General Manager (Ship Agency)

We are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the overall operations and commercial activities of a ship agency business. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing vessel agency operations, developing client relationships, driving business growth, and ensuring high standards of service delivery across port calls.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day ship agency operations, ensuring efficient coordination of vessel calls and port services.
• Manage relationships with shipowners, ship managers, charterers, masters, port authorities, terminals, and other maritime stakeholders.
• Oversee vessel husbandry, crew changes, documentation, immigration, customs, launch services, and other port-related requirements.
• Ensure vessels receive timely and reliable support from pre-arrival planning through to departure.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to grow the agency business and achieve revenue and profitability targets.
• Identify new business opportunities and build long-term relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Review and negotiate agency agreements, service contracts, tariffs, and commercial arrangements.
• Monitor operational costs, budgets, profitability, and overall financial performance.
• Lead, develop, and manage the agency team, ensuring strong operational performance and customer service standards.
• Ensure compliance with applicable maritime, port, customs, immigration, safety, and company requirements.
• Manage customer escalations and resolve operational issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Monitor service quality and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare regular operational and commercial reports for management.

Requirements

• Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Logistics, Shipping, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in ship agency, port operations, ship management, or maritime services, with experience in a managerial capacity.
• Strong knowledge of Singapore port operations and ship agency processes.
• Established network and relationships with shipowners, ship managers, charterers, port stakeholders, and maritime service providers is advantageous.
• Proven experience in business development, client management, and commercial negotiations.
• Strong understanding of vessel husbandry, port documentation, crew matters, customs, and operational coordination.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience managing budgets and business performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple vessel operations and respond effectively to time-sensitive operational requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant shipping/agency management systems.
• Willingness to be contactable outside standard office hours when required due to the operational nature of ship agency services.