Job title: Area Shipping Manager Department: Shipping Section: Shipping Location: Lagos Grade/Level: Management Reports To: General Manager – Shipping JOB OBJECTIVE Manage shipping-related administrative and operational activities for vessel calls, ensuring compliance with principals’ instructions, company SOPs, QHSSE standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices. The role is responsible for ensuring efficient vessel operations, timely clearances, cost control, stakeholder coordination, and quality service delivery. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Manage day-to-day shipping and vessel operations for assigned business units. Coordinate vessel arrivals, berthing, cargo operations, discharging/loading, and sailing. Maintain effective communication with shipping lines, vessel Masters, terminals, and port authorities. Lead daily operational meetings and ensure agreed actions are documented and completed. Monitor and ensure timely payment of NIMASA, NPA, terminal, and other vessel-related charges. Obtain necessary berthing and sailing clearances. Coordinate with NPA, NIMASA, Customs, Port Health, NDLEA, Immigration, and other regulatory authorities. Manage vessel-related claims and coordinate with Legal for appropriate resolution. Ensure accurate and timely preparation of proforma and final disbursement accounts. Monitor vessel call costs and ensure timely payment and proper financial control. Ensure compliance with vessel checklists, SOF/TDR/PCR transmission, legal requirements, and QHSSE standards. Represent the company at relevant industry, regulatory, and quality meetings. Monitor vessel service quality through regular visits and engagement with vessel Masters. Maintain strong relationships with principals, customers, terminals, stevedores, authorities, and other stakeholders. Provide coaching and on-the-job training to team members and ensure timely performance appraisals. Provide regular operational reports to the General Manager. Perform other duties as assigned by the General Manager. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Number of vessels successfully handled and cleared. 100% QHSSE compliance. 100% error-free vessel call handling. Timely vessel clearances and operations. 100% completion of assigned project milestones. Twice-daily operational reporting at 08:00 and 19:00. Timely staff performance appraisals and feedback. KEY STAKEHOLDERS Internal: General Manager – Shipping, Section Managers, Operations, Disbursement Accounts, Documentation, Commercial and other relevant departments. External: NPA, NIMASA, Nigeria Shippers’ Council, terminal operators, shipping lines/principals, vessel Masters, regulatory authorities, and import/export customers. QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime Management, Transportation, Logistics, or a related field. MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification is an advantage. Solid knowledge of shipping procedures, vessel operations, and port activities. Experience in stevedoring and cargo handling. Knowledge of NPA, NIMASA, terminal, and maritime regulatory requirements. Experience in vessel call management and shipping documentation. KEY COMPETENCIES Shipping and vessel operations knowledge. People management and leadership. Strong communication and negotiation skills. Analytical and problem-solving ability. Budgeting and financial management. Customer and stakeholder management. Time management and ability to work under pressure. Results-oriented, proactive, and dynamic. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.