Sr. Vessel Cargo Planner

Position Summary

This position is responsible for overseeing advanced cargo planning functions, including vessel stowage and coordination with Equipment Operators and Stevedores during loading and discharge operations. The Sr. Cargo Planner provides operational support across multiple ports, including international locations, and resolves complex planning challenges. This role requires the ability to make informed decisions that impact vessel efficiency, cargo flow, and overall operational performance.

Qualifications

• Required: Degree from a Merchant Marine Academy or five (5) years of experience as a Ship Mate or Chief Mate or five (5) years of experience as a Cargo Planner.
• Experience working with a vessel planning system.
• Experience handling dangerous cargo.
• Thorough knowledge of vessel stability and trim.
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing, at an advanced level.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills in programs such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook (AS-400 a plus).
• Skills in composition and preparation of correspondence, reports, minutes and other written materials with accuracy and reasonable speed.
• Ability to meet and deal effectively with stevedores, executives, and co-workers.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Ability to think logically and follow procedures and instructions.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and strong initiative.
• Strong time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and other individuals she/he may have to contact in order to perform her/his job.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule as needed.
• Must have or be able to obtain a TWIC card within 30 days of employment.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Primary: Exercises advanced decision-making authority by independently managing cargo planning across multiple ports, providing operational guidance, resolving complex planning challenges, and making high-impact decisions that affect vessel efficiency, resource allocation, and overall operational performance.
• Prepares vessel stowage plan.
• Calculates vessel stability and prepares vessel stowage plans.
• Segregates Hazardous Material (HAZMAT) accordingly.
• Collaborates with Operations Leadership and Equipment Operators to ensure cargo is available to load onto the vessel at the appropriate time to avoid unnecessary charges.
• Aids equipment operators in resolving discrepancies between the stow-plan and cargo actually loaded onto the vessel.
• Coordinates with commercial divisions and Dispatch department to ensure all cargo is dispatched in a timely manner and will meet the vessels’ sailing deadline.
• Trains Cargo Coordinator I to handle position’s duties accordingly.
• Directs and manages vessels' loading and unloading operations in different countries.
• Ensures adherence to safety protocols and international shipping regulations.
• Maintains accurate records of cargo movements and documentation.
• Secondary: Contacts TIR Clerks or equipment operators for relevant information regarding any problem that may arise with locating scheduled cargo or with replacement of scheduled cargo safely on the vessel.
• Performs additional job duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use his fingers.
• The employee frequently is required to talk and/or hear.
• The employee is continuously required to sit.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must continuously lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Conditions

• Frequently indoors exposed to controlled temperature and office environment.
• Frequently exposure to dust and/or fumes.
• Frequently driving automotive equipment.
• Occasionally outdoors exposed to changing weather, marked changes in temperature & humidity.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high.