Assistant Manager Operations (Planning)

South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) is a globally recognized, award winning, public private partnership container terminal in Sri Lanka, that commenced operations in 1999, launching the Port of Colombo as global trade’s pre-eminent gateway hub to South Asia. Today, the terminal is one of three operators in the Port of Colombo and continues to offer the international container shipping community, a competitive best in class service as a Global Container Terminal.

The company is a Board of Investment flagship entity with majority Sri Lankan shareholding, and is backed by John Keells Holdings, Maersk Group of Denmark, Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Evergreen Marine of Taiwan.

If the prospect of working in an extremely dynamic, global industry at a Company that is a global leader in its class and located in South Asia’s largest hub-port excites you, we would be delighted to receive your application for the following position.

Job Profile

The APM position should lead and manage pre and post planning, coordination and execution with the rest of the team in order to delight customers. The candidate shall independently and effectively manage, motivate and supervise a team of staff and achieve expected results. Having good verbal communication skills with writing ability to communicate effectively with customers, related authorities and members of the team is a prerequisite. The candidate shall be very thorough in vessel and yard planning strategies, HAZ cargo handling, vessel and yard operation and systems functions.

Main Responsibilities of the Job:

• Manage and supervise yard and vessel planning activities of the shift/group with due regard to customer service, efficiency, productivity, safety, quality, compliance and optimum use of staff, equipment, terminal space and related port facilities.
• Balance priorities between connections, deadlines and required productivity levels.
• Shall liaise with central planners and shipping lines and ensure accurate information captured and disseminated to/from appropriate parties to ensure accuracy of the plans prepared.
• Monitor effectiveness of planning function and recommend appropriate actions for training and development of staff and continuous process improvements through the adoption of modern systems, facilities and technologies as per business needs.
• Ensure the system is fully utilized for planning and monitoring activities and accurate information captured and validated in the system before regular and periodic performance reports are generated and distributed.
• Appraise staff performance and take appropriate actions to develop competencies to enhance overall planning and monitoring efficiency and customer service.

Candidate Profile:

• A Degree or a professional qualification relevant to the industry from a recognized university/Institute.
• Fluency in English – both in spoken and written communication.
• Be a persuasive personality with the ability to communicate clearly in both Sinhala and English languages.
• Ability to demonstrate exemplary leadership, analytical, and innovative thinking skills.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and competence in the following disciplines:
  • Berth Planning, Stowage Planning, Terminal Planning, Port Rules, UN/IMDG regulations, and applicable procedures and policies
  • Advanced Yard Planning & Vessel Planning
  • Customer Engagement and Communication
  • CHE Optimization and Terminal Performance Management
  • Pre and Post Cargo Control Documentation and Compliance
  • Data Analytics
• Leading and managing a dynamic team including goal setting, performance management, training and development, and motivation.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships with customers, statutory agencies, and colleagues within Team SAGT.

An attractive and competitive remuneration package awaits the selected candidate. Please email your comprehensive CV with details of two non-related referees, within 10 days of this advertisement, addressed to General Manager – HR through careers@sagt.com.lk