Ships Agency Operator

Ships Agency Operator - Are you experienced in Shipping Agency? Are you looking for a new challenge and passionate about maritime operations? Would you like to join a fantastic global port agency?

If so, we are looking for a Ships Agency Operator to join us full-time on a permanent basis based in Billingham, County Durham.

Why VertomCory?

We are a global port agency with diverse local knowledge and expertise that matches the demands of today’s shipping industry. VertomCory was established in 2021, when two leading agencies: Vertom (est. 1974) and Cory Brothers (est. 1842), joined forces after a decade of fruitful cooperation.

Fantastic company benefits include:

• Competitive Salary: depending on experience - salary package will include car and fuel allowance, plus overtime.
• Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing after years service.
• Pension: company pension scheme available.
• Employee extras such as: Cycle to work scheme, Electric Vehicle scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Bonus Payment, Hybrid working, Life Assurance.

About the role:

You will be responsible for coordinating and facilitating port operations for shipping companies which includes liaising with ship captains, port authorities and clients to ensure smooth vessel arrivals and departures and handling appropriate documentation, customs clearance, acting as a main point of contact and liaising with relevant parties.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Coordinate and maintain vessel arrivals and departures, ensuring timely berthing and departure procedures.
• Communicate with ship captains, port authorities, and clients to facilitate smooth operations.
• Manage documentation, including bills of lading, customs declarations, and other relevant paperwork.
• Ensure compliance with port regulations, international shipping laws, and safety standards.
• Provide support in resolving operational challenges and unforeseen issues that may arise.
• Monitor and update clients on vessel schedules, delays, and any operational changes.
• Collaborate with customs officials, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to streamline processes.
• Follow Company procedures in accordance with the Port Agency Manual and Departmental Working Instructions.
• Provide out of hours office cover on a rota basis (boarding and phone duties) to include bank holidays, weekends and nigh working.

This role is based in Billingham, County Durham. If you are successful for this role you will be required to prove your right to work in the UK.

This role is mainly office based but you will be working from home when operating out of office hours (on a rota basis). You will be required to travel to different ports as part of this role. Your core hours will be working Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, with an out of hours rota that includes evening, weekends and bank holidays (paid overtime).

About you:

• You will have experience as a Ships Agency Operator and/or in a similar role within the shipping industry, ideally with qualification in maritime studies, logistics or a related field
• Familiarity of international shipping regulations and customs requirements
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• You will need a customer-oriented approach with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with clients and stakeholders.
• IT literacy including knowledge of MS Word/Excel/Outlook, with ability to maintaining accurate manual and electronic records and filing systems.
• You will have to be completely flexible to work outside office hours and able to travel in the UK - driving licence is essential.
• Confident to handle unexpected challenges, with ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle tasks simultaneously.
• A collaborative mindset and able to thrive in diverse teams

We would love to hear why you are motivated to apply and how do your skills/experience make you suitable for this role? Please do let us know along with forwarding an up-to-date CV as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you. 

No recruitment agencies, please

Please check your email inbox and spam / junk mail folder for any email correspondence for this role.

Additional keywords: customer service, shipping agent, shipping operator, logistics, shipping, cargo, customer service advisor, shipping coordinator, ships agency, marine operations, maritime services, vessel operations, port operations, port agency, marine logistics, vessel agency, shipping documentation, port representative

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