UK - Port Agent (Senior Agency Operator) - South Wales in Pembroke Dock

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.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Agency Operator (Port Agent) to be based in Pembroke Dock and covering a region comprising of Milford Haven/Pembroke, Fishguard, Swansea, Port Talbot, Cardiff, Barry and Newport. There will also be occasional attendance of vessels in the Bristol area (Avonmouth and Portbury). We are looking for someone who has proven customer service skills, ideally with experience in shipping and specifically port operations or port agency, but if you are a university/college graduate, have experience in a similar industry (for example travel or airlines etc) and have a transferrable skillset then we would love to hear from you.

In this role, we will provide you with the tools, experience and confidence to build a career in front line operations, learning our business and with opportunities to develop into a future leader or professional in the port agency and marine services industry. Whilst our core working hours are Monday to Friday, shipping is a 24-7 industry, and you will participate in a shared out of hours on-call service and there will be regular travel to ports expected.

Hours: Standard working week (9am – 5pm) but with evening, weekend and public holiday on call coverage on a rotational basis

Contract: Permanent (Full Time)

Location: Pembroke Dock, UK (Hybrid)

In line with company policy, Inchcape does not provide visa sponsorship for candidates and cannot consider applicants who will require this now or in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure outstanding port agency services are rendered to all our customers (ship owners, operators, charterers, ship managers, traders and brokers).
• Board vessels as/when business needs dictate.
• Prepare proforma (estimated) port and husbandry costs and request pre-funding from customers as required.
• Manage the booking of port services (pilots, tugs, lines etc) and the pre-arrival documentation process between vessel, port/terminal and government authorities.
• Keep customer and all stakeholders updated with berthing and sailing prospects and provide real time progress reports when vessels are in port and working cargo.
• Prepare cargo and customs documentation as required.
• Coordinate husbandry services for vessels, including but not limited to crew changes (arranging hotels and transfers), technicians and ship visitors, spare parts delivery and customs clearance, provisions procurement, Cash to Master deliveries, fuel bunkers, fresh water and the off-load of garbage.
• Maintain up-to-date records of port, terminal and berth information, restrictions and tariffs.

Candidate Requirements:

• Driven and ambitious to further a career in the maritime sector in an operations role.
• Prior port agency experience or a background or education in the maritime, shipping or logistics field is desirable.
• Experience of working in a customer service facing role.
• Have strong communication and leadership capacities with a hands-on attitude.
• Ability to prioritise workload to meet strict timelines calmly.
• Excellent time management skills; multi-tasking in a fast-paced pressured environment.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without needing employer sponsorship.
• Full UK Driving License.
• Willing to participate in the out-of-office hours (evening, weekends and public holidays) roster with a duty phone on a rotational basis.
• Prepared to travel to ports across the region which fall under the port office jurisdiction.

You will receive:

• A competitive salary including monthly inconvenience payment for out of hours work.
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Discounted cinema tickets.
• Life assurance cover.
• Remote GP and second medical opinion service which gives you, and your family members that live in the same household, timely access to medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Contributory company pension scheme.
• Full Employee Assistance Programme including access to care support covering work, family, relationships, money and health.
• Career development and progression opportunities, including travel to other Inchcape port locations across the UK.
• Financial support to complete CIC Shipping qualifications.

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 to build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry. Our values are at the centre of everything we do, and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these: 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.

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.

Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending on 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.