Port Operations Manager in Ipswich

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is a family-run business that has been offering exceptional cruise experiences for over 170 years. With a fleet of ships that provide intimate, friendly, and immersive voyages, we are committed to delivering world-class service with a personal touch. Join us and be part of a proud heritage that is all about making lasting memories for our guests.

As we continue to grow, we are now strengthening our Port Operations team with a Port Operations Manager in our Ipswich Head Office. Working on a hybrid basis, you will ensure the smooth running of all port calls, ensuring the port agents are effectively working for us in each location and helping us deliver the best guest experience at the lowest possible cost and supporting the wider team both shipside and shoreside.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Co-ordinate all required services at port to ensure the ship has what it needs and according to schedule.
• Contribute to itinerary plans pre-handover from the Itinerary Planning to ensure itineraries are fit for purpose for all parties.
• Translate the planning requirements from the Itinerary Planning team into operational deliverables for the ship, liaising with ship staff as required.
• Following handover, highlight and find solutions to any challenges that risk negatively impacting the itinerary plan and profitability, the ship operation or the guest.
• Ensure operational port experience, including embarkation & debarkation, meets required customer satisfaction KPIs.
• Review itineraries with FOCT Safety Security team and highlight any concerns which may impact guest safety when ashore.
• Provide support to Senior Officers for any itinerary and operational challenges faced, on a 24/7 basis using a team rota and to include travel to ports and overseas as required.
• Co-ordinate non-planned itinerary changes with the ship to produce a revised schedule (possibly with new or cancelled ports), for sign-off with Itinerary Planning and Destination Experience teams.
• Participate in the weekend on-call rota, providing telephone support approximately once per month to assist ships with any operational difficulties and coordinate alternative plans where required.
• Manage the thorough planning and communication for UK & Overseas turnarounds.
• Attend turnarounds where significant operations are known to take place, or likely challenges will be faced in order to observe and assist where necessary.
• Review all completed turnarounds and look to implement improvements where required.
• Form a key part of the relationship with Port Agents, Ground Handling staff and all external suppliers’ performances and monitor through set processes.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Previous experience of working within an Operations or Marine role.
• Build relationships with external companies and suppliers.
• Able to deal with staff and key business partners at all levels.
• Able to structure written communication effectively and accurately.
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office and Company Reservations Systems, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Proven ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and demonstrate problem-solving skills.
• Showing forward thinking and pro-activeness.
• Full UK driving licence, including the ability and willingness to travel to ports.

This is a permanent, full-time role, working 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday on a hybrid basis.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines offer a wide range of benefits including AXA Health medical, Life Assurance, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, discounted holidays and cruises, plus retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme. Attached to this advert you will find a full job profile and details of our Company benefits on offer.

• AXA Health medical
• Life Assurance
• enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• discounted holidays and cruises
• retail discounts and cash back incentives through our Boost Benefits scheme

Our Values:

• We are caring - “We trust and care for each other, our guests and our environment”
• We are positive - “We live and share a positive attitude”
• We are real - “We are always ourselves and respect others”
• We are a team - “We are more than a team; we are a family”

As an equal opportunity employer, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.