Operations Manager

Global Ports Holding (GPH) is the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Asia-Pacific. Through long-term concession and management agreements, we provide top-tier service, safety, and operational excellence across our global network. Committed to sustainable cruise tourism, we strive to create value for all stakeholders while enhancing the destinations we serve.

As we expand our network, we are looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead operations at our Liverpool Cruise Port. This pivotal role ensures the smooth running of port operations, focusing on logistics, safety, customer service, and stakeholder management. As Operations Manager, you will lead the team to enhance operational efficiency, provide exceptional passenger experience, and maintain GPH’s high standards in port management.

The Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient, safe, secure, and compliant operation of the port, leading on elements as nominated:

• Duty Manager: Manage day-to-day Port and Marine Operations on a rostered basis. Manage and supervise operational staff, including subcontractors, providing leadership, guidance, and performance management. Act as the primary point of contact for all operational matters, including communication with cruise lines, port agents, and other stakeholders. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, policies, and procedures, including safety, security, and environmental standards. Coordinate and manage passenger and crew logistics, including check-in, embarkation/disembarkation, and terminal operations. Manage and resolve operational issues, incidents, and emergencies, taking appropriate action to minimise disruption and ensure safety. Ensure port compliance with Health and Safety considerations. Undertake incident response including the initial investigation actions. Ensure that quotations and revenue reporting is compiled accurately and within corporate finance guidelines. Provide proactive engagement with all port partners including excursion operators, concession holders, and operational partners. Lead operational briefings and toolbox talks to staff.
• Marine and Quayside Support: Supervision of Quayside and Ropehandling operations on a rostered basis. Supervise vessel arrivals/departures at the port, ensuring safe and efficient operations in accordance with berth planning and port procedures. Coordinate quayside operations, including cargo handling, baggage handling, and passenger services. Ensure compliance with all relevant marine regulations and safety standards. Liaison and communication with harbour authorities, pilots, and other marine service providers.
• Port Costs and Admin Support: Lead on the preparation of and co-ordination of Port Cost Sheet activity, ensuring compliance with LCP port cost sheet procedure as appropriate. Monitor and maintain an overview of the timeliness of the invoice production procedure and subsequent submission in accordance with established procedure as appropriate. Contribute to the analysis of Port Costs by recording accurately historic, actual and forecast port cost conditions. Prepare Port Cost reports, providing insights into operational performance and identifying areas for improvement. Assist with and lead other port projects as nominated.
• Marketing: Support and implement GPH and LCP marketing strategy to attract cruise lines, increase passenger numbers, and enhance the port's reputation. Manage the port's brand identity and ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels. Coordinate marketing campaigns, events, and promotional activities to raise awareness of the port and its offerings.
• Maintenance Support: Support the LCP facilities manager in maintenance activities of port facilities and infrastructure, including terminals, fleet, plant, and equipment as requested. Assist with the co-ordination of maintenance activities and operational requirements to minimise disruption. Issue of Permits to Work to contractors as appropriate.
• DPFSO Role: Assist the PFSO in the implementation and maintenance of the Port Facility Security Plan (PFSP) and associated documents. Ensure compliance whilst undertaking DPFSO duties with all relevant security regulations and standards, including the ISPS Code. Manage cruise day security operations, including access control, surveillance, and screening. Respond to security and emergency situations on the Port as per port emergency and contingency plans.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience of port operations
• Experience managing operational teams
• Knowledge of port safety, security, and operational practices
• Financial awareness and budgeting skills
• Proficiency in IT systems
• IOSH Managing Safely (or equivalent)
• Ability to supervise ropehandling operations
• Knowledge of SIP 005 and relevant port documentation
• MCA SRC (VHF) License
• PFSO training desirable
• Ability to obtain CTC
• First Aid Training

Personal Attributes:

• Leadership skills
• Proactive and results-oriented
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Collaboration and team-oriented approach
• Commitment to safety and security

Other:

• Contribute to GPH and Port objectives
• Provide operational and managerial support as needed
• Work flexibly, including out of hours, on an annualised basis
• Provide cover across other GPH United Kingdom Ports on an exceptional basis
• Adhere to professional appearance standards
• Commit to training
• Promote equal opportunities