Terminal Vessel & Operations Planner

Help keep New Zealand's largest port moving

Port of Tauranga is New Zealand's leading freight gateway, connecting exporters and importers with global markets. As a Terminal Vessel & Operations Planner, you'll play a critical role in coordinating vessel operations, cargo movements, labour, equipment and terminal resources to ensure our container terminal operates safely, efficiently and productively.

About the Role

This is a 24/7 shift-based role, operating on a rotating roster six days on, four days off.  It’s a key operational planning role at the heart of our container terminal operations where you’ll be responsible for planning vessel loading and discharge activities, managing yard plans, and coordinating terminal resources to ensure the safe and efficient movement of cargo. The role also involves coordinating a team of Straddle Carrier Operators, balancing competing operational demands, and ensuring resources are deployed effectively to maintain productivity and deliver reliable vessel turnaround times.

Working closely with shipping lines, vessel operators, stevedoring teams, crane supervisors, service providers and internal operational teams, you'll help optimise vessel and cargo turnaround times while maintaining the highest standards of safety and service delivery.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Planning vessel loading and discharge sequences to maximise terminal productivity
• Container Yard planning
• Coordinating labour, cranes and equipment resources to support cargo operations
• Managing vessel schedules and berth planning information
• Ensuring accurate cargo planning and documentation within the Terminal Operating System (TOS)
• Coordinating specialised cargo movements including reefer, hazardous and oversized cargo
• Maintaining effective communication with customers, shipping lines and operational stakeholders
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives and operational projects
• Generating operational reports, statistics and performance information

What You'll Bring

We're interested in hearing from people preferably with Maritime or Port experience who thrive in operational environments where planning, coordination and problem-solving are critical to success. Ideally, you'll bring:

• Experience in port operations, logistics, shipping, transport, supply chain or another complex operational environment
• Planning, scheduling or operational coordination experience
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make sound decisions under pressure
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
• Confidence working with technology and operational systems, including Microsoft Excel
• A continuous improvement mindset and commitment to operational excellence

Why Join Us?

At Port of Tauranga, you'll be joining a business that plays a vital role in New Zealand's supply chain and economy. Every day brings new challenges, opportunities and the chance to contribute to the success of one of the world's most efficient container terminals.

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to influence the performance of New Zealand's largest port.
• Competitive remuneration and benefits.
• Exposure to complex, large-scale operational planning.
• A collaborative team environment focused on safety, innovation and continuous improvement.

If you're looking for a role where your planning and coordination skills directly influence operational performance and vessel productivity, we'd love to hear from you.

Applications close Sunday 1 November