Vessel Planner

Business Need / Purpose of Role

The Vessel Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate business relationships with service providers, respective port authorities, customers, regulatory bodies, and other business units. Primarily responsible for oversight of vessel scheduling and operations services. Responsible for cost minimization and evaluation related to vessel scheduling, including bunker cost, terminal standby/deadtime, and other vessel schedule related expenses.

Objectives & Measurement

• Customer Service & Operations
• Ensure ships agency services are rendered to all customers at an excellent level
• Maintain a smooth, quick turnaround of vessels, advising local authorities on vessel details keeping all relevant parties informed while meeting all KPI’s
• Establish and maintain relationships with government departments and agencies, local authorities and stakeholders
• Act on escalated matters that require an immediate response and engage in conversation with customers to address any issues or concerns
• Continually seek new methods to reduce operational costs and find efficiencies for the port office to enhance service delivery
• Work collaboratively with peers to achieve desired goals
• External Providers
• Liaise with clients, vendors, and port services on a daily basis always performing accurate and timely updates of systems in order to have fresh data and present the best information to clients
• Aid vessel planning and vessel stability which includes, but it's not limited to: Reconciliation of vessel Documentation for the vessel departure Reports Administer all elements required for vessel port call, which includes, but not limited to Administer and Request all required elements related to vessel call (i.e.: Tugs, Pilots, Regulatory, Line Handling, etc.) Administer all weather and significant events (Vessel Delays) through appropriate channels
• Promotes teamwork integration through clear understanding of interdepartmental needs and expectations between all locations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced communication (verbal, written and listening) skills in order to communicate at different levels throughout the organization and with exterior organizations, etc.
• Ability to develop strong business relationships within all levels of management; ability to understand, influence and persuade across all levels of the organization, exercising a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objective.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, multitask and possess strong initiative, exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
• Ability to motivate and lead virtual teams remotely and the ability to adjust communication style for different situations and cultures.
• Knowledge of Port Operations and Port Agency services.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, multitask and possess strong initiative, exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple competing priorities.
• Ability to balance multiple tasks, changing priorities & operate within a deadline-oriented environment.
• Ability to think logically, establish and follow procedures, instructions and make sound decisions.
• Possess organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize, be detail oriented and results driven.
• Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills, including strong verbal and listening skills.
• Must possess an advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Education, Qualifications, Certifications, And Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration, Business Administration or recognized equivalent from an accredited university preferred; equivalent experience may substitute for educational requirements.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position/industry, preferably with experience in Port Agency (shipping services) with exposure to various commodities and vessel types utilized in the port of assignment.
• Experience working within complex international organizations.
• Significant operational / business experience in the shipping or service industry, with the ability to run a cost-efficient business operation across a large geographical area.
• Experience working within pre-defined processes and procedures – delivering work in accordance with SLA’s (Service Level Agreements).