Belgium - Senior Agency Operator

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.

Role Summary:

The Senior Agency Operator will be a key member of a team responsible for providing a 24-hours-a-day, 7-days- a-week rostered on-call service to our Principals to ensure the safe and smooth turnaround of all appointed vessels within the jurisdiction of the port office.  

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Antwerp, Belgium (Hybrid)

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end port agency operations for assigned vessels, from nomination through port call completion.
• Coordinate port services, authorities, terminals, and suppliers to ensure safe, efficient vessel turnaround.
• Act as primary point of contact for Principals, Masters, and stakeholders, providing real-time updates.
• Handle vessel pre-arrival, berthing, cargo operations, and departure arrangements.
• Coordinate husbandry services including crew changes, spares, bunkers, provisions, and inspections.
• Board vessels as required to complete formalities and liaise directly with vessel command.
• Prepare and manage port, cargo, customs, and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with operational, financial, quality, and safety standards and procedures.
• Manage pre-funding, cost control, and post-call estimates in coordination with finance teams.
• Maintain strong relationships with ports, terminals, and service providers.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer service.
• Escalate operational issues, service concerns, and potential new business opportunities.
• Participate in a 24/7 on-call roster, including weekends and public holidays.

Candidate Requirements:

• A good knowledge of Port Operations and Port Agency.
• Experience of working in a leadership role in the shipping /maritime industry.
• Experience of managing a small team.
• Experience of working with an operating or customer relationship management system.
• Experience of working to pre-defined processes and procedures and delivering work in accordance to SLA’s.
• Competent user of the Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Strong communicator both written and verbal.
• Ability to prioritize work and perform under pressure and adhere to strict timelines.
• Able to effectively manage work autonomously.

You will receive: 

A diverse range of benefits, depending on your geographical location. At this instance, you will enjoy:

• A place to grow your career - we’ll help you set big goals and exceed them.
• Competitive salary package.
  
• Work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates.
• Value Award celebration events.

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. 

#WeAreInchcape

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. 

Additional Information:

Appointment to this role will be subject to satisfactory references and possession of a valid Right to Work documentation depending upon 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.