Port Agency Operations Manager Pakistan

Job Summary

The Port Agency Operations Manager leads the agency’s Operations, Intermodal & Logistics functions in Pakistan. Reporting to the General Manager, the role ensures safe, efficient, cost-effective, and customer-focused service delivery across port and inland operations. Key accountabilities include vessel and container operations, yard and gate performance, cargo flow, equipment utilization, and stakeholder coordination.

The role drives continuous improvement, productivity, regulatory compliance, and service quality across terminals, depots, and transport networks.

Key Responsibilities

Build and develop a capable operations team, align employees with Group and agency priorities, and reinforce accountability for targets and instructions. Performance management: Monitor KPIs and work with local teams and GBS to improve productivity, cargo priorities, asset utilization, dwell time, and operating costs.

Process compliance: Ensure adherence to the Core model, standard processes, and corporate tools across the Operations department. Operational coordination: Align lines, partners, Commercial, ILS, Vessel Operations, Cargo Operations, Transshipment, Cargo Readiness, Cargo Flow, and Ship Management to deliver efficient and commercially sound port calls.

Stakeholder relations: Maintain effective relationships with ports, terminals, partners, stevedores, husbandry agents, authorities, and other key stakeholders. Risk and opportunity management: Identify local opportunities, forecast major events, communicate impacts to agency management, RO, HO, lines, and Operations leadership, and develop mitigation plans.

Contracts and digital enablement: Support Procurement with contract and SLA renewals, define operational and financial requirements, and coordinate EDI development with local IT. Agency performance: Review daughter-agency operations and implement targeted development plans. Intermodal & Logistics People leadership: Lead, coach, and develop the Intermodal & Logistics team.

Commercial performance: Partner with the Cross Sales Manager to grow volumes, improve the carrier-haulage ratio, and strengthen agency performance. Operational excellence: Ensure reliable, efficient, and high-quality intermodal and logistics services. Target delivery: Achieve Head Office Logistics & Intermodal targets and implement corrective actions when required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Maritime Studies, Port Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Experience: Leadership experience: At least 10 years of relevant industry experience, including five years leading Port Operations, Logistics, or Intermodal functions. Operational expertise: Proven experience in container terminal and vessel operations, inland transport, intermodal solutions, depots, and equipment management.

Commercial and performance management: Strong capability in vendor and contractor management, KPI delivery, budgeting, and cost optimization. Industry background: Experience with a liner shipping company, terminal operator, freight forwarder, or logistics service provider. International exposure: Regional or international experience is preferred.

Professional Certifications Relevant certification—such as FIATA, CILT, Lean Six Sigma, PMP, Maritime Law, or Port Management—is preferred. Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) training or certification is highly desirable. Skills: Port and Vessel Operations Vessel planning, port-call coordination, and execution Stevedoring, cargo handling, and terminal operations Logistics & Intermodal Rail, road, and multimodal transport planning Depot operations, container repositioning, and equipment cycles Carrier haulage and last-mile solutions Systems & Digital Skills ERP, SAP, terminal, and transport systems Advanced Excel, Power BI, analytics, and dashboards Leadership and People Management Strategy, vision, and business planning Team leadership, coaching, and talent development Stakeholder Management Executive influence and negotiation Customer-focused engagement with authorities, partners, and providers Personal Effectiveness Decisive problem-solving under pressure Analytical, risk-aware execution Resilience, accountability, and adaptability Communication Strong written, verbal, presentation, and reporting skills Active listening, conflict resolution, and clear communication