Job Purpose
The Assistant Manager, Space Management is responsible for optimising vessel capacity and space utilisation across assigned services and trade lanes. The role will manage vessel space allocation, booking utilisation, forecast demand and coordinate closely with Commercial, Operations, Documentation and overseas offices to maximise vessel utilisation and revenue.
Responsibilities
1. Vessel Space Planning & Allocation
- Monitor vessel capacity and available space across assigned services and voyages.
- Prepare and maintain weekly/rolling space forecasts and allocation plans.
- Allocate vessel space among customers, trade lanes, origins/destinations and services based on demand and commercial priorities.
- Monitor vessel utilisation and identify potential overbooking or under-utilisation.
- Coordinate with overseas offices and regional teams on space allocation and adjustments.
2. Booking & Capacity Management
- Monitor booking levels against available vessel capacity.
- Review booking forecasts and identify potential shortage or surplus of space.
- Work with Commercial teams to manage booking acceptance and allocation.
- Monitor high-demand voyages and recommend appropriate booking controls or allocation adjustments.
- Ensure space commitments are aligned with vessel capacity and operational constraints.
3. Vessel Utilisation & Performance
- Track TEU utilisation, weight utilisation and space utilisation by vessel, voyage, service and trade lane.
- Analyse vessel performance and identify opportunities to improve utilisation.
- Monitor no-show, cancellation and rolled-booking trends.
- Prepare regular space utilisation and performance reports for management.
4. Trade & Network Coordination
- Work closely with Trade Management, Commercial, Operations and Customer Service teams to align space planning with business requirements.
- Coordinate space requirements for different trade lanes.
- Support the implementation of changes to vessel schedules, port rotations and service structures.
- Coordinate with feeder operators and connecting services where applicable.
5. Commercial Support
- Support Commercial teams by providing space availability, allocation and booking forecasts.
- Assist in evaluating customer and trade-lane space requirements.
- Provide analysis to support decisions on prioritising higher-yield or strategically important cargo.
- Monitor the relationship between vessel utilisation, cargo volume and freight revenue.
6. Operational Coordination
- Liaise with vessel operations, terminals, documentation and overseas offices to ensure space plans are operationally achievable.
- Monitor operational restrictions such as port omissions, vessel delays, weight limitations, equipment shortages and terminal constraints.
- Make timely adjustments to space allocation in response to operational changes.
- Assist in managing exceptional or urgent space requests.
7. Data Analysis & Reporting
- Prepare weekly and monthly reports and analyse trends and provide recommendations to management.
- Maintain accurate space management data and forecasts.
8. Process Improvement
- Identify opportunities to improve space utilisation, booking processes and allocation procedures.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for space management.
- Support improvements to shipping systems and reporting tools.
- Promote better coordination between Commercial and Operations teams.
9. Team Support& Coordination
- Provide guidance and support to team members.
- Coordinate daily space management activities and ensure timely execution.
- Act as a key contact point between Singapore HQ, overseas offices and relevant operational teams.
- Perform tasks as assigned by management
Requirements
- Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Business, Supply Chain Management or related discipline with minimum 4-5 years of relevant experience in space management, trade management, vessel planning or capacity management within the container shipping/liner industry.
- Experience in vessel space planning, allocation and utilisation analysis.
- Good understanding of TEU capacity, weight restrictions, vessel stowage limitations and port rotations.
- Strong coordination and analytical skills with good proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Good command of English and strong communication skills.
