Breakbulk / Project Cargo Manager

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.

Job Description – Breakbulk / Project Cargo Manager

Position Title:

Breakbulk / Project Cargo Manager

Department:

Operations Support

Location: Airoli

Role Overview

The Breakbulk / Project Cargo Manager is responsible for managing and coordinating all activities related to the handling of non-containerized, oversized, and irregularly shaped cargo. The role ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant transportation of breakbulk and project cargo from quotation to final delivery. This position requires strong technical understanding, operational coordination, and stakeholder management to ensure seamless execution of complex cargo operations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Quotation & Booking

• Receive and process Breakbulk Requests for Quotation (RFQs) from the sales team.
• Analyse feasibility and provide accurate cost estimates and operational plans.
• Upon booking confirmation, assume full ownership of the shipment until discharge at the destination port.
• Issue booking confirmations, allocate vessel space, and communicate details to all relevant departments.

2. Operational Coordination

• Liaise with Line Operations to check vessel space availability, including required rows and tiers at Port of Loading (POL) and Port of Discharge (POD).
• Confirm vessel parameters such as stowage position, maximum GM value, and vessel speed.
• Coordinate with cargo flow teams, terminals, and equipment providers to ensure timely arrangements.
• Monitor cargo readiness and ensure all operational dependencies are addressed prior to loading.

3. Technical Documentation & Validation

• Collect and review technical drawings and data from shippers (dimensions, weight, center of gravity, lifting/lashing points, etc.).
• Coordinate with terminals and surveyors to obtain lifting, lashing, and stowage plans.
• Review and validate Loading Stowage Securing (LSS) and Quick Method Statements (QMS) submitted by vendors.
• Ensure all technical documentation is verified and approved by relevant stakeholders before execution.

4. Process Management

• Manage the end-to-end workflow from data collection to final validation and operation completion.
• Ensure mandatory notifications (minimum 10 days in advance) are sent and follow up on clarifications or document updates.
• Supervise execution at the terminal in coordination with surveyors and stevedores to ensure adherence to safety and operational standards.
• Maintain comprehensive records for traceability and audit readiness.

5. Tools & Systems

• Utilize specialized tools and software for technical and operational accuracy:
• AutoCAD – for reviewing and preparing cargo drawings.
• Lashcon – for lashing force and safety calculations.
• Excel/Spreadsheets – for sling tension and stability checks.
• Autodesk Inventor – for 3D visualization (in development).

6. Continuous Improvement

• Identify process gaps and propose improvements in planning, documentation, and coordination.
• Stay updated on evolving industry standards, new technologies, and best practices in breakbulk and project cargo management.
• Support internal training and knowledge sharing sessions for operational teams.

Key Interfaces

• Internal: Sales, Line Operations, Cargo Flow, Equipment, and Trade Teams.
• External: Shippers, Terminals, Surveyors, Stevedores, and Vessel Crew.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Shipping, Marine Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of experience in breakbulk/project cargo operations within shipping or logistics.
• Strong technical understanding of cargo lifting, lashing, and stowage principles.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Lashcon, and Microsoft Excel (technical calculations).
• Excellent communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and ensure compliance with international safety standards.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and timeliness of quotation and booking execution.
• Compliance with vessel and safety requirements.
• On-time cargo loading and discharge performance.
• Stakeholder satisfaction and feedback.
• Continuous process improvements implemented.

Personal Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and safety mindset.
• Problem-solving and decision-making under pressure.
• Proactive, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills.

Bottom of Form

Please ensure you are familiar with the CMA CGM Corporate Internal Mobility guidelines.