Role Purpose (Why do we need this role?)
To lead Swire Shipping’s pursuit of operational excellence with a focus on delivering a competitively
structured operational infrastructure to deliver on the liner trades’ network proposition.
To lead the line operations team and Vessel Planning teams across Singapore, USA and India regarding
the operational aspects of the network and service delivery commitments with focus on schedule
integrity, capacity utilization, voyage costs, on-time performance and quality assurance objectives.
In accordance with the pursuit “Operational Excellence” and the Swire Shipping Supply Chain
Sustainability Code of Conduct, promote and implement “Zero” harm practices across all stakeholders in
the Swire Shipping network.
Role Accountabilities (What is this role responsible for delivering?)
Network/Service delivery/Cargo Planning
• Network Delivery: Responsibility for delivering the service framework as per the Business Plan with a focus on on-time performance and cargo delivery promises
• Operational Costs: Responsibility for USD 400 Million fixed voyage costs, budgeting and forecasting across South Pacific and North Pacific trades.
• Schedule Management: Continuous focus on meeting and exceeding schedule integrity targets.
• Utilization: Drive continuous improvement in capacity utilization, productivity improvements and deployment of assets with 14 member Planning team in Chennai, India.
• Cargo Handling and Stowage Management: Responsibility for cargo planning and stowage activities and for supporting tools, systems and processes by working closely with the Chennai, India Planning centre.
Strategic projects
• Formulate and implement key operational initiatives and projects including development of fit for purpose network scheduling solution
• Deliver a robust & sustainable operational network that meets the current and future growth needs of the
liner trades
Techno Commercial
• Interface with Fleet / Tonnage Dept/Vessel Performance- Ensure continuous focus on cost efficiency targets, productivity improvements.
• Loss Prevention- Coordinate with Cargo Care/ Haz/Reefer Desk to ensure highest service delivery standards to customers including pre- and post-shipment activity including survey requirements
• Vessel Suitability / Deployment (e.g. Charter tonnage) for loadability.
Network/Partnerships/JWC
• Direct operational participation in Joint working committee and co-ordinate operational aspects of day-to-day partnership management.
• Key Co Ordinator for delivery of service framework as per the Business Plan with a focus on on-time performance and cargo delivery promises incl VSA / SCA services.
• Administering service partner communications including vessel sharing agreements, slot cost calculation, service performance reviews/feedback
• Participate in development of internal and external partnerships that are fit for purpose, sustainable, and promote cost effective and optimized utilization of resources and assets
Business improvement
• Implement a structured business improvement framework that optimises performance of internal resources and assets that promote “Raising the Bar” initiatives across Line Operations. Create a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of operations
Customers
• Development of innovative solutions for key commodities / cargoes that enhance the Liner Trades competitive advantage and add value to customers
• Assist the Commercial teams’ effectiveness in delivering on customer and market goals
• Development of innovative solutions for key commodities / cargoes that enhance the Liner Trades competitive advantage and add value to SSL's top customers.
Cost
• Drive cost efficiency across all services
• Identify efficiency opportunities to reduce operational costs and lower overall cost.
• Pro-active communication with all stakeholders to maintain schedule reliability in the most cost-efficient manner
• Ownership of minimizing port call costs and create opportunities to eliminate avoidable costs.
• Work closely with line, line operations and network teams to effectively manage P&L on all services.
• Ensure the CVP activities are performed timely. Within 48hrs after vessel departure
• Achieve agreed accuracy target of CAR vs Invoice – Minimum 80% and progress to achieve 95% accuracy.
• Provide cost insight to the functional manager and explain all the variances.
People Management
• Lead employees to meet the organisation’s expectations for productivity, quality, and goal accomplishment.
• Provide oversight and direction to the employees in the team in accordance with the organisation's policies and procedures.
• Plan staffing levels and work with Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and employ the right people within budgetary guidelines.
• Coach, mentor and develop staff, including overseeing new employee onboarding and providing career development planning and opportunities.
• Consciously create an engaging workplace culture that emphasizes the identified mission, vision, guiding principles, and values of the organisation.
• Lead employees using a performance management and development process including goal setting, feedback, and performance development planning.
• Empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals. Delegate responsibility, drive accountability and provide regular feedback for continuous improvement.
• Manage and maintain effective employee work schedules including assignments, job rotation, training, vacations, and paid time off, cover for absenteeism, and overtime scheduling.
• Maintain two-way transparent communication. Appropriately communicate organization information through department meetings, one-on-one meetings, and appropriate email, IM, and regular interpersonal communication.
• Deliver key people related activities in conjunction with HR that will lead to the enhanced engagement and retention of team members.
Leadership
• Overall responsibility for leadership of line operational excellence projects, cost budgets, asset management.
• Overall responsibility for leadership and management of the line operations and stowage team.
• Ensuring operational teams are structured, resourced, trained, and equipped to meet the requirements of the business.
Internal and External Relationships
External
• Partner Lines
• Service providers and suppliers
• Ship personnel
• Surveyors and Industry Regulators.
• Customer
Internal
• Performance Manager
• Regional Operations Department
• Line/Trade Management
• Networks
• Overseas regional managers and staff
Crisis Management
• Make every effort to be aware of and understand your role in the event of a crisis.
• Make every effort to attend any relevant training, simulations and or meetings relating to Crisis Management.
• Perform your role as best as possible in a calm and collaborative manner in line with the relevant policy and procedures in the event of a Crisis.
• Provide input and feedback towards the ongoing improvement of the Crisis Management framework and procedure.
Safety
• Ensure that all stowage planning activities conform to international and in-house regulations with respect to:
o Vessel safety and stability requirements
o Cargo loading and securing requirements
o Adherence to IMDG code, DOC, and in-house rules for hazardous cargo loading
o Establish best practices and appropriate KPI’s for the stowage planning team
• Drive safety behaviour across all Ports within the SS Network
• Take responsibility for the safety of myself and those around me by displaying safety leadership
principles (i.e., Safety I’s & Accountability ladder).
• Challenging and stopping unsafe acts and behaviours or unsafe conditions.
• Comply with the Global Safety Standards, Policies and Operating Procedures.
Key Qualifications & Skills (What knowledge will ensure success in the role?)
Qualifications
• Master Mariner with practical hands-on marine experience with at least 10 years of Seafaring and 3-5 years of shore-based senior management experience in shipping-related businesses.
• Prior experience in Liner Operations, vessel planning & networks related interactions are an advantage.
Technical Skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial, technical, legal and regional aspects of shipping operations and management
• Hands-on experience in vessel planning, cargo handling/stowage as well as sea-fastening requirements in terms of best-practice standards
• Proven experience in people management, leadership, and development
• Sound understanding of cost management
• Proven ability to build relationships and teams
• Strong analytical, numeracy and communication skills
• Knowledge of general macro-economic principles and international trade
Professional Skills
• Focuses on results, profitability, and performance
• Leadership: ability to set a vision, and guide and grow people to deliver results
• Customer-centricity: Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers by providing improvements in products and services. Talks and acts with customers in mind. Builds a high level of customer orientation throughout the organisation.
• Ownership and accountability: Take responsibility for individual and team output and results.
• Focused on results, profitability, and performance.
• Collaboration: Work effectively with internal and external stakeholders; seek and provide help to colleagues
• Demonstrates ability to proactively strategize and plan effectively and deliver outcomes in a competitive business environment.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills.
