What’s it like working as a Port Operations Manager?

A wide range of cargoes, each with their own specific handling and storage requirements, pass through the world’s ports and terminals every day. The Port Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth transition of that cargo, so that it reaches its destination on time.

To perform this role, the Port Operations Manager will need to be in close contact with a range of industry groups, such as customs and quarantine, stevedores and shipping lines.

The Port Operations Manager normally works office hours Monday to Friday, but can be on call to attend to any problems or emergencies outside of those hours. And while the role is predominately desk-based, the Port Operations Manager will spend time on the port and out of the port at managerial meetings.

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What kind of work can I do?

The Port Operations Manager is responsible for the efficient use of port facilities and resources with specific responsibilities for health and safety and security. Some roles that the Port Operations Manager takes charge of include managing vessel loading and discharge, managing safety, managing staff, and liaising with customers and other port users.

Where can I work?

As a key port role, Port Operations Managers can find employment at any of the world’s thousands of ports. However, Port Operations Managers will often be specialised in one type of cargo which may limit the potential employment market.

Port Operations Managers can look for jobs with international port operators, private port companies and at government operations.

A Port Operations Manager is an organised individual, capable of juggling tasks under pressure.

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Daniel Phay, Assistant Manager

It took Daniel Phay just one year to be promoted from an Operations Executive to an Assistant Manager at PSA Corporation Ltd. That is quite a feat, bearing testament to his dedication and hard work. It helps that he has been consistently results-oriented, with an excellent track record.

Daniel graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (2nd Upper Honours) from Nanyang Technological University and joined PSA ’s Operations Management Training Scheme.

It is mind-boggling that over 200 shipping lines operate from PSA ’s container terminals at Tanjong Pagar, Brani, Keppel and Pasir Panjang, offering connections to 600 ports in 123 countries. Every day, some 70,000 TEU’s (twenty-foot equivalent units) are handled at PSA. Being the ground manager in charge of moving high volumes within a limited time, it is no wonder then that Daniel professes to be very time-conscious and wholeheartedly subscribes to the adage that ”time is of the essence”.

In fact, it is this sense of urgency on the part of every member of the team, including Daniel, which has helped PSA move some 24 million TEU s in 2006.

Arriving before the start of his shift at 7.30 am, Daniel takes stock of the day’s targets and plans ahead to achieve them. In the next 12 hours, he will make front line decisions, set the direction for the team, prioritise tasks, and optimise manpower and equipment resources for ship operations. He communicates with on-site officers through his walkie-talkie as they act as his eyes and ears to ensure that operations are carried out without a hitch.

Close-circuit televisions (CCTV s) enable Daniel to monitor port operations from the control centre. With state-of-the-art computer systems, he can effectively access real-time information enabling him to monitor the progress of ships’ operations. He explains, ”The control room is like a nerve centre linking the various departments. Working closely together with the logistics, stowage planning, yard planning and engineering teams, we provide an integrated solution to our customers with quick turnaround times.”

Sailing according to schedule is extremely critical for ships. For example, it is critical for ships sailing onward through the Suez Canal to arrive punctually at the appointed time to join the convoy through the Canal (available twice daily only). ”When ships are off schedule, they will encounter problems further on in their journey. We do our best to help them arrive as scheduled in the next port and this is valued by our customers,” Daniel explains.

At 0730 hours, Daniel would usually wrap up his duties, ready to hand over to his night shift counterpart. The hours may seem long but he works only three or four days in a week, depending on his roster.

”Shift duty can be a boon to your personal schedule if you can organise long blocks of free personal time,” Daniel discloses. ”More importantly, it feels good to know that you’re in control of your work and life, and can manage your time well!”

Time to Pick Up Essential Skills
As Operations Executives are leaders who work with people and collaborate with different teams, they should also cultivate some essential skills.

Daniel shares these skills below:

1. Creativity
Our business is very dynamic. Although operational sequences may have been pre-planned, we need to consider the ground situation when executing the plans. For instance, if activity is heavy at the wharfside, I will look into creative re-deployment of cranes and personnel to achieve a better ship turnaround!

2. Interpersonal Skills
In operations management, I have to work closely with the different teams managing specialised facets of Operations such as logistics, ship planning, yard planning and engineering. So I focus on developing my interpersonal skills to interact well to ensure the best results.

3. Motivational Skills
I take a more pro-active role by encouraging my team to give their best at work. I motivate the people whom I supervise by treating them the same way I wish to be treated: as valued professionals. It is about treating all with respect, dignity, and fairness.

SOURCE: Singapore Maritime Careers

How big is this sector?

While the job market for Port Operations Managers is large, staff retention is high and often candidates will have to climb the ranks in the port to land this top job.

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