Operations Manager – Shipping & Mining

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager with strong expertise in the shipping, maritime, and mining sectors to oversee day-to-day vessel and logistics operations. The role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective execution of marine transportation activities, particularly those related to coal and mining logistics.


Key Responsibilities

Vessel & Marine Operations

  • Oversee daily marine and vessel operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable execution.
  • Manage operational activities for the company's fleet, including tug & barge, bulk carrier, and other relevant vessels.
  • Develop and monitor vessel operating schedules, voyage plans, loading/unloading activities, and port calls.
  • Ensure vessels are operated according to approved procedures, schedules, and operational requirements.
  • Monitor vessel movements and coordinate closely with Masters, vessel crews, agents, ports, terminals, and customers.
  • Ensure timely execution of vessel deployment, cargo loading, transportation, discharge, and return voyages.
  • Monitor vessel performance and operational efficiency, identifying potential delays and operational bottlenecks.

Mining & Coal Logistics Operations

  • Oversee marine transportation activities supporting coal and mining operations.
  • Coordinate the movement of coal from mine/stockpile to jetty, barge, transshipment point, port, and end customer.
  • Work closely with mining operations, logistics teams, cargo owners, traders, and customers to align production and transportation schedules.
  • Ensure vessel and barge availability is aligned with mining production and cargo requirements.
  • Monitor loading rates, cargo volumes, turnaround time, and transportation schedules.
  • Identify operational risks that may affect coal delivery and develop appropriate contingency plans.

Fleet Planning & Optimization

  • Develop operational plans to optimize fleet utilization and vessel availability.
  • Monitor vessel schedules and ensure optimal deployment based on cargo requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce idle time, waiting time, port delays, and unnecessary operational costs.
  • Coordinate vessel maintenance schedules with the Technical Department to minimize operational disruption.
  • Monitor vessel downtime, off-hire, delays, and operational incidents.
  • Develop contingency plans for weather disruptions, vessel breakdowns, port congestion, cargo delays, and other operational issues.

Port & Terminal Coordination

  • Maintain effective coordination with ports, terminals, jetties, shipping agents, tug operators, and other marine service providers.
  • Monitor vessel arrival/departure schedules and port turnaround times.
  • Ensure loading and discharge operations are conducted safely and efficiently.
  • Resolve operational issues related to berthing, loading/unloading, documentation, cargo readiness, and port restrictions.
  • Build strong working relationships with key operational stakeholders.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure all vessel operations comply with applicable maritime regulations, company policies, HSE standards, and operational procedures.
  • Work closely with HSE and Marine teams to maintain safe vessel and cargo operations.
  • Monitor operational risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
  • Investigate operational incidents, near misses, delays, and non-conformities and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
  • Support internal and external audits, inspections, and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and operational discipline across vessels and shore-based teams.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

  • Establish and monitor operational KPIs for vessels, crews, ports, and logistics activities.
  • Track key indicators such as:
    • Vessel utilization
    • On-time performance
    • Port turnaround time
    • Loading/discharge performance
    • Cargo volume
    • Vessel downtime
    • Fuel consumption
    • Operational costs
    • Delays and off-hire
  • Prepare regular operational reports and provide recommendations to senior management.
  • Conduct root-cause analysis for recurring operational issues and implement improvement initiatives.

Team Leadership

  • Lead and develop the shipping operations team and ensure effective coordination between shore-based and vessel personnel.
  • Provide direction to Operations Officers, Marine Coordinators, Port Operations teams, and other operational personnel.
  • Establish clear responsibilities, workflows, and performance expectations.
  • Develop team capabilities through coaching, training, and performance management.
  • Foster effective collaboration between Operations, Commercial, Technical, HSE, Crewing, Finance, and Mining teams.

Cost & Operational Efficiency

  • Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities to improve cost efficiency.
  • Control costs related to fuel, port charges, agency fees, tug services, cargo handling, and other operational activities.
  • Evaluate operational alternatives to achieve the most efficient transportation solution without compromising safety or service quality.
  • Support management in developing annual operational budgets and forecasts.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, Marine Engineering, Shipping, Logistics, Transportation, Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum 7–10 years of experience in shipping, marine operations, mining logistics, or related industries.
  • At least 3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory operational position.
  • Strong experience in vessel operations and fleet management.
  • Experience with tug & barge, bulk carrier, coal transportation, or mining logistics is highly preferred.
  • Strong understanding of port operations, cargo handling, vessel scheduling, voyage planning, and marine logistics.
  • Experience coordinating with mining companies, cargo owners, ports, terminals, vessel crews, and marine service providers.
  • Strong knowledge of maritime safety, operational compliance, and relevant shipping regulations.
  • Strong leadership, problem-solving, decision-making, and stakeholder-management skills.
  • Strong analytical and operational planning capabilities.
  • Good command of English and Bahasa Indonesia, both written and spoken.
  • Willing to travel to vessels, ports, terminals, and mining sites as required.

See also

Operations jobs by country — openings, pay and top skills →

Tailor your CV for this role?

We couldn't check your fit for this role — add a CV to your profile to see it next time.

A new version of freehire is available