Panama - Port Manager

You Belong Here…Wherever in the World you find yourself.

We celebrate our wins as one team of many great people!

With a vision for a connected world, Inchcape relies upon the expertise, diversity, and global network of our over 3,000 professionals, spread across 60 plus countries and in over 250+ offices to help our partners connect to a smoother, smarter ocean.

We empower our people, and our values are at the center 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.

We know what matters. We never stand still. We always reach for more.

#WeAreInchcape

Business Need / Purpose of Role:

The Port Manager is primarily responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the Office. Acts as the lead for operational matters and for support at assigned location. 

The Port Manager provides 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on-call service to our Principals to ensure the safe and smooth turnaround of all appointed vessels within the jurisdiction of the port office, managing vessel requirements, booking relevant services and undertaking vessel boarding as required. 

The Port Manager will be required to manage staff, provide clear and timely objectives and give positive and constructive feedback to drive operational excellence.

Objectives & Measurement – Key Responsibilities:

Service Delivery

• Ensure service delivery is provided to the highest standard by bringing solutions to the forefront
• Communicate, share and partner with other Port Managers and Operations Managers in order to share best practices
• Liaise with clients and port services daily and attend regular meetings with ports, terminal and suppliers
• Ensure all shipping documentation is issued on time and accurately
• Maintain data integrity for all vessel files and record all subsequent information into Inchcape internal systems
• Accountable for ensuring that an appropriate assessment of health, safety, security and environment (HSSE) risk is included as part of work planning
  

Operations

• Ensure excellent ships agency services are rendered to all customers and board vessels as/where required
• Daily preparation and submission of vessel movement reports in order to provide updates on the department performance.
• Ensure a smooth, quick turnaround of vessels, keeping all relevant parties advised at all times
• Updates – providing updated information on local rules and regulations and any changes as and when notifications received, enabling a quick adaptation of the operational and documentation procedures to the new regulations and ensure no service failure to the customers
• Maintain strong and influential relationships with customers
• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant government departments and agencies, local authorities and stake holders 
  

Financial

• Funding – Ensure that where applicable pro-forma prefunding requests are made in a timely manner prior to vessel arrival. Comply with all financial requirements of a vessel appointment.
• Closely monitor costs, building and nurturing commercial relationships and consider both short and long commercial impacts

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Advanced knowledge in general maritime industry with exposure to various commodities and vessel types utilized in the port of employment.
• Knowledge of local maritime laws, rules & regulations
• Knowledge of Shipping documentation i.e., Bill of Lading (BOL)
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have dependable transportation to support in and around Port.
• Proven ability to manage and optimize strategies, and operational execution within the Panama Canal and local port environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in Panama Canal operations, including vessel booking processes, transit auctions, and slot allocation (LoTSA), with a strong understanding of scheduling and capacity optimization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of port operations in Panama, including liner shipping activities, Ro-Ro operations, and coordination across terminal stakeholders and regulatory authorities.
• Strong familiarity with logistics, ensuring efficient cargo flow, compliance, and operational excellence across all ports in Panama.
• 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
• Strong interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication skills
• 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 
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (written, verbal, reading) required.

Education, Qualifications, Certifications, and Licenses:

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime or Business Administration or a related major from a public or accredited private academic institution desired.
• An Advanced knowledge of Port Operations.
• Experience in Port agency, chartering, logistics, seagoing experience (general maritime industry) or related field preferred. 
• 5+ years’ experience in general maritime industry (mostly vessel operations) with exposure to various commodities and vessel types utilized in the port of employment.

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse and high performing workforce that works together to provide our partners with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realize the value of the diversity of our people and know that their unique experiences, skills, and passions – strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, and promotes the exchange of ideas – helping you to build a rich and rewarding career.

What you’ll get:

We understand that different families have different needs, which is why we’re always evolving our benefits to accommodate our employees.

Along with health and financial benefits, our employees enjoy a variety of other perks, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and collaborative workspaces.

In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor various events throughout the year. And we provide a culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.  

We also encourage a better work-life balance with our flexibility. While we know in-office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full-time. With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, Inchcape has enabled our employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation. 

• Generous time off and paid holidays
• Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and reaching milestones.
• Career growth and opportunities for promotions. We develop and hire from within!
• Plus, much more!

Deciding where you want to work is an important decision. Choosing a company that support your professional and personal goals is essential. Inchcape provides the resources, culture, and leadership you need to be successful, to build something you’re proud of, and take advantage of all the future holds.

Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X to meet our employees and see what makes us who we are.

Who you are is who we are.

Inchcape is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Inchcape encourages applicants of all ages.  As part of this commitment, Inchcape will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please email [email protected] describing the accommodation.

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