Line Operations Manager

Role Purpose (Why do we need this role)

The role is responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operational performance of the assigned trade/s with focus on service delivery, schedule integrity, voyage management, cargo space allocation and management, cargo delivery quality standards and voyage cost management.

This role is also responsible for ensuring that the Southeast Asia Operations team provide quality regional operational services focusing on efficiency, cost effectiveness, whilst maintaining high standards for:

1. Support of the Regional Port Operations SEA

2. Trade Operations activities performed in the region

The role also ensures a strong focus on the Swire Shipping Zero Harm safety culture, policies and principles as well as on the Company's mantra of Saving our Customers time by all participants involved in the trade/s operation.

Key Responsibilities: LOM

• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned shipping line(s), ensuring schedule integrity and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with port agents, terminals, and stevedores to optimize turnaround times and minimize delays.
• Monitor vessel performance, fuel consumption, and port productivity.
• Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and company safety standards.
• Collaborate with commercial teams to align operational capabilities with customer requirements.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and improve service reliability.

Key Responsibilities: Support Role for ROM SEA

• Lead and manage operational teams across multiple countries/ports within the region.
• Ensure consistent execution of operational standards, KPIs, and compliance across all locations.
• Develop and implement regional strategies to improve cost efficiency, service quality, and safety.
• Liaise with regional port authorities, vendors, and government agencies.
• Support new service launches, port calls, and infrastructure projects.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with global operations, commercial, and finance teams to align regional goals.

Role Accountabilities (What is this role responsible for delivering)

Service Product

• Service Profile - Shared responsibility (with line management) for the design and development of the service framework and delivery of the product as per the Business Plan.
• On-time Performance - Develop, communicate and drive schedule integrity targets and pursue strategies of continuous improvement. Responsible for the day-to-day schedule management including contingencies, recovery actions and evaluation/execution of ad-hoc port calls.
• Cargo Care - Responsible for cargo carried by the assigned vessels being received as booked, carried safely as promised and delivered on time, in full and in good condition.
• Customer Focus - Development of innovative solutions for key commodities / cargoes that enhance the liner trades competitive advantage and add value to customers. Assist the Commercial teams effectiveness in delivering on customer and market goals.

Operational Excellence

• Assets - In collaboration with the respective functional teams, conduct tonnage evaluation and selection (Network) and ensure that cargo equipment is fit for purpose (Equipment and Planning).
• Operational Costs - Assume ownership of all operational voyage costs and accountability for the efficient performance of all liner voyages with focus on developing strategies for continuous reduction of unit costs.
• Capacity Utilisation - Ensure optimal ship capacity utilisation and allocation of cargo space in line with commercial/trade objectives as well as empty container repositioning needs.
• Port Productivity - In collaboration with port operations and cargo planning teams, drive the development and execution of strategies to minimise port times and port/cargo costs without compromising commercial objectives and commitments.
• Voyage Management - Responsible for the cost-efficient execution of voyages including bunker supply, voyage instructions to Master and communication framework across the network.
• Visibility - Participate in the development of an enhanced information flow and decision-making framework through a 24/7 operations set-up.
• Raising The Bar Initiate and drive the optimisation of operational performance and business improvement for the trades.
• Carrier Partnerships - Assume ownership for the operational relationship with carrier partners to ensure an efficient performance of the joint or shared liner services.

• Strategic Projects Formulate and implement key operational initiatives and projects including - initially - participation in the development and implementation of the Voyage and Schedule System and the Cost and Vendor Platform as well as other digital productivity enhancement tools

People Management

• Lead employees to meet the organisation's expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.
• Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the team in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
• Plan staffing levels and work with Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ the right people within budgetary guidelines.
• Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Consciously create an engaging workplace culture that emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the organisation.
• Lead employees using a performance management and development process including goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning.
• Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility, drive accountability and provide regular feedback for continuous improvement.
• Manage and maintain effective employee work schedules including assignments, job rotation, training, vacations and paid time off, cover for absenteeism, and overtime scheduling.
• Maintain two-way transparent communication. Appropriately communicate organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, IM, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Deliver key people related activities in conjunction with HR that will lead to the enhanced engagement and retention of team members.

Crisis Management

• Make every effort to be aware of and understand your role in the event of a crisis.
• Make every effort to attend any relevant training, simulations and or meetings relating to Crisis Management.
• Perform your role as best as possible in a calm and collaborative manner in line with the relevant policy and procedures in the event of a Crisis.
• Provide input and feedback towards the ongoing improvement of the Crisis Management framework and procedure.

Key Qualifications & Skills (What knowledge will ensure success in the role)

Qualifications

• Practical hands-on marine or landside experience gained in a senior seafaring or shipping operations role and at least 5 years of shore-based senior management experience in shipping-related businesses.

Technical Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial, technical, legal and regional aspects of shipping operations
• Sound understanding of cost management
• Proven ability to build relationships and teams
• Strong analytical, numeracy and communication skills
• Knowledge of general macro economic principles and international trade

Professional Skills

• Focuses on results, profitability and performance.
• Leadership - Ability to set a vision, and guide and grow people to deliver results.
• Customer-Centricity - Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers by providing improvements in products and services. Talks and acts with customers in mind. Builds a high level of customer orientation throughout the organisation.
• Ownership And Accountability - Take responsibility for individual and team output and results. Focused on results, profitability and performance.
• Collaboration - Work effectively with internal and external stakeholders; seek and provide help to colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively strategise and plan effectively and deliver outcomes in a competitive business environment.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills.

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Swire Shipping is committed to ensuring equal equitable access and participation for persons who experience disability. SSL is committed to treating persons with disability in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence. Reasonable adjustments can be made upon request based on understanding of those accommodations.

Across Swire Shipping, we seek to create a supportive and inclusive environment that embraces individuality and recognise the benefits that these differences make. We do this by ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and understanding and actively promote Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying, retaliation, or intimidation of any kind. We are committed to driving the strategy, policies, and accountability to build and sustain a diverse global workforce, through equitable processes and systems where everyone can contribute their very best.