Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)

Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)

Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage port operations and contracts, ensuring compliance and optimising performance.
  • Company: Join CLdN, a leading international shipping company with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Long-term position, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Opportunity to travel to various ports and lead operational improvements.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime logistics while working with diverse stakeholders.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields and experience in Maritime Logistics required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

CLd N is a leading provider of integrated quay-to-quay and door-to-door logistics solutions.

Founded in 1929, CLd N ensures reliable, cost-effective transport that links the major economic areas of Europe.

With 30 ships and more than 240 sailings a week, CLd N provides shortsea connections between the European continent, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Iberia and Scandinavia and offers the lowest CO2 footprint of all Western European Ro Ro operators.

CLd N’s cargo and multimodal services have a Europe-wide reach using CLd N’s extensive network of ships, terminals and equipment.

CLd N’s 3,000 employees ensure that it fulfils its mission: to excel as an integrated provider of maritime links.

Willing to join a dynamic international shipping company where you can shape and support port operations and contract management?

CLd N Ro Ro Ltd operates vessels on fixed Ro Ro and Lo Lo lines in Europe.

Most of the parties delivering services to the company do so under a negotiated agreement.

We are seeking for a Port Operations and Contract Manager to oversee the third-party terminals and managers.

Your role

As a Port Operations and Contract Manager you will be responsible for keeping a close contact with stakeholders and evaluating the operational performance of the third-party terminals and stevedores in adherence to the made agreements.

Within this challenging role, your main responsibilities will be

  • Port Contract Negotiations & Administration
  • Manage agreements with port operators, terminals, stevedores, agents, tugboat services and others.
  • Ensure compliance with berthing, loading/unloading services, and port tariffs.
  • Compare similar tariffs over the network and aim for operational and economical improvements.
  • Negotiate the existing and new contracts.
  • Keep an overview of all contracts and content.
  • Coordinate with the invoicing team when necessary, making sure CLd N is correctly invoiced.
  • Dispute resolution: Work with operational, legal and finance teams to resolve contractual disputes/claims.
  • Communication
  • Keep close contact with external stakeholders and meet regularly.
  • Be the link between external port stakeholders and internal stakeholders where necessary.
  • Operational Performance Evaluation & Benchmarking
  • Conduct regular performance audits of the terminals and stevedores, analyzing KPIs such as:
  • Berth Productivity (loading/unloading speed per hour)
  • Turnaround Time (vessel port stay duration and delays)
  • Cargo Damage Rates (vehicle and rolling cargo handling efficiency)
  • Benchmark performance against industry standards and contractual SLAs.
  • Identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in loading/unloading processes, vehicle stowage, and yard management.
  • Kaizen principles (continuous improvement) to optimize Ro Ro terminal and stevedoring operations.
  • Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) for operational delays and develop corrective action plans.
  • Lead Gemba Walks at terminals to identify process inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
  • Lean Six Sigma tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, PDCA) to streamline cargo handling workflows.
  • Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cargo handling, stowage planning, and berth scheduling.
  • Organise workshops and training sessions if need be to drive a culture of continuous improvement among third-parties.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting
  • Develop and use performance dashboards to monitor real-time operational efficiency with the Power BI data team.
  • Provide monthly and quarterly reports on terminal and stevedore performance, highlighting improvement areas.
  • Present findings and recommendations to senior management and operational teams.
  • Contract Compliance & Cost Optimisation
  • Ensure third-party service providers adhere to contractual KPIs and SLAs.
  • Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency gains in terminal and stevedoring operations.

Your profile

  • You hold minimum a Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as Maritime Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Industrial Engineering etc.
  • You must have Maritime Logistics experience, preferably in Ro Ro Shipping or terminal operations.
  • You must have experience in and hold a Lean Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) or Kaizen. Any other process improvement methodologies and certifications are beneficial.
  • You must have excellent administration skills.
  • You have an analytical and data-driven mindset
  • You will have the ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational change.
  • You have strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  • You will have a valid passport to travel to other ports regularly.
  • Optional – Maritime contract law and shipping finance.
  • Our offer

CLd N offers a long-term position within a dynamic international maritime company, where you will take on a key operational role with real impact on port operations, contract management and continuous improvement

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Port Operations and Contract Manager (London) employer: CLdN

At CLdN, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bootle where health and safety are at the forefront of our operations. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive culture, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to excel in their career while making a meaningful impact on workplace safety. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values compliance, innovation, and the well-being of our employees.

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Contact Details:

CLdN Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)

Get Involved in Industry Events

Logistics and supply chain are all about networking, so hit up those trade shows and local meetups. Places like the UK's Logistics and Supply Chain conference can be goldmines for connecting with potential employers like CLdN and learning about the latest trends in the industry.

Leverage Online Communities

Join forums and LinkedIn groups specifically for logistics professionals. Share your insights and ask questions to get noticed. Being active in these spaces can help you establish credibility and might just lead to an opportunity at CLdN!

Showcase Your Skills with a Portfolio

Even if it’s a full-time gig, having a portfolio can really set you apart. Include case studies or projects that demonstrate your understanding of supply chain management, logistics software, or solving operational challenges. You’d be surprised at how much this can impress hiring managers.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

Don't forget the power of applying directly through our website! A lot of companies like CLdN keep job postings exclusive to their sites. This way, you can easily keep track of your applications and ensure your profile is in front of the right people.

We think you need these skills to ace Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)

Port Contract Negotiations
Stakeholder Management
Operational Performance Evaluation
Data Analysis
Lean Six Sigma
Kaizen Principles
Root Cause Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight your understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles. Mention any relevant courses you've taken or tools you've used, like inventory management software or data analysis platforms, to showcase your skills and keep up with best practices in the industry.

Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your previous work experience, remember to use numbers wherever possible. Did you improve delivery times by a specific percentage? Did you help reduce costs? These kinds of quantified achievements not only catch the eye but also demonstrate your capability in the logistics sector.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to CLdN:This is your chance to really connect with the team at CLdN. In your cover letter, express why you're passionate about supply chain logistics and how your goals align with the company’s mission. A little personalisation goes a long way!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you've got any certifications related to logistics or supply chain management—like APICS or Six Sigma—make sure you flaunt them! These show that you're committed to your professional development and can set you apart from other candidates.

How to prepare for a job interview at CLdN

Know Your Logistics Tools

Make sure you're familiar with key logistics software and tools like SAP or Oracle ERP. These are often used in the industry, and being able to demonstrate your knowledge or experience with them can really set you apart during your interview with CLdN.

Perfect Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect to tackle scenarios that showcase your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you've had to optimise supply chains or handle logistics challenges. Have a few examples ready to discuss how you made decisions that led to improvements.

Show Your Team Spirit

Supply chain roles heavily rely on teamwork and communication. Be prepared to discuss how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Maybe share a time when you coordinated with a team to resolve a logistical hiccup. This can show CLdN that you're a team player!

Understand the Big Picture

Be ready to talk about the broader logistics and supply chain trends. Having insights into current challenges in the industry, like sustainability or lead times, can impress the interviewers at CLdN. Show them you’re not just focused on the day-to-day but also have a strategic mindset!