Operations Manager

Who We Are:

At Inchcape Shipping Services, our vision is to create a connected world where customers can trade successfully and make informed decisions in every port, everywhere. We achieve this by combining our worldwide infrastructure with local expertise, through our global network of more than 250 proprietary offices and a team of over 3,000 dedicated professionals. Our diverse customer base includes owners and charterers in the oil, cruise, container, and bulk commodity sectors, as well as naval, government, and intergovernmental organisations.

Main Purpose of the Job:

The primary purpose of the Operations Manager – Brunei is to lead and manage all shipping operations within the Brunei region, ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely handling of vessels, cargo, and port activities in line with company standards and local regulatory requirements. This role is critical in maintaining operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and strong stakeholder relationships across the Brunei port environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing day-to-day port operations, including vessel scheduling, berthing coordination, cargo discharge/loading, and turnaround performance.
• Building and maintaining close working relationships with the Brunei Port Authority, terminal operators, customs, and other regulatory agencies to ensure smooth vessel clearance and compliance.
• Leading and guiding the local operations team to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety standards, and service-level agreements (SLAs).
• Monitoring vessel movements and port congestion, taking proactive steps to mitigate delays and operational bottlenecks.
• Responding swiftly to operational disruptions, including last-minute vessel schedule changes, weather impacts, or documentation issues, with timely escalation and resolution.
• Ensuring accurate and timely reporting of vessel performance, cargo handling activities, and cost control measures to regional and global stakeholders.
• Collaborating with commercial, customer service, and logistics teams to support business continuity, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.
• Driving continuous improvement initiatives across Brunei operations, including resource optimization, digitization, and process enhancements.
  
  

Key Accountabilities:

• Controlling and monitoring of all Port Agency operations within Brunei.
• Key PIC for Customer in terms of service issues and is responsible for resolving the same.
• Drive Port Agency performance & service quality according to Standards of Operations (SOO).
• Ensure continuous monitoring & attendance to all incoming shipments. Proofreading appointments and voyage orders to minimize errors.
• Follow up on local Enquiries/Estimates.
• Participate in port call preplanning.
• Local ISS representative towards Port Authorities, other authorities, and other third-party suppliers.
• Follow-up and evaluation of local suppliers/contractors’ performance.
• Ensure the correct amount of pre-funding is received, or the correct level of authority has approved any deviation, prior to the port call.
• Communicate proactively & clearly with Customers or related parties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Ensure all arrangements are made and properly executed, including pre-arrival security notification, avoiding costly berthing delays for the vessel.
• Ensure all reporting and documentation requirements are correct and executed as per the principal’s instructions.
• Controlling Sub-agent performance.
• Port Agency QHSSE compliance within in assigned site.
• QHSSE matters in its own function, including PPE requirements.
• Attend on board vessels, as required, to follow up and ensure compliance with SOO and Customer Requirements.
  
  

Competency Requirements:(Core)

• Excellent communication skills
• Proven track record in debt collection and customer engagement
• Technical knowledge and practice – care and conservation
• Ability to quantify risks
• Strategic thinking
• Adaptability
  
  

Competency Requirements:(Key)

• Confidence to deal with a range of stakeholders.
• Dynamic to the organization changes
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize a demanding workload.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Good business acumen for problem-solving.
  
  

Competency Requirements:(Management)

• Ability to lead and contribute across functions.
• perform autonomously, initiate and manage complex cross-functional tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
  

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills: (Essential)

• 5+ years of experience in a similar role
• Strong understanding of operations.
• Conversant with local port, terminal, and statutory requirements and regulations
  
  

Knowledge, Experience, and Skills: (Desirable)

• Time and project management skills.
• Strong Leadership, Organizational, and communication skills
• Commitment to providing exceptional service to customers and support to staff members.
• Comfortable working with multiple groups within a business
• Experience working in Brunei or within the Southeast Asia region with knowledge of local maritime regulations.
• Exposure to digital tools for port planning, real-time vessel tracking, or operational dashboards.
• Knowledge of HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) best practices in shipping operations.
  
  

Education and Professional Qualifications: (Essential)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Port Operations, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of port operations, vessel handling procedures, and local maritime regulations in Brunei.
• Proficiency in MS Office and relevant port operation systems (e.g., terminal management systems, vessel scheduling tools).
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
  
  

Education and Professional Qualifications: (Desirable)

• Training or certification in vessel scheduling, port operations, or shipping software systems is a plus
• Continuous learning mindset with willingness to update knowledge on industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Familiarity with HSSE (Health, Safety, Security, and Environment) regulations and compliance in port operations.
• Experience in managing cross-border or regional shipping operations within Southeast Asia.
  
  

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse and high-performing workforce that works together to provide our customers with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards, we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realise the value of our staff and know that your unique experiences, skills, and passions will help you to build a rich and rewarding career in our dynamic industry.

Our values are at the centre of everything we do, and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these:

Global Perspective - we connect the world and see the bigger picture.

The Power of People - we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships.

Progress - we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry.

Inchcape is an Equal Opportunities Employer - equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. Working in a diverse society, we recognise that our customers, colleagues, and contractors are central to our success.

#WeAreInchcape

Additional Information:

Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation, depending on your geographical location.

To protect the interests of all parties, Inchcape will not accept unsolicited or speculative resumes from recruitment agencies and will not be responsible for any fees associated with them.