Operations Manager

Are you an experienced shipping professional with strong operational, leadership, and commercial capabilities? If your answer is ‘Yes’, you could be the person we’re looking for to join our team in Richards Bay.

As Operations Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing agency operations, ensuring efficient vessel turnaround, managing a team of operational staff, and maintaining strong relationships with customers, port authorities, and service providers. You will combine your shipping expertise with strong leadership and business development skills to deliver service excellence and support the company’s commercial growth.

Duties will include:

·       Managing daily ships agency operations and ensuring smooth execution of vessel port calls.

·       Supervising and guiding the operations team, ensuring high performance and operational efficiency.

·       Liaising with port authorities, terminals, vendors, and vessel crew to coordinate port activities.

·       Overseeing the handling of various vessel types and cargo operations.

·       Supporting and contributing to sales and business development initiatives.

·       Ensuring accurate, timely reporting and maintaining high service standards.

·       Building and maintaining strong customer relationships and ensuring service delivery excellence.

·       Monitoring operational processes and implementing improvements where necessary.

What we’re looking for:

·       Minimum 5–10 years’ ships agency experience, with strong knowledge of port and vessel operations.

·       Experience handling various vessel types and cargoes.

·       Proven team leadership and management experience.

·       Strong sales and business development skills.

·       Strong communication skills and the ability to work well under pressure.

·       Customer‑focused mindset with a commitment to service excellence.

·       Above‑average written and verbal communication skills in English.

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.

Skills & Qualifications

·       Educational Qualification: Minimum Grade 12

·       Professional Qualification: Not required, but shipping‑related qualifications will be an advantage

If you think you have what it takes to become part of GAC’s team in Richards Bay, we look forward to receiving your application.

Please note that as well as working to recruit staff members via GAC channels, GAC does use third-party recruiters to recruit for specific positions within the Group. Please do however, be aware of unaffiliated recruiters purporting to represent GAC that ask for payment in return for facilitating interviews. A genuine third-party recruiter working with GAC will never ask for payment to facilitate an interview. If you would like to make an application to join GAC, please always ensure to apply through our official channels on https://career.gac.com/ or our LinkedIn listing.