Port Operations Manager (m/f/d)
Port Operations Manager (m/f/d) - Germany (Hybrid)
Role Overview
As Port Operations Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring smooth, reliable, and on-time operations across designated discharge ports. You will act as the central coordination point between maritime movements, port readiness, operational partners, and internal stakeholders. With a proactive and structured approach, you will take ownership of day-to-day execution while contributing to broader logistics and project delivery objectives.
This role requires strong knowledge of port environments, confidence working with external partners, and a willingness to be hands-on within the operation.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and control vessel movements from origin to destination ports, maintaining full transparency on ETAs, schedules, and potential operational risks
- Proactively collaborate with internal logistics and planning teams to identify issues early and implement corrective actions independently
- Ensure operational readiness of ports ahead of every vessel call, including yard availability, operational layout, equipment coordination, and alignment with port service providers
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve yard, storage, and handling concepts in close coordination with internal stakeholders
- Coordinate with quality and inspection teams to ensure required checks are planned and executed upon arrival
- Safeguard availability of cargo and components for onward transport in line with logistics plans and project timelines
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with port operators and service providers, including regular performance reviews, issue resolution, and structured escalation when needed
Essential Experience & Skills
- Several years' experience in maritime operations, port logistics, project cargo, breakbulk, or heavy-lift environments
- Solid understanding of port processes, including handling, storage, yard management, and marine interfaces
- Proven ability to manage multiple internal and external stakeholders through clear, structured communication
- Strong problem-solving mindset with experience in proactive risk management and operational decision-making
- Confidence working with operational documentation such as port layouts, yard plans, voyage schedules, and transport concepts
- Hands-on, execution-focused working style with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
- Very good written and spoken German and English
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your CV so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with CV and interview preparation. From customised support on how to optimise your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.