Morgan McKinley is delighted to be partnering with a key client to recruit an experienced Operations Manager for a critical leadership position based at Rosslare Port.
This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and hands-on operational leader to take responsibility for the safe, efficient and commercially successful delivery of port operations. The successful candidate will oversee vessel loading and discharge activities, container handling operations, workforce management, customer service delivery and operational performance, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and operational excellence.
Working closely with shipping lines, customers, port authorities and operational teams, the Operations Manager will play a pivotal role in driving productivity, continuous improvement and service excellence across a fast-paced 24/7 environment. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing operation while leading and developing high-performing teams.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Manage all day-to-day operational activities across Rosslare Port operations.
- Lead vessel discharge and loading activities, ensuring efficient turnaround times.
- Oversee container handling operations from vessel to quay and onward transportation.
- Manage and coordinate lashing and unlashing operations, ensuring compliance with vessel stowage plans and safety procedures.
- Develop operational plans to meet customer service and productivity targets.
- Ensure adequate labour, equipment, and resources are available to meet operational requirements.
Safety & Compliance
- Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout the operation.
- Ensure compliance with Health & Safety legislation, port regulations, maritime requirements, and company policies.
- Conduct risk assessments, toolbox talks, safety audits, and incident investigations.
- Ensure all personnel are trained and certified for operational tasks.
- Maintain compliance with ISO standards and customer-specific requirements where applicable.
Team Leadership
- Lead, motivate, and develop supervisors, team leaders, lashers, and operational staff.
- Manage workforce planning, recruitment, training, performance management, and succession planning.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Build strong relationships with employees, customers, shipping lines, contractors, and port authorities.
Customer & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the primary operational contact for shipping lines, freight operators, customers, and port stakeholders.
- Ensure service level agreements and customer expectations are consistently achieved.
- Participate in operational meetings with vessel operators, agents, and port authorities.
- Resolve operational issues quickly and professionally.
Financial & Commercial Management
- Manage operational budgets and cost control initiatives.
- Monitor labour productivity and equipment utilisation.
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost reduction.
- Support commercial growth initiatives and customer retention strategies.
Performance Management
- Establish and monitor key operational KPIs including:
- Vessel turnaround times
- Container handling productivity
- Lashing productivity
- Labour utilisation
- Health & Safety performance
- Customer service metrics
- Equipment availability
- Produce regular operational and management reports.
- Drive continuous improvement projects to enhance operational performance.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' management experience in logistics, ports, shipping, transport, warehousing, or related operations.
- Strong understanding of container handling and logistics operations.
- Experience managing large operational teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated leadership and people management capability.
- Excellent planning, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
- Full clean driving licence.
Desirable
- Experience within port, maritime, stevedoring, terminal, or vessel operations.
- Knowledge of container lashing and securing procedures.
- Experience working with shipping lines and port authorities.
- Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement qualifications.
- IOSH, NEBOSH, or equivalent Health & Safety qualification.
- CPC qualification or logistics-related certification.
Personal Attributes
- Strong operational leader with a hands-on management style.
- Calm and effective under pressure.
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder.
- Highly organised and detail-oriented.
- Results-driven with a focus on customer service and operational excellence.
- Flexible and willing to support operations outside normal working hours when required.
Key Performance Indicators
- Zero Lost Time Incidents (LTIs)
- Vessel turnaround performance
- Container throughput targets achieved
- Lashing productivity targets achieved
- Labour cost management
- Customer satisfaction levels
- Compliance audit results
- Employee engagement and retention
