RORO Operations Manager (Shipping / Port Operations)

Job Description

Roles & ResponsibilitiesThe RoRo Manager will be responsible for managing and developing SSA Jeddah?s RoRo operations and commercial activities. The role covers vessel operations, cargo handling, terminal coordination, customer service, cost control, claims prevention, and business development.The position will act as the main focal point between vessel principals, terminals, port authorities, Customs, cargo owners, transporters, vendors, and internal departments. The role requires strong operational involvement at the port, especially during vessel calls, together with continuous efforts to grow SSA?s RoRo, automotive, project cargo, and related logistics business.Key Responsibilities1. Vessel OperationsPlan and supervise all RoRo vessel calls handled by SSA Jeddah.Coordinate pre-arrival, berthing, cargo operations, sailing, and post-departure activities.Obtain vessel schedules, cargo forecasts, load lists, discharge lists, stowage plans, and operational instructions from principals.Conduct pre-operation meetings with terminals, vessels, stevedores, surveyors, transporters, and other stakeholders.Ensure operational readiness, including berth availability, manpower, drivers, equipment, ramps, lighting, permits, and technical support.Monitor loading and discharge productivity and take immediate action where delays occur.Maintain regular communication with the vessel Master, terminal management, authorities, and principals.Prepare accurate operational reports, productivity statements, delay reports, and vessel call summaries.Yard and Cargo ManagementMonitor the receipt, discharge, storage, segregation, identification, readiness, and loading of RoRo cargo.Coordinate with the terminal for suitable yard allocation for import, export, transshipment, and in-transit cargo.Ensure cargo is segregated by vessel, destination, customer, cargo type, and loading priority wherever possible.Maintain proper tracking of vehicles, trucks, trailers, MAFIs, heavy equipment, and other RoRo units.Monitor cargo that is missing, damaged, shut out, wrongly located, or awaiting documentation.Coordinate cargo identification, tallying, tagging, stickering, inspection, and verification.Ensure shut-out units are identified, segregated, repaired where required, and prepared for the next vessel.Monitor long-staying cargo and support timely evacuation to reduce storage and related charges.Arrange technicians, towing units, forklifts, tractors, cranes, and other support equipment when required.3. Terminal and Authority CoordinationMaintain close working relationships with terminal management, Mawani, Customs, Port Security, and other relevant authorities.Represent SSA and its principals in operational meetings.Escalate poor productivity, missing cargo, incorrect loading, damages, congestion, and yard-related issues.Follow up on operational permits, access passes, survey approvals, stickering permissions, and vendor entry.Ensure compliance with port, Customs, terminal, safety, and security requirements.Coordinate special requirements for in-transit exports, re-exports, temporary imports, and exceptional cargo.Support management in preparing complaints, incident reports, and operational improvement proposals.4. Principal and Customer ManagementAct as the main operational and commercial contact for RoRo principals and customers.Provide timely and accurate updates on vessel schedules, cargo status, terminal conditions, and operational challenges.Attend review meetings with principals, customers, terminals, and service providers.Understand each principal?s operational standards, reporting requirements, and commercial expectations.Ensure customer complaints and queries are handled promptly and professionally.Maintain strong relationships with vehicle traders, manufacturers, dealerships, freight forwarders, project cargo clients, transporters, and logistics companies.Coordinate with customers on cargo readiness, documentation, Customs clearance, delivery, and shipment planning.Protect the interests of SSA and its principals while maintaining balanced stakeholder relationships.5. Sales and Business DevelopmentDevelop SSA Jeddah?s RoRo, automotive, machinery, project cargo, and related logistics business.Identify potential customers involved in vehicle imports, exports, re-exports, transshipment, heavy equipment, trucks, buses, and construction machinery.Approach shipping lines, vessel operators, automobile manufacturers, traders, dealerships, freight forwarders, and logistics providers.Promote SSA?s agency, Customs clearance, transportation, warehousing, survey, and value-added services.Prepare quotations, proposals, presentations, and end-to-end logistics solutions.Maintain a structured sales pipeline and submit periodic commercial reports.Monitor competitor activities, trade routes, vessel calls, market trends, and upcoming automotive or infrastructure projects.Work towards agreed revenue, volume, customer acquisition, and profitability targets.Identify opportunities for new liner services, charter vessels, coastal movements, and regional hub operations.6. Commercial and Cost ControlPrepare operational cost estimates, quotations, budgets, and proforma disbursement accounts.Verify terminal, stevedoring, transport, survey, technical, equipment, and vendor invoices.Control operational expenses and avoid unnecessary costs.Ensure all chargeable services are recorded and invoiced.Coordinate with Finance for timely billing, collection, and reconciliation.Monitor storage, handling, shifting, standby, detention, and exceptional charges.Analyse the profitability of each vessel call, customer, and business segment.7. Claims and Risk ManagementEnsure cargo condition is recorded during receipt, discharge, shifting, loading, and delivery.Coordination, damage, and pre-shipment surveys where required.Ensure photographic and documentary evidence is collected for damaged, missing, wrongly loaded, or shut-out cargo.Report accidents, cargo damage, and operational incidents immediately.Assist in handling claims related to cargo damage, delays, incorrect loading, and terminal negligence.Implement preventive measures to reduce damages, missing units, wrong loading, and disputes.8. Team ManagementLead and supervise RoRo executives, supervisors, tally personnel, drivers, and support staff.Allocate duties for vessel operations, yard inspections, cargo tracking, reporting, and customer follow-up.Ensure adequate shift coverage during vessel operations.Conduct operational briefings and post-operation reviews.Train the team on RoRo procedures, cargo identification, reporting, safety, and customer service.Promote accountability, teamwork, discipline, and timely escalation of issues.Desired Candidate ProfileBachelor?s degree in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime Studies, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field.Minimum 7?10 years of experience in shipping, logistics, port, terminal, or vessel agency operations.At least 3?5 years of direct RoRo operational experience.Experience in automotive logistics, project cargo, heavy equipment, or breakbulk operations is preferred.Commercial or business development experience within shipping or logistics is required.Experience in Saudi Arabia or the GCC will be an advantage.Skills and Personal AttributesStrong knowledge of RoRo vessel, yard, and terminal operations.Good understanding of vehicles, MAFIs, trailers, heavy machinery, and wheeled cargo.Strong planning, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.Commercially driven with good customer development capability.Able to work under pressure and make timely operational decisions.Strong reporting, documentation, and analytical ability.Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Fluency in English is essential; Arabic is an advantage.Hands-on, accountable, proactive, and willing to work outside normal office hours based on vessel schedules.

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