Head - Port Operations

Job Summary

Position: Head - Port Operations

Location: Gandhidham

Experience: 15 - 20 Years

Industries: Shipping/Marine

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Bulk/Break-Bulk Operations Management
• Oversee vessel planning, berthing, discharge/loading, stacking, and evacuation of bulk / break-bulk cargo (Steel, Coal, Minerals, Fertilizers, etc.).
• Ensure efficient coordination between marine, yard, and dispatch operations.
• Monitor and improve vessel turnaround time (TAT) and demurrage/dispatch performance.
• Stakeholder Management
• Manage relationships with shipping lines, stevedores, logistics partners, and government authorities.
• Act as the primary point of contact for key clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and service delivery.
• Regulatory Government Interface
• Liaise with Customs, Port authorities, Pollution Control Board, Railway authorities, etc.
• Ensure compliance with statutory norms applicable to ports like Deendayal Port and private terminals at Mundra Port.
• Cost Control Commercial Focus
• Monitor cost per MT handled and drive cost optimization initiatives.
• Reduce demurrage costs, equipment downtime, overtime and manpower inefficiencies; align operations with budget targets and profitability goals.
• Safety, Environment Compliance
• Enforce strict adherence to HSE policies, dust suppression systems, hazardous cargo handling norms.
• Drive "Zero Harm" culture and ensure audit readiness at all times.
• Stakeholder Client Management
• Interface with shipping lines, charterers, importers (Power, Cement, Steel companies)
• Ensure service reliability and high customer satisfaction.
• Team Leadership
• Lead cross-functional teams (marine, operations, maintenance, logistics).
• Optimize manpower deployment in line with volume and shift requirements.
• Develop second-line leadership and succession planning.

Required Skills

• Good communication, coordination, leadership interpersonal skills.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills
• Operational excellence and problem-solving ability
• Stakeholder and negotiation skills
• Financial acumen
• Knowledge of safety and compliance standards
• Proficiency in port management systems and digital tools

Required Qualification: Any Graduation

Key Skills

• Safety
• Environment & Compliance
• Operations Head