Overview:
The Operations Specialist – Breakbulk is responsible for the effective planning, coordination and execution of bulk and breakbulk vessel operations, with particular focus on vessel loading and discharge activities. The role coordinates closely with vessels, agents, terminal operations, stevedores, transporters, warehouses, customers and internal stakeholders to ensure cargo is handled safely, efficiently and in accordance with agreed operational requirements, SOPs and service levels.
The position also provides operational support to key customers, monitors performance, resolves operational issues and identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, service delivery and profitability.
KPI, Detailed Outputs and Responsibilities
Vessel & Breakbulk Operations
- Coordinate and oversee bulk and breakbulk vessel loading and discharge operations.
- Plan and coordinate vessel operations with vessel agents, terminal operations, stevedores, customers and other stakeholders.
- Ensure vessel loading and discharge plans, cargo sequences, operational instructions and requirements are clearly understood, communicated and executed.
- Monitor vessel operations against planned rates, cargo volumes, productivity targets and schedules.
- Monitor cargo movements from vessel through to warehouse, truck or final destination, maintaining visibility throughout the supply chain.
- Identify and resolve operational delays, bottlenecks, cargo discrepancies and other exceptions promptly.
- Ensure cargo is handled, stored and dispatched in accordance with agreed SOPs, scopes of work and customer requirements.
- Ensure accurate recording, reconciliation and reporting of cargo received, discharged, loaded and dispatched.
- Monitor vessel turnaround times and operational performance, escalating risks or deviations proactively.
- Coordinate with stevedores and terminal personnel regarding labour, equipment, cargo sequences and operational constraints.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Act as an operational point of contact for assigned key customers.
- Maintain strong working relationships with customers, shipping lines, vessel agents, terminals, stevedores, transporters, warehouses and service providers.
- Provide regular and accurate operational updates and reporting to customers and relevant stakeholders.
- Investigate and resolve operational queries, discrepancies and service issues promptly.
- Ensure customer instructions are clearly communicated to operational parties and executed correctly.
- Participate in customer performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Planning & Operational Control
- Coordinate resources, equipment, labour, transport and warehouse capacity required for vessel operations.
- Ensure all operational parties are aligned before and during vessel operations, including readiness of cargo, equipment, labour and receiving facilities.
- Monitor daily progress against agreed operational plans, vessel schedules and KPIs.
- Escalate operational risks, delays, constraints and potential cost exposures proactively.
- Ensure relevant SOPs, scopes of work, work instructions and operational procedures are maintained, understood and adhered to.
- Coordinate cargo flow and prioritisation to minimise delays, standing time and unnecessary handling.
Commercial & Cost Management
- Monitor operational costs including overtime, demurrage, detention, standing time, equipment costs and other operational charges where applicable.
- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce avoidable costs and improve vessel turnaround.
- Ensure agreed rates, scopes of work and commercial arrangements are understood and adhered to during execution.
- Assist with identifying new breakbulk opportunities, operational solutions and value-added services for customers.
- Support accurate invoicing and ensure all recoverable operational costs and services are captured and supported by appropriate documentation.
Reporting & Administration
- Maintain accurate operational records, cargo reconciliations, vessel records and supporting documentation.
- Prepare daily, weekly and vessel-specific operational reports as required.
- Monitor vessel performance, cargo volumes, productivity and operational KPIs.
- Ensure operational files, loading/discharge documentation, cargo records and supporting documentation are complete and up to date.
- Assist with debtor and creditor queries relating to operational activities and provide supporting information where required.
- Ensure operational transactions and records are captured accurately in applicable company systems.
Team & Service Delivery
- Provide operational guidance and support to colleagues and operational service providers.
- Coordinate internal teams and external service providers to ensure efficient and consistent execution of vessel and cargo operations.
- Drive adherence to SOPs, safety requirements, customer KPIs and company procedures.
- Promote a proactive, customer-focused and performance-driven operating environment.
- Assist with training and knowledge sharing with staff where required.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving safety, productivity, service quality and profitability.
General
- Must be able to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends or overtime when vessel operations require it.
- Travel will be required when operational or customer requirements dictate.
- Perform any other reasonable duties and responsibilities as requested by management.
Qualifications & Experience
- Matric (Grade 12)
- Degree/Diploma in Freight Forwarding, Logistics, Supply Chain, Shipping or related field
- General knowledge of Customs procedures and import/export processes
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in freight forwarding, shipping, logistics or terminal operations
- Minimum 5 years’ operational experience, preferably within imports/exports in Africa
- Experience in bulk and/or breakbulk vessel operations
- Experience in Minerals / Metals / Mining / Project Cargo is advantageous
- Strong geographical knowledge
- Knowledge of vessel, port, terminal, cargo handling and inland logistics operations
Skills Required
- High level of computer literacy in MS Office Suite.
- Excellent verbal and written communication.
- Strong operational planning, coordination and organisational skills.
- High level of numeracy and financial understanding.
- Excellent stakeholder and customer relationship skills.
- Strong understanding of vessel, port, terminal and cargo handling operations.
- Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate operational records.
- Proactive, organised and performance-driven approach.
Join Steinweg to ensure our services exceed client expectations. Apply now to become part of our dynamic team!
Interested?
Please send your CV to recruitment@za.steinweg.com