UK - Port Agent

Who We Are:

At Inchcape Shipping Services, our vision is to create a connected world where customers can trade successfully and make informed decisions in every port, everywhere. We achieve this by combining our worldwide infrastructure with local expertise, through our global network of more than 250 proprietary offices and a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals. Our diverse customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container, and bulk commodity sectors, as well as naval, government, and intergovernmental organisations.

Role Summary:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Agency Operator (Port Agent) in our Regional Operations Centre (ROC).

The ROC provides a centralised support function to the wider Inchcape UK port agency operation with two specific business functions:

• Crew Logistics Services - coordinating crew changes and husbandry arrangements across UK ports from Scotland in the north to Falmouth in the south-west and everywhere in between.


• Port Agency Support - remote coordination of full port agency jobs across the Mersey and Bristol Channel regions. You will remotely coordinate full commercial port calls dealing with varied operations from tankers and car carriers to cruise and container ships, plus handle customs work and documentation.
  

Whilst our core working hours are Monday to Friday, shipping is a 24-7 industry, and you will participate in a shared, rotational out of hours on-call service in the evenings and on weekends and bank holidays.

This is a unique position where you will coordinate operations and build key relationships and knowledge of a number of UK ports rather than being limited to just one!

Hours: Standard working week but with evening, weekend and public holiday on call coverage on a rotational basis
Contract: Permanent full time
Location: Grangemouth, UK  

In line with company policy, Inchcape does not provide visa sponsorship for candidates and cannot consider applicants who will require this now or in the future. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Ensure outstanding port agency services are rendered to all our customers (ship owners, operators, charterers, ship managers, traders and brokers) ensuring operational and financial KPI’s are met or exceeded.


• Prepare proforma (estimated) costs, request pre-funding from customers, enter costs into our internal Inchcape operating and finance system, and validate supplier invoices once received after completion of service.


• Coordinate husbandry services for vessels, including but not limited to crew changes, technicians and ship visitors, spare parts delivery and customs clearance, provisions procurement, Cash to Master deliveries, bunkers, fresh water and the off-load of garbage.


• For full port agency calls, manage the booking of port services (pilots, tugs, lines etc) and the pre-arrival documentation process between vessel, port/terminal and government authorities.


• Keep customers and all stakeholders updated with all planned and ongoing activities, vessel movements and cargo operations, and pro-actively work with all parties to minimise delays and cost impact should there be arising situations as a port calls progress.

Who You Are:

• Driven and ambitious to further a career in the maritime sector in an operations role.


• Prior port agency experience or a background or education in the maritime, shipping or logistics field is desirable.


• Experience of working in a customer service facing role.


• Have strong communication and leadership capacities with a hands-on attitude.


• Ability to prioritise workload to meet strict timelines calmly.


• Excellent time management skills; multi-tasking in a fast-paced pressured environment.


• Eligibility to work in the UK without needing employer sponsorship.


• Full UK Driving License.


• Willing to participate in the out-of-office hours (evening, weekends and public holidays) roster with a duty phone on a rotational basis.


• Willing to travel to ports across the region for familiarisation.

You Will Receive:

• A competitive salary including monthly inconvenience payment for out of hours work


• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays


• Cycle to Work scheme


• Employee discount scheme for retail/travel/leisure


• Discounted cinema tickets


• Life assurance cover


• Remote GP and second medical opinion service which gives you, and your family members that live in the same household, timely access to medical advice 24/7, 365 days a year


• Contributory company pension scheme


• Full Employee Assistance Programme including access to care support covering work, family, relationships, money and health


• Career development and progression opportunities, including travel to other Inchcape port locations across the UK


• Financial support to complete ICS Shipping qualifications


• Values Award celebration events


• Team building days

Plus, much more!

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse and high-performing workforce, that works together to provide our customers with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realise the value of our staff and know that your unique experiences, skills, and passions will help you to build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry.

Our values are at the centre of everything we do, and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these: 

Global Perspective - we connect the world and see the bigger picture.
The Power of People - we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships.
Progress - we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry. 

#WeAreInchcape

Inchcape is an Equal Opportunities Employer - equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a diverse society, we recognise that our customers, colleagues, and contractors are central to our success. 

Additional Information:

Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending upon your geographical location. 

To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.

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