WE ARE HIRING: GM – Operations

Location: Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full time
Industry: Shipping / Marine Services / Ship Chandling / Logistics

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven GM – Operations to lead operational performance, marine supply services, ship chandling activities, vendor management, inventory control, customer relationships, collections support, and business growth within the shipping and marine services sector.

The selected candidate will be responsible for ensuring smooth operations, securing and servicing vessel and platform RFQs, sourcing marine spare parts and technical stores, maintaining cost-effective vendor networks, managing inventory availability, improving operational productivity, and supporting customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations across ship agency, marine services, ship chandling, warehouse coordination, and customer service activities.
• Support the Operations Department in achieving business and operational goals.
• Ensure operational procedures are in place to protect company interests and reduce avoidable costs.
• Monitor productivity and improve processes to support timely customer service and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with internal departments to ensure smooth handling of customer requirements and vessel supply activities.
• Ensure all operational activities are completed accurately, professionally, and within agreed timelines.

Marine Supply and Ship Chandling

• Approach, secure, and maintain clients for vessel and platform supply requirements.
• Handle RFQs from vessels and offshore platforms for marine supplies, spare parts, equipment, technical stores, and related items.
• Process incoming requisitions and coordinate order fulfilment.
• Create and manage sales orders and post-sales coordination.
• Issue picking lists for warehouse operations and ensure timely delivery to vessels.
• Ensure customer requirements, delivery timelines, and quality expectations are properly understood and fulfilled.

Sourcing, Procurement and Vendor Management

• Source and maintain reliable local and overseas vendors for required marine supply items.
• Research designated products locally and internationally.
• Review product quality, availability, pricing, and supplier reliability.
• Compare supplier options and negotiate pricing, delivery timelines, and commercial terms.
• Maintain a strong network of cost-effective local and foreign suppliers and vendors.
• Ensure vendor partnerships support fast, accurate, and competitive vessel supply services.
• Coordinate with warehouse and operations teams to ensure stock availability and timely delivery.

Inventory and Warehouse Coordination

• Analyze demand and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Ensure just-in-time replenishment to support vessel supply and operational requirements.
• Prevent and reduce overstock, out-of-stock situations, slow-moving inventory, and obsolete stock.
• Monitor warehouse inventory and support accurate stock recording and tracking.
• Ensure inventory is properly recorded, recalled, and managed according to operational needs.
• Coordinate with warehouse teams to support accurate picking, packing, dispatch, and delivery.

Financial and Commercial Support

• Assist in the collection of outstanding dues from customers.
• Support a strong collection ratio through follow-up and customer coordination.
• Work with teams to identify and implement cost-effective and efficient ways of working.
• Support pricing, commercial terms, and margin improvement initiatives.
• Monitor cost areas and recommend improvements to reduce operational expenses.
• Support management with commercial insights and operational updates.

Customer Service and Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, principals, freight forwarders, vendors, suppliers, and authorities.
• Handle customer complaints swiftly and professionally.
• Identify service gaps and implement corrective actions to improve customer satisfaction.
• Conduct operational meetings and update relevant stakeholders on service performance.
• Monitor competitor activities, service scopes, and market opportunities.
• Take appropriate action to gain or regain additional business.
• Support business development initiatives to strengthen market presence and service capability.

Leadership and Continuous Improvement

• Lead operational teams with a focus on accountability, service quality, and performance.
• Promote process management, quality systems, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Improve operational efficiency, customer service, vendor performance, and inventory control.
• Manage change effectively across operational processes and teams.
• Develop a proactive and commercially aware operations culture.
• Carry out any other duties assigned by management in line with business needs and operational requirements.

Candidate Profile

• Full qualification in CILT, CASA, or a related professional qualification will be preferred.
• MBA will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 15 years of overall experience in the shipping industry.
• Experience in port operations, stevedoring, ship agency, marine services, or ship chandling will be an advantage.
• At least 5 years of local experience in ship chandling or ship supply companies is required.
• Strong knowledge and hands-on experience in marine spare parts, equipment, technical stores, and vessel supply requirements.
• Strong operational background in shipping, marine services, ship supply, logistics, or related sectors.
• Good understanding of sourcing, vendor management, inventory management, warehouse coordination, and customer service operations.
• Existing network of reliable local and foreign suppliers and vendors will be a strong advantage.
• Strong commercial mindset with the ability to identify cost-effective solutions.
• Experience in process management, quality systems, and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong business acumen and ability to support operational and commercial growth.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage teams and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to manage change and improve operational processes.
• Team player with a proactive and results-oriented approach.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English is essential.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, and customer-service orientation.

Key Relationships

• Internal departments across operations, warehouse, finance, procurement, sales, and management.
• Customers, principals, freight forwarders, vendors, suppliers, and relevant authorities.

Ready to take your career to new heights?

We're InTalent Asia, your go-to recruitment partner in Sri Lanka, and we've got an exciting opportunity for you! Our client is looking for a dynamic individual to fill the role of GM – Operations.

Apply now and see how you can be the perfect fit for this exclusive leadership position!

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