160 countries within the CMA CGM Group, including opportunities at our iconic Head Office tower in Marseille

• Hybrid Working

• Cycle to work scheme/ Season ticket loans

• Enhanced policies including Maternity & Paternity

• Employee recognition awards

• Considerable scope for personal and professional growth through the CMA CGM Academy

CMA CGM Group is proud to define itself as a family business built on strong human values.

• Excellence

• Exemplarity

• Imagination

• Boldness

CMA CGM respects, supports and values diversity in all forms. We seek to avoid discrimination and are committed to equal opportunities for all our employees.

Our long-held inclusive policy improves performance, creates growth opportunities for all, aligns with our customer's values and enhances employee engagement.

Join us and discover a world of opportunities!

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Come along on CMA CGM's adventure!