At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate port agency operations and provide 24/7 customer support across the UK and Northern Europe.
- Company: Join Inchcape Shipping Services, a global leader in maritime logistics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in maritime or logistics preferred; strong communication and multitasking skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Who We Are: At Inchcape Shipping Services, our vision is to create a connected world where customers can trade successfully and make informed decisions in every port, everywhere. We achieve this by combining our worldwide infrastructure with local expertise, through our global network of more than 250 proprietary offices and a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals. Our diverse customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container, and bulk commodity sectors, as well as naval, government, and intergovernmental organisations.
Role Summary: The Regional Operations Centre Operator provides centralised operational support to port agency and crew logistics activities across the UK and Northern Europe. Acting as a key point of contact, the role coordinates port agency appointments, husbandry services and crew logistics through a network of internal teams and local partner agents. Delivering a responsive, compliant and customer‑focused service on a 24/7 rota basis.
Contract: Permanent
Location: Grangemouth, UK (Hybrid)
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the first point of contact for all Regional Operations Centre (ROC) enquiries, delivering a responsive, customer‑focused service on a 24/7 rota basis.
- Coordinate remote port agency and husbandry operations across the UK and Northern Europe, working with local sub‑agents and partners.
- Manage end‑to‑end port agency appointments, from enquiry and nomination through port call and final documentation (FDA), including commercial cargo, cruise, bunker, customs and husbandry calls.
- Proactively coordinate port services, vendors and suppliers to minimise vessel idle time, including berthing arrangements, pilots, towage, lines and terminal services.
- Prepare and manage PDAs, pre‑funding requests, pre‑arrival documentation, customs clearances, Statements of Fact and cargo documentation.
- Provide real‑time vessel updates to principals and stakeholders and maintain principal‑specific operating systems.
- Coordinate vessel husbandry services, including crew changes, crew logistics, technicians, spares, provisions, bunkers, fresh water, waste removal, surveys and inspections.
- Deliver Crew Logistics Services (CLS), arranging crew transfers, meet & greet, accommodation and associated husbandry services in liaison with internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage the release of imported motor vehicles, including Bills of Lading tracking, ETA notifications, customs and inventory coordination, invoicing and payment collection.
- Maintain accurate records of port, terminal and berth information, tariffs and restrictions.
- Ensure data integrity across internal systems, compliance with SOPs, KPIs and customer‑specific requirements, and timely handover to Finance.
- Escalate operational issues as required and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve service delivery.
- Support disbursement activities, supplier invoicing processes, tender support, rate negotiations and identification of new business opportunities.
Candidate Requirements:
- Prior port agency experience or a background/education in the maritime, shipping or logistics field is desirable.
- Maritime or ISC shipping qualification (or willing to work towards) desirable.
- Strong communication and leadership skills with a practical, hands‑on approach.
- Highly organised with excellent time management skills and ability to multitask in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
- Proven ability to prioritise workload and meet strict deadlines.
- Competent user of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Experience working in a front‑facing customer service role.
- Experience of working to pre‑defined processes and procedures.
- Experience of (or willing to work in) an out of hours (non‑Monday to Friday) role.
- Experience of being rostered on‑call with a duty phone desirable.
You will receive:
- A place to grow your career – we’ll help you set big goals and exceed them.
- Competitive salary package.
- Work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates.
- Value Award celebration events.
Why Inchcape Shipping Services? We believe in building a diverse and high‑performing workforce that works together to provide our customers with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realise the value of our staff and know that your unique experiences, skills, and passions will help you build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry.
Our Values:
- Global Perspective – we connect the world and see the bigger picture.
- The Power of People – we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships.
- Progress – we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry.
Equal Opportunities Statement: Inchcape is an Equal Opportunities Employer – equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a diverse society, we recognise that our customers, colleagues, and contractors are central to our success.
Additional Information: Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending upon your geographical location. To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.
Senior Agency Operator (ROC) in Grangemouth employer: Inchcape Shipping Services
Contact Detail:
Inchcape Shipping Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Agency Operator (ROC) in Grangemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the maritime and logistics sectors on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Inchcape Shipping Services thoroughly. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Agency Operator, you'll need to be clear and concise. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your pitch and answers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Inchcape and ready to dive into the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Agency Operator (ROC) in Grangemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Agency Operator role. Highlight relevant experience in port agency, logistics, or maritime sectors. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of coordination and customer interaction, make sure to showcase your communication skills in your application. Whether it's through examples in your CV or your writing style, let us see your ability to connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inchcape Shipping Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of port agency operations and logistics. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities listed in the job description, especially around coordinating port services and managing documentation. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Senior Agency Operator, strong communication is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or resolved issues. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver a customer-focused service, which is crucial for this role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to the role. For instance, how would you handle a last-minute change in crew logistics? Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
Given the fast-paced nature of the job, it's important to showcase your organisational abilities. Share specific examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or prioritised workloads in previous roles. This will reassure the interviewers that you can thrive under pressure and meet strict deadlines.