Panama - Liner Manager

You Belong Here…Wherever in the World you find yourself.

We celebrate our wins as one team of many great people!

With a vision for a connected world, Inchcape relies upon the expertise, diversity, and global network of our over 3,000 professionals, spread across 60 plus countries and in over 240 offices to help our partners connect to a smoother, smarter ocean.

We empower our people, and our values are at the center of everything we do, and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate and fully adopt these:

Global Perspective – we connect the world and see the bigger picture.
The Power of People – we rely on the strength of local agent knowledge and relationships.
Progress – we adopt new thinking and push for positive change in our industry.

We know what matters. We never stand still. We always reach for more.

#WeAreInchcape

Business Need / Purpose of Role:

The Liner Manager shall be primarily responsible for managing, directing, and controlling of all Export/Import activities of the Liner Department thus ensuring accurate and efficient services in a result-focused, professional and effective manner, responsible for the active processes of Liner Services, effective delivery of service, development and coordination of Liner initiatives. With a focus on generating new and maximum income and profit for the Liner department and be responsible for the annual budgeted revenues. 

Objectives & Measurement – Key Responsibilities

Liner Management: Manages Liner Operations to ensure a consistent, effective and professional delivery of services consistent with customer instruction and prescribed corporate guidelines by assisting operations staff in providing guidance and training for the purpose of delivery of efficient and high-quality operations.

Customer / Vendor Relationship: Establishes and maintains effective formal and informal links with major customers, relevant government departments and agencies, local authorities, key-decision-makers, and other stakeholders generally, to exchange information and views and to ensure that the company is providing the appropriate range and quality of services. Maintain an awareness of customer requirements and any complaints to identify any areas that may need development or improvement.

Leadership: Ensure the effective achievement of departmental goal of Liner Services through the leadership of these teams – allocating resources, setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing, and motivating staff, provision of formal and informal feedback and appraisal – in order to maximize the performance of the department.

Business Development: Grows the business through sales involvement and identifying and developing new opportunities as well as maintenance of regular contact with existing customers in order to generate business relationship and business growth in general.

Vendor management: Periodic review and renegotiate vendor terms and conditions keeping in view current market trends, competitions, and business gains with the purpose of improving of the working capital by way of extended credit facility.

Operational Effectiveness:

Maximizes operational effectiveness by supervising the receipt, distribution in order to complete all documents required and to instruct and communicate regularly with Customer Service team and client.

Maximizes operational effectiveness by supervising the correct and timely opening, maintenance, and closure of all job files, passing same to Finance swiftly, in order to maintain Import and Export register (manual or automated) correctly.

Maximizes operational effectiveness of the liner division by managing the liner staffs’ workload, ensuring that they apply best practices and that they perform their functions in accordance with the respective customers’ requirements.

Maximizes service delivery by handling all operational queries on the status of import and export shipments and ensures updates, arrival notifications and advises are sent swiftly and regularly to all customers.

Reporting: Monthly preparation & submission of Operational report to the Marine Services Manager to provide updates of performance and any irregularities and to ensure monthly submission of other operation, commercial and Quality assurance reports.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of Port Operations and Port Agency services.

Knowledge of Container/Shipping Line (products and services).

Knowledge about the local market, competitor and industry trends.

Ability to develop strong business relationships within all levels of management; ability to understand, influence and persuade across all levels of the organization, exercising a high degree of confidentiality, professionalism, poise, tact, and diplomacy to accomplish objective.

Ability to motivate and lead virtual teams remotely and the ability to adjust communication style for different situations and cultures.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision, multitask and possess strong initiative, exercise independent judgment within established systems and procedures.

Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple competing priorities.
Ability to balance multiple tasks, changing priorities & operate within a deadline-oriented environment.

Ability to think logically, establish and follow procedures, instructions and make sound decisions.

Ability in managing relationships with shipping lines and carriers.

Possess organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize, be detail oriented and results driven.

Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.

Excellent customer service and communication skills, including strong verbal and listening skills.

Must have an advanced communication (verbal, written and listening) skills in order to communicate at different levels throughout the organization and with exterior organizations, etc.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills required in English.  Bilingual, fluent in English & Spanish preferred.

Must possess an advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Outlook.

Education, Qualifications, Certifications, and Licenses:

Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, International Business or recognized equivalent from an accredited university preferred; equivalent experience maybe substitutes for educational requirements.

Minimum five (5) years’ experience in a similar position/industry, preferably with experience in liner shipping, freight forwarding/NVOCC, maritime logistics, or liner service environment. Prior port agency (shipping services) experience with exposure to various commodities desired.

Experience working within complex international organizations.

Strong understanding of international shipping regulations, freight pricing, and contract negotiations.

Significant operational / business experience in the shipping or service industry, with the ability to run a cost-efficient business operation across a large geographical area.

Experience working within pre-defined processes and procedures – delivering work in accordance with SLA’s (Service Level Agreements).

Why Inchcape Shipping Services?

We believe in building a diverse and high performing workforce, that works together to provide our partners with the exceptional service they deserve. To reach the highest standards we depend on our people, their welfare, training, and expertise. We realize the value of the diversity of our people and know that their unique experiences, skills, and passions – strengthens the organization, stimulates creativity, and promotes the exchange of ideas – helping you to build a rich and rewarding career.

What you’ll get:

We understand that different families have different needs, which is why we’re always evolving our benefits to accommodate our employees.

Along with health and financial benefits, our employees enjoy a variety of other perks, tuition assistance, employee resource groups, and collaborative workspaces — some offices even welcome dogs.  

In addition to our traditional benefits and perks, we sponsor various events throughout the year. And we provide a culture based on learning, the support of an engaged team, and an inclusive environment where all employees are valued.  

We also encourage a better work-life balance with our flexibility. While we know in-office collaboration is critical to our vision, we recognize that not all work needs to be done within an office environment, full-time. With consistent communication and digital collaboration tools, Inchcape has enabled our employees to find a balance that feels fulfilling and productive for each individual situation.

Generous time off and paid holidays

Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success by merit increases and reaching milestones.

Career growth and opportunities for promotions. We develop and hire from within!

Plus, much more!

We have you covered for anything life could throw your way.

Deciding where you want to work is an important decision. Choosing a company that support your professional and personal goals is essential. Inchcape provides the resources, culture, and leadership you need to be successful, to build something you’re proud of, and take advantage of all the future holds.

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Who you are is who we are.

Inchcape is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Inchcape encourages applicants of all ages.  As part of this commitment, Inchcape will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please email [email protected] describing the accommodation.

Please note that as per Inchcape policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from employment, recruitment, staffing, or related agencies unless engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Inchcape will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person, or entity.

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