USA - Vessel Planner

ISS Group Holdings Limited•Houston, TX

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Vessel Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining appropriate business relationships with service providers, respective port authorities, customers, regulatory bodies, and other business units. Primarily responsible for oversight of vessel scheduling and operations services. Responsible for cost minimization and evaluation related to vessel scheduling, including bunker cost, terminal standby/deadtime, and other vessel schedule related expenses.

Requirements

Advanced communication (verbal, written and listening) skills in order to communicate at different levels throughout the organization and with exterior organizations, etc.
Ability to develop strong business relationships within all levels of management; ability to understand, influence and persuade across all levels of the organization, exercising a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objective.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, multitask and possess strong initiative, exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
Ability to motivate and lead virtual teams remotely and the ability to adjust communication style for different situations and cultures.
Knowledge of Port Operations and Port Agency services.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision, multitask and possess strong initiative, exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.
Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple competing priorities.
Ability to balance multiple tasks, changing priorities & operate within a deadline-oriented environment.
Ability to think logically, establish and follow procedures, instructions and make sound decisions.
Possess organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize, be detail oriented and results driven.
Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
Excellent customer service and communication skills, including strong verbal and listening skills.
Must possess an advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.
Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration, Business Administration or recognized equivalent from an accredited university preferred; equivalent experience maybe substitutes for educational requirements.
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar position/industry, preferably with experience in Port Agency (shipping services) with exposure to various commodities and vessel types utilized in the port of assignment.
Experience working within complex international organizations.
Significant operational / business experience in the shipping or service industry, with the ability to run a cost-efficient business operation across a large geographical area.
Experience working within pre-defined processes and procedures – delivering work in accordance with SLA’s (Service Level Agreements).

Responsibilities

Ensure ships agency services are rendered to all customers at an excellent level
Maintain a smooth, quick turnaround of vessels, advising local authorities on vessel details keeping all relevant parties informed while meeting all KPI’s
Establish and maintain relationships with government departments and agencies, local authorities and stake holders
Act on escalated matters that require an immediate response and engage in conversation with customers to address any issues or concerns
Continually seek new methods to reduce operational costs and find efficiencies for the port office to enhance service delivery
Work collaboratively with peers to achieve desired goals
Prepare Pre-arrival Documentation and Visitor/Vendor List for Vessel/Terminal
Coordinate Sailing Arrangements and Create Vessel Attendance Report & Other Documents
Monitoring and managing vessel activities to efficiently schedule work activities
Liaise with clients, vendors, and port services on a daily basis always performing accurate and timely updates of systems in order to have fresh data and present the best information to clients
Assist vessel planning and vessel stability which includes, but it’s not limited to: Reconciliation of vessel, Documentation for the vessel departure, Reports
Administer all elements required for vessel port call, which includes, but not limited to: Administer and Request all required elements related to vessel call (i.e.: Tugs, Pilots, Regulatory, Line Handling, etc.). Administer all weather and significant events (Vessel Delays) through appropriate channels.
Promotes teamwork integration through clear understanding of interdepartmental needs and expectations between all locations