Operations Manager ( shipping ) - Wexford

Purcell O'Leary Recruitment are recruiting for the role of Operations Manager ( shipping ) based at Rosslare Port.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with logistics, ports, shipping, transport, warehousing, or related operations.

Key Responsibilities for the Operations Manager ( shipping ) Operational Leadership

• Manage all day-to-day operational activities across Rosslare Port operations.
• Lead vessel discharge and loading activities, ensuring efficient turnaround times.
• Oversee container handling operations from vessel to quay and onward transportation.
• Manage and coordinate lashing and unlashing operations, ensuring compliance with vessel stowage plans and safety procedures.
• Develop operational plans to meet customer service and productivity targets.
• Ensure adequate labour, equipment, and resources are available to meet operational requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the operation.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, port regulations, maritime requirements, and company policies.
• Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, safety audits, and incident investigations.
• Ensure all personnel are trained and certified for operational tasks.
• Maintain compliance with ISO standards and customer-specific requirements where applicable.

Team Leadership

• Lead, motivate, and develop supervisors, team leaders, lashers, and operational staff.
• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
• 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, customers, and port stakeholders.
• Ensure service level agreements and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
• Participate in operational meetings with vessel operators, agents, and port authorities.
• Resolve operational issues quickly and professionally.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Manage operational budgets and 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.

Performance Management

• Establish and monitor key operational KPIs including:
  • Vessel turnaround times
  • Container handling productivity
  • Lashing productivity
  • Labour utilisation
  • Health & Safety performance
  • Customer service metrics
  • Equipment availability
• Produce regular operational and management reports.
• Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance operational performance.

Skills & Experience Essential

• Minimum 5 years' management experience in logistics, ports, shipping, transport, warehousing, or related operations.
• Strong understanding of container handling and logistics operations.
• Experience managing large operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
• Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
• Full clean driving licence.

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 Health & Safety qualification.
• CPC qualification or logistics-related certification.

Personal Attributes

• Strong operational leader with a hands-on management style.
• Calm and effective under pressure.
• Excellent communicator and relationship builder.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented.
• Results-driven with a focus on customer service and operational excellence.
• Flexible and willing to support operations outside normal working hours when required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTIs)
• Vessel turnaround performance
• Container throughput targets achieved
• Lashing productivity targets achieved
• Labour cost management
• Customer satisfaction levels
• Compliance audit results
• Employee engagement and retention