Vessel Operations Specialist

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.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Global Business Support (GBS) Cargo Operations team, ensuring efficient execution of daily operational tasks and operational excellence across cargo activities.
• Coordinate vessel port calls from nomination to departure, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient execution of all operational activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between shipping lines, vessel masters, terminals, port authorities, harbor service providers, and internal stakeholders throughout the port call process.
• Coordinate and facilitate daily and weekly operational meetings, setting priorities, reviewing performance, and ensuring timely follow-up of action items.
• Plan, organize, and monitor vessel and cargo operations, including berth arrangements, call scheduling, port services, cargo execution, and operational follow-up.
• Act as the focal point for non-standard and complex cargo operations, providing guidance and leading cross-functional coordination to drive effective solutions.
• Coordinate cargo operations with terminals, vessel planners, cargo flow teams, and ship management to ensure optimal loading and discharge performance.
• Review and validate cargo documentation, including dangerous goods and special cargo requirements, ensuring compliance with local regulations and international maritime standards.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, regional teams, and external partners to ensure seamless operational execution and service delivery.
• Monitor vessel and terminal operations, proactively identifying operational risks, managing escalations, and implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Drive process standardization, operational excellence, and continuous improvement initiatives across vessel and cargo operations.
• Provide timely and accurate operational reporting, including vessel schedules, cargo status, performance metrics, and significant operational events.
• Perform post-sailing activities, including cargo reconciliation, departure reporting, EDI transmissions, and operational performance analysis.
• Verify operational supplier invoices and support cost control processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with contractual agreements.
• Coach, develop, and motivate team members while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performance culture.
• Conduct terminal visits, inspections, and authority-related follow-ups when required, contributing to operational performance reporting and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills & Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Maritime Transportation, Shipping, International Trade, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Previous experience in vessel operations, cargo operations, port agency, liner shipping, or terminal operations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• Knowledge of container shipping operations and cargo flow management.
• Familiarity with IMDG regulations and dangerous goods procedures.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
• Risk identification and prevention mindset.
• Proficiency in MS Office and operational maritime systems.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Team-oriented, proactive, and customer-focused approach.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.

What we offer:

• Working in an agile, flexible, digital, and social culture
• Flexible working hours
• Working 40 hours a week
• Hybrid working
• Birthday day off
• Fruit Day: every Wednesday
• Happy hours
• Yearly bonus
• Transportation
• Life insurance
• Meal Allowance (Cash/monthly)
• Employee Assistance Program

During the recruitment process, the personal data you provide in your CV is processed for purposes including contacting you, implementing human resources policies and procedures, managing candidate selection and placement processes, conducting reference checks, and ensuring security. For more detailed information about how your data is processed, please refer to our Employee Candidate Privacy Notice.

We have zero tolerance for inequality and are deeply committed to fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) at every level of our organization. As HR and business partners, we actively drive and support initiatives that build a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all.

Come along on CMA CGM’s adventure !