Head of Ships Agency
Location: Aberdeen
Employment Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 05 November 2026
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday 0830-1630
ASCO is seeking an experienced Ship Agency specialist and commercial leader to accelerate business growth, win new customers and strengthen its UK Ship Agency business.
This role is focused on winning new principals and appointments, expanding our customer base and developing opportunities across existing and new UK ports. You will set the strategic direction, lead teams across UK locations, drive commercial performance and build on ASCO's established presence in the energy and offshore sectors.
You will combine operational excellence with ambitious business development, maximising opportunities across ASCO's wider logistics capabilities while maintaining clear accountability for Agency service delivery, people, financial performance and results.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver the UK Ship Agency business plan, budget and performance targets, with accountability for business growth, commercial results and P&L performance.
- Lead and develop teams across the UK Ship Agency business, promoting effective delegation, accountability and resilient operational cover.
- Retain and grow relationships with existing principals, win new customers and appointments, and expand the business across existing and new UK ports.
- Oversee port-call performance, supplier service delivery and customer escalations, ensuring consistent, high-quality service.
- Strengthen pricing, disbursement management, billing and cash collection in partnership with Finance.
- Collaborate with the Head of Project Logistics, and wider ASCO teams to identify and convert new business opportunities, develop shared customer relationships and expand the Group's service offering.
Minimum Competencies & Experience
- Substantial Ship Agency experience with a proven track record in winning new business, expanding customer relationships and delivering commercial performance.
- Experience in business planning, budget management and P&L accountability.
- Proven ability to win new principals, secure contracts, open new markets and develop long-term customer relationships.
- Strong understanding of port-call economics, pricing, disbursements and operational performance.
- Effective leadership through managers, with the ability to delegate operational delivery, develop local capability and drive accountability.
- Strong commercial and people management skills, including performance improvement and decision making.
- Ability to maintain oversight of service quality, commercial priorities and business results while building a resilient, customer focused operation.
- Established industry relationships and the ability to build partnerships across the shipping, energy and offshore sectors.
- UK energy, offshore and project vessel experience desirable.
Qualifications & Professional Development
Relevant academic or professional qualifications in Shipping, Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Business (such as HNC/HND, degree or Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers qualifications) are desirable. Substantial relevant industry experience will be considered equally.
Your Impact
You will lead the expansion of ASCO's UK Ship Agency business, winning new principals, broadening our customer base and developing opportunities across existing and new UK ports. Through effective leadership, P&L accountability and commercial discipline, you will build a resilient, high-performing operation that delivers consistent service, strong financial performance and greater value for customers across the Group.
Why ASCO?
This is an opportunity to lead and expand an established Ship Agency business, win new customers and develop new markets, supported by ASCO's strong energy sector relationships and wider logistics capabilities.
Working alongside a dedicated Head of Project Logistics, you will help strengthen ASCO's market position, develop new commercial opportunities and deliver greater value for customers across the Group.
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Head of Ships Agency employer: ASCO - Workforce Solutions
ASCO - Workforce Solutions is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and efficiency in transport operations. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career while working in a supportive environment that values teamwork and innovation. Located in a strategic area, our nightshift roles provide unique advantages, including competitive pay and the chance to make a significant impact on our operations.
Contact Details:
ASCO - Workforce Solutions Recruitment Team
