Assistant Head of Port Operations at Express Shipping and Logistics (EA) Limited

Express Shipping and Logistics (EA) Limited is seeking an experienced Assistant Head of Port Operations to support the efficient, safe, and cost-effective management of port operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Port Operations to coordinate vessel activities, cargo handling, terminal productivity, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance while ensuring excellent customer service.

This is an excellent opportunity for a maritime professional with strong operational leadership, stakeholder management, and business development skills to contribute to one of East Africa’s leading shipping and logistics companies.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising daily port operations, including vessel berthing, cargo loading, unloading, and storage.

  

• Monitor terminal productivity, vessel turnaround time, and equipment utilization to achieve operational KPIs.

• Ensure compliance with port procedures, HSSE standards, maritime regulations, and statutory requirements.

  

• Coordinate pre-arrival planning, including PDAs, port dues, stevedoring arrangements, vessel budgets, and stakeholder readiness.

• Support inward and outward vessel clearance, draft surveys, berth monitoring, and delivery of clearance documents.

  

• Supervise cargo discharge operations, prepare Statements of Facts, minimize cargo disputes, and ensure efficient vessel turnaround.

• Coordinate crew changes, immigration documentation, ship spares, emergency response, and other vessel support services.

  

• Organize post-voyage operational reviews and prepare accurate operational, draft survey, and berth waiting reports.

• Drive sales of ancillary services, including ship chandelling, bunkering, waste management, and ship husbandry.

• Build strong relationships with principals, vessel owners, shipping agents, and other clients to support commercial growth.

• Supervise port operations staff, contractors, and stevedores while managing shift schedules and performance.

• Prepare management reports, presentations, and operational performance data.

• Liaise with customs, government authorities, terminals, and shipping lines to ensure seamless operations.

• Resolve client queries promptly while maintaining high service delivery standards.

• Support budget monitoring, supplier performance evaluation, and continuous operational improvement initiatives.

• Ensure compliance with ISO standards, Quality Management Systems, and company procedures.

• Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Logistics, Maritime, Business Administration, or a related field.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in port or terminal operations.

• At least 2 years of supervisory experience in maritime operations.

• Strong knowledge of port operations, cargo handling, and maritime regulations.

• Proven leadership and team management experience.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.

• Commercial acumen with cross-selling and business development capabilities.

• Knowledge of QMS, ISO standards, and supplier management.

• Customer-focused with proficiency in Microsoft Office and port management systems.

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official online application form.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY: Online Application Form 

The deadline for applications is 29 August 2026.