Operations Manager- Shipping

Operations Manager – Rosslare Port

A high‑impact leadership role at one of Ireland’s most strategically important maritime gateways.

We are partnering with a leading logistics and maritime services provider to recruit an experienced Operations Manager for Rosslare Port. This is an exceptional opportunity for a hands‑on operational leader who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and wants to play a pivotal role in the smooth, efficient running of a busy port.

You will oversee all day‑to‑day operations, lead a large workforce, and act as a key liaison for major shipping lines, freight operators, and port authorities. This role offers significant influence, visibility, and long‑term career progression.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee all daily operational activities across in Rosslare Port.
• Lead vessel discharge and loading operations to ensure efficient turnaround times.
• Manage container handling from vessel to quay and onward transport.
• Coordinate lashing and unlashing operations in line with stowage plans and operational procedures.
• Develop operational plans that meet customer service, productivity, and throughput targets.
• Ensure labour, equipment, and resources are effectively allocated to meet demand.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop supervisors, team leaders, lashers, and operational staff.
• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with employees, customers, shipping lines, contractors, and port authorities.

Customer & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary operational contact for shipping lines, freight operators, and port stakeholders.
• Ensure service levels and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Participate in operational meetings with vessel operators, agents, and port authorities.
• Resolve operational issues quickly, professionally, and with a customer‑focused approach.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets and drive cost‑control initiatives.
• Monitor labour productivity and equipment utilisation.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost reduction.
• Support commercial growth initiatives and customer retention strategies.

Skills & Experience-Essential

• Minimum 5 years’ management experience in logistics, ports, shipping, transport, warehousing, or similar operations.
• Strong understanding of container handling and logistics processes.
• Proven experience managing large operational teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and people‑management capability.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
• Full clean driving licence.
• An existing right to work in Ireland

Desirable

• Experience within port, maritime, stevedoring, terminal, or vessel operations.
• Knowledge of container lashing and securing procedures.
• Experience working with shipping lines and port authorities.
• Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement qualifications.
• IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent H&S certification.
• CPC or logistics‑related qualification.

Who You Are

• A confident, hands‑on operational leader with strong decision‑making capability.
• Calm, composed, and effective under pressure.
• An excellent communicator who builds strong relationships at all levels.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Results‑driven with a passion for operational excellence and customer service.
• Flexible and willing to support operations outside standard working hours when required.

If you are an experienced operational leader seeking a role where you can make a tangible impact, this position offers the ideal blend of challenge, responsibility, and long‑term career progression