Belgium - 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:

We have an exciting opportunity for an Agency Operator . The role holder will be a key member of a team responsible for providing a 24-hours-a-day, 7-daysa-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.

In addition to a standard working week, you will be required to undertake work out of usual office hours on a rota basis.

Contract: Permanent
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

In line with company policy, Inchcape does not provide visa sponsorship for candidates and cannot consider applicants who will require this now or in the future.

Please submit your CV in English.

Key Responsibilities:

- Coordinate port agency and husbandry appointments from nomination through to successful completion of the port call.

- Liaise with vessels, port authorities, terminals, suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure efficient vessel arrivals, berthing, operations and departures.

- Manage pre-arrival documentation, port formalities, customs clearances and relevant cargo documentation.

- Arrange essential port services, including pilotage, towage, lines, surveys and inspections.

- Coordinate vessel husbandry requirements, including crew changes, visitors, spares, provisions, bunkers, fresh water, Cash to Master and waste disposal.

- Board vessels as required to support Masters, complete local formalities and manage arrival/departure documentation and information.

- Provide Principals and stakeholders with timely updates on vessel movements, berthing prospects, cargo operations and port-call progress.

- Prepare PDAs, manage pre-funding requirements, maintain accurate appointment costs and support post-call financial processes.

- Maintain accurate information within internal and Principal-specific systems, ensuring compliance with SOPs, KPIs, SLAs and customer instructions.

- Deliver a high standard of customer service, proactively resolving and escalating operational or supplier issues where necessary.

- Build effective relationships with ports, terminals, clients and approved vendors, supporting supplier performance and rate negotiations.

- Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, enhance service delivery and support potential new business.

Who You Are:

- A good knowledge of Port Operations and Port Agency.

- 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 and work unsupervised.

- Good command of the Dutch and English language in word and writing.

You will receive:

- Good primary and secondary employment conditions.

- Working at the world's largest independent shipping agent.

- Growing team of young and enthusiastic colleagues.

- Competitive salary according to PC 226.

- Company car, laptop and mobile phone.

- Meal allowance.

- Group and Health insurance.

- Holiday pay & 13e month salary.

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.

#LI-KT1