Operations Manager

WE ARE HIRING: Operations Manager 

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full Time
Industry: Shipping / Maritime Services / Logistics 

Role Overview 

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead and oversee all shipping agency operational activities while ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective service delivery. The successful candidate will be responsible for vessel operations, operational planning, stakeholder management, service delivery, financial controls, reporting, team leadership, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role plays a critical part in ensuring operational excellence, customer satisfaction, revenue protection, and compliance with company and principal requirements while supporting the overall strategic objectives of the business. 

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Team Performance Management

• Lead and manage the Operations team to achieve departmental objectives and performance targets.
• Establish, monitor, and review departmental KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Drive accountability through performance management, coaching, and regular operational reviews.
• Identify operational challenges and implement corrective actions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure resources are effectively deployed to meet operational and business requirements.
• Support organizational priorities through strong operational execution and performance management.

Operational Management & Service Delivery

• Oversee all vessel agency operations and ensure seamless execution of shipping activities.
• Manage vessel attendance, documentation, port clearances, and operational coordination activities.
• Ensure timely preparation and submission of sailing summaries, operational reports, and management updates.
• Monitor service delivery standards and ensure operational activities are completed within agreed timelines.
• Coordinate closely with principals, authorities, customers, service providers, and internal departments.
• Ensure prompt resolution of operational issues and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Maintain high standards of operational accuracy, professionalism, and compliance.

Financial Control & Revenue Protection

• Review and oversee invoicing processes and operational financial documentation.
• Monitor transactions to minimize revenue leakage and billing discrepancies.
• Review and validate Proforma Disbursement Accounts (PDA) and Final Disbursement Accounts (FDA).
• Ensure effective cost control and financial accountability across operational activities.
• Identify financial risks and implement mitigation measures.
• Support profitability objectives through effective operational and commercial management.
• Ensure compliance with internal financial controls and approval processes.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, principal requirements, and regulatory obligations.
• Maintain complete and accurate operational records and documentation.
• Ensure all reports and submissions are completed within required deadlines.
• Monitor operational compliance and drive corrective actions where required.
• Support audits, reviews, governance assessments, and compliance initiatives.
• Promote ethical business conduct and adherence to operational standards.

Customer, Principal & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with principals, customers, authorities, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Act as the primary escalation point for critical operational matters.
• Resolve operational concerns and customer service issues promptly and professionally.
• Monitor service quality levels and implement initiatives to improve customer satisfaction.
• Ensure stakeholder expectations are consistently met or exceeded.

Reporting & Operational Excellence

• Prepare and present operational performance reports to management.
• Monitor key operational indicators and recommend improvement opportunities.
• Analyze operational trends, performance gaps, risks, and service delivery issues.
• Develop and implement initiatives that improve operational efficiency and customer service.
• Drive innovation, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives across the operations function.
• Ensure operational information is communicated accurately and on time.
• Perform additional duties assigned by management as required.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's Degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5–8 years of operational experience in Shipping, Maritime Services, Port Operations, Logistics, or a related industry.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a managerial or supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of vessel agency operations, shipping documentation, PDA/FDA processes, and port procedures.
• Excellent understanding of operational compliance, stakeholder management, and financial controls.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills.
• Strong analytical, planning, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• High levels of accountability, ownership, and professionalism.
• Strong problem-solving, risk management, and operational planning skills.
• Excellent reporting and operational management capabilities.

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 skilled individual to fill the role of Operations Manager.

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

#InTalentAsia #CareerOpportunity #JobVacancy #OperationsManager #ShippingJobs #MaritimeCareers #PortOperations #LogisticsJobs #ShippingAgency #SupplyChainManagement #LeadershipCareers #ElevateYourCareer