IT Project Manager
Job purpose
The IT Project Manager – Shipping Systems is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end delivery of technology projects across the shipping business. The role focuses on ensuring the successful implementation of shipping operational systems, customer-facing platforms, infrastructure enhancements, and digital transformation initiatives, while maintaining alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, and cybersecurity standards.
Job responsibilities
Project management & delivery
Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of IT projects. Develop and manage project plans, budgets, risk registers, timelines, and stakeholder communications. Facilitate governance forums, steering committee meetings, and project reporting. Manage vendor relationships, contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and third-party delivery partners. Coordinate project execution across internal technology teams and external solution providers.
Systems development & technical oversight
Provide technical leadership for the development, integration, customization, and enhancement of shipping management systems. Review technical specifications, solution architectures, API integrations, and development deliverables. Support solution design activities and provide hands-on technical input where required. Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.
AI & digital transformation
Lead automation, AI, and data integration initiatives across shipping, bunkering, HR, and finance functions. Drive digital transformation programs that improve operational efficiency and business performance. Manage change management activities, user adoption, training, and stakeholder engagement.
Infrastructure, security & business continuity
Oversee system resilience, cybersecurity, user access management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity initiatives. Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), deployment planning, and production cutover activities. Lead infrastructure improvement projects across multiple locations, including remote and low-connectivity environments. Drive the implementation of secure enterprise services and group-wide technology infrastructure initiatives.
Candidate requirements
Essential qualifications & experience
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline. PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification preferred. Demonstrated experience managing complex IT projects from initiation through delivery. Minimum 3 years of hands-on software development experience with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams and review technical outputs. Minimum 3 years of direct experience within the shipping or maritime industry. Applications without shipping industry experience will not be considered.
Strong knowledge of shipping operational systems, including:
- Vessel scheduling
- Port operations
- Cargo & container management
- Shipping agency workflows
Experience with customer-facing shipping platforms, including:
- Booking portals
- Freight rate management
- Bill of Lading (B/L) issuance
- Cargo tracking systems
- Customer reporting platforms
Proven experience implementing, integrating, or customizing commercial shipping software solutions. Experience delivering AI, automation, system integration, or data transformation projects.
Preferred experience
Experience working within Sub-Saharan Africa and/or Indian Ocean shipping markets. Exposure to multi-currency and USD-denominated operational systems.