Shipper-Owned Container (SOC) Manager

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Shipper-Owned Container (SOC) Manager to join our newly established SOC Operations Department in Malaysia.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the day-to-day SOC operation in Malaysia and supporting the establishment and development of the local SOC operational network.

The role will cover SOC slot coordination, feeder operator coordination, empty container management, depot and trucking arrangements, agency and service-provider coordination, documentation, compliance, and operational performance.

This is a hands-on management position suited to an experienced professional with a strong background in SOC/NVOCC, feeder operations, shipping lines, freight forwarding, or container logistics.

The successful candidate will work closely with local management and the SOC Product Team in Singapore to establish operational processes, develop the local service network, and support the growth of the SOC business in Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities

1. SOC Operations & Team Management

• Manage and coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Malaysia SOC business.
• Support management in establishing and implementing SOC operational processes, SOPs, and working procedures.
• Supervise, guide, and coordinate the SOC Operations team.
• Allocate work and monitor team performance to ensure daily operational requirements are met.
• Work with management to establish operational objectives and KPIs.
• Monitor operational issues and ensure timely follow-up and resolution.
• Act as the first point of contact for day-to-day SOC operational matters.
• Coordinate closely with local management and the Singapore SOC Product Team on operational requirements.

2. SOC Slot & Feeder Coordination

• Coordinate SOC slot and space requirements with feeder operators.
• Maintain good working relationships with feeder operators and shipping partners.
• Assist in negotiating and reviewing feeder slot rates, allocations, terms, and operating conditions.
• Monitor vessel schedules, slot availability, utilisation, and allocations.
• Obtain and compare feeder rates to support competitive pricing and operational decisions.
• Monitor feeder performance and follow up on operational issues.
• Identify opportunities to improve slot utilisation and operational efficiency.

3. Empty Container, Depot & Trucking Management

• Coordinate SOC empty container requirements and movements.
• Source and coordinate suitable container depot arrangements for empty container storage, maintenance, and repair (M&R).
• Coordinate with trucking/haulier providers for SOC container movements.
• Maintain a reliable network of suitable depot and trucking service providers.
• Monitor depot and trucking costs and service performance.
• Coordinate container positioning and repositioning activities.
• Resolve day-to-day operational issues involving depots and hauliers.
• Ensure sufficient depot and trucking arrangements are available to support operational requirements.

4. Agency & Service Provider Coordination

• Identify and evaluate suitable local and overseas agents, depots, hauliers, and other service providers.
• Coordinate with agents, principals, feeder operators, depots, hauliers, and other business partners.
• Assist management in reviewing service arrangements and commercial terms.
• Monitor service performance and ensure agreed operational requirements are met.
• Escalate significant operational or commercial issues to management when required.

5. Documentation & Compliance

• Oversee SOC-related shipping and operational documentation to ensure accuracy and timely submission.
• Ensure SOC operations follow applicable Malaysian shipping, customs, port, and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with ports, customs, agents, shipping partners, and other relevant parties where required.
• Monitor operational exceptions and documentation issues.
• Follow up on corrective actions to minimise operational and commercial risks.

6. Commercial & Operational Support

• Monitor the operational costs and performance of the Malaysia SOC operation.
• Assist in preparing SOC-related quotations and pricing by providing relevant feeder, depot, trucking, and other operational costs.
• Review feeder rates, depot charges, trucking costs, and other operational expenses.
• Monitor slot utilisation, operating costs, revenue, and margins.
• Provide operational and market feedback to local management and the Singapore SOC Product Team.
• Prepare regular operational reports and updates for management.
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, service quality, and cost effectiveness.

7. Business Development & Process Improvement

• Support the establishment and development of the Malaysia SOC operation.
• Assist in developing the local network of feeder operators, depots, hauliers, agents, and other service providers.
• Support management in evaluating new routes, services, and operational opportunities.
• Assist in developing and improving SOC SOPs and working procedures.
• Work closely with the Singapore SOC Product Team to implement operational processes and best practices.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve SOC operations and service standards.
• Perform other relevant duties and projects assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Logistics, Maritime Studies, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in SOC, NVOCC, feeder operations, shipping lines, freight forwarding, or container logistics.
• Candidates with strong relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of the academic requirement.
• Experience in a supervisory, senior executive, or managerial role within shipping, freight forwarding, NVOCC, or container logistics will be an advantage.
• Strong practical knowledge of SOC operations, feeder services, vessel schedules, and container movements.
• Experience in feeder slot/space coordination, rate comparison, quotations, or commercial arrangements.
• Practical experience in empty container management, depot operations, and trucking/haulier coordination.
• Good understanding of Port Klang operations, Malaysian customs procedures, port requirements, and shipping practices.
• Experience coordinating with feeder operators, depots, hauliers, agents, principals, and other service providers.
• Good commercial awareness and ability to understand operational costs, rates, and margins.
• Experience in setting up or developing a new operations function will be an advantage.
• Strong problem-solving, coordination, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Good leadership and team management skills with a hands-on approach.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and shipping/logistics systems.
• Good command of English and Bahasa Malaysia.
• Mandarin language skills will be an advantage.
• Willing to be based in Port Klang and actively involved in day-to-day SOC operations.