Ships Operator

Ships Operator/ Ships Agency Operator/ Boarding Agent – Do you have experience as a Ships Agency Operator/ Boarding Agent or in a similar role within the shipping industry? Are you looking for a new challenge and would you like to join a fantastic global port agency?

If so, we are looking for a Ships Operator to join us full-time on a permanent basis based in Billingham, near Stockton-on-Tees.

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, near Stockton-on-Tees. If you are successful for this role you will be required to prove your right to work in the UK.

About you:

As our ideal Ships Agency Operator/Boarding Agent you should possess experience in a similar position within the shipping industry, preferably with qualifications in maritime studies or logistics. You will be well-versed in international shipping regulations and customs requirements, demonstrating strong verbal and written communication skills. A customer-oriented approach is essential for building and maintaining positive relationships with our clients and stakeholders. Proficiency in IT, particularly MS Word, Excel, and Outlook, is required for accurate record-keeping. It is essential you are confident in handling unexpected challenges, adaptable to changing circumstances, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously while thriving in diverse team environments.

You will have the flexibility to work outside office hours and travel within the UK is necessary, with prior agreement, to different ports as part of this role, so a valid driving license is a must. Your core hours will be working Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm in the office in Billingham, with an out-of-hours rota that includes evenings, weekends and bank holidays (paid overtime). Although this role is mainly office based you will be working from home when operating out of office hours.

We would love to hear why you feel you are the best candidate for this Ships Agency Operator/Boarding Agent role, and what skills/ experience you can bring to VertomCory. 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.

If you require any reasonable adjustments, such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

Additional keywords: 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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