Head of Operations, US & CA

Role Purpose 

As part of the Swire Shipping North American Leadership Team, the purpose of this role is to develop and execute a long-term strategy which safely and sustainably delivers the most effective and efficient port operations to all Swire Shipping Liner services in North America.

Role Accountabilities 

Safety

• Cooperate closely with ports, stevedores, vessels and internal parties to ensure Swire Shipping safety standards are applied and that the mantra Behaving Safely, Always. Naturally. is adopted by all relevant stakeholders.
• Record and escalate all safety incidents under the scope of Port Operations, including near misses and observations of unsafe acts, and ensure all reports are followed until closure.
• Be an active member of the Swire Shipping Safety Security & Environment Subcommittee (SSESUB).
• Carry out safety audits on service providers.
• Take responsibility for the safety of myself and those around me by displaying safety leadership principles (i.e. Safety I’s & Accountability ladder).
• Challenge and stop unsafe acts and behaviors or unsafe conditions.
• Comply with the Global Safety Standards, Polices and Operating Procedures.

Vendor & Cost Management

• Negotiate and agree upon contracts and service levels with ports, stevedores, terminal operators and other service providers, in adherence with our procurement policy in order to achieve the best value port and stevedoring services to Swire Shipping in North America.
• Undertake periodic reviews for contracted vendors and develop constructive working relationships with incumbent and potential vendors.
• Assume ownership of port operations costs in North America, with the view of preventing unnecessary cost exposure, and the ability to understand and interpret all attributable costs.
• Work closely with finance team to ensure that accurate stevedoring contract details and cost control processes are maintained.
• Ensure cost benchmarking is regularly undertaken.

Port Operations

• Partner with key vendors and other relevant stakeholders for the purpose of identifying and pursuing mutually beneficial outcomes, such as shorter port times, lower costs and improved safety.
• Regularly review cargo handling and securing practices for vessels and port operations. Ensure compliance with company requirements and procedures and report to the company operations team regarding issues or improvements.
• Manage the port & productivity performance reporting system(s) in relation to stevedoring and port operations with a focus on identifying performance issues for improvements.

Operations Support

• In times of escalations (such as during schedule delays or unforeseen events), intervene and coordinate with internal and external parties to achieve the most favorable outcomes.
• Provide advice to internal and external parties for the day to day management of cargo operations.
• Ensure operational cost quotes are provided and actioned in a timely manner.
• Liaise closely with Commercial and other departments for special cargo and developing business opportunities.
• Perform other duties as requested by the Head of Swire Shipping North America, and/or Global Port Operations Manager including projects both within and outside the region.
• Represent the company at industry forums and institutions.

Incident Response & Claims Management

• Represent the Crisis Management Team and Emergency Management Team.
• Monitor damage reports and claims, and assist the claims department.

People Management

• Lead employees to meet the organization's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.
• Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the team in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures.
• Plan staffing levels and work with Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ the right people within budgetary guidelines.
• Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Consciously create an engaging workplace culture that emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the organization.
• Lead employees using a performance management and development process including goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning.
• Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility, drive accountability and provide regular feedback for continuous improvement.
• Manage and maintain effective employee work schedules including assignments, job rotation, training, vacations and paid time off, cover for absenteeism, and overtime scheduling.
• Maintain two-way transparent communication. Appropriately communicate organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, IM, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Deliver key people related activities in conjunction with HR that will lead to the enhanced engagement and retention of team members.

Key Qualifications & Skills 

Technical Skills

Minimum 5 years’ experience in the shipping industry. Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial, technical, legal and regional aspects of shipping operations and management. Sound understanding of cost management and managing competitive vendor proposals using procurement best practices. Advanced use of MS tools such as Excel and PowerPoint.

Professional Skills

Strong analytical, numeracy and communication skills. Previous effective people management experience.

Focus on results, profitability and performance.

Knowledge of general macroeconomic principles and international trade.

 EEO/AA/Vets/Disabled

Benefits: