Shipping Manager (Container)

Summary :

This role is responsible for overseeing container shipments for Apical. This role requires a strategic, problem-solving mind-set to enhance operational efficiency, manage costs, and ensure compliance with legal and company regulations. The successful candidate will lead a team and manage a 3PL to ensure the smooth execution of container shipments and maintain strong partnerships across various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Freight Procurement and Negotiation:

• Source, negotiate, and select the carriers to deliver the best total cost and services while meeting operational needs.
• Lead freight procurement processes, including rate sourcing, contract negotiations, and Service Level Agreement (SLA) management with carrier, barge operators and 3PLs
• Develop strategic partnerships with key logistics service providers to secure competitive rates and priority allocations, particularly during peak seasons or periods of equipment shortages.

2. Freight Rates Forecasting & Advisory:

• Analyse market trends and carriers behaviour to provide regular forecasts on potential rates increase or decreases, supporting sales & trading teams who sell shipments in advance
• Utilize advanced analytics and market intelligence tools to forecast rate trends and support decision-making in procurement strategies.
• Act as a strategic advisor to internal stakeholders, including traders and sales team by providing timely insights on expect rate changes and market condition to aid in pricing and contract decision.
• Maintain close communication with carriers to monitor market dynamics and anticipate changes in freight rates, help company to stay ahead of market fluctuations and minimize cost risks.

2. Day-to-Day Operations Management:

• Oversee daily logistics operations, ensuring timely and cost-effective shipping solutions from origins such as Jakarta (JKT), Dumai / Port Klang and other key locations to global destinations.
• Ensure that trans-shipment cargo planning and execution are properly carried out between shipping lines and barge operators, with a special focus on optimizing transshipment operations through key hubs like Singapore and Port Klang (PKL).
• Manage and control the shipping department budget, ensuring cost-effective solutions are implemented without compromising service quality.
• Resolve issues regarding shipped orders and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction by ensuring on-time and accurate delivery.

3. Stakeholder Coordination and Relationship Management:

• Serve as the main liaison between internal stakeholders, including the Kuala Lumpur customer office and refinery teams, ensuring alignment on logistics planning and day-to-day operations.
• Coordinate with team members and external partners, such as carriers, 3PLs, and terminal operators, to ensure smooth shipment processes and service delivery.
• Report to management on activities and issues related to logistics operations, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

4. Compliance, Risk Management, and Continuous Improvement:

• Ensure compliance with legal regulations and company policies regarding shipping and logistics operations.
• Evaluate infrastructure readiness, considering owned assets vs. outsourcing options, and assess the trans-shipment process, alternatives, and port capabilities.
• Conduct market research to identify industry trends, alternative solutions, best practices, and risk exposures, recommending alternative solutions for continuous improvement.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to logistics operations, such as geopolitical disruptions, regulatory changes, or shifts in market dynamics.

5. Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead and manage a team of logistics coordinators stationed in refineries, providing day-to-day guidance, mentoring, and performance management.
• Supervise and lead subordinates (receiving clerks, order pickers, etc.) to ensure efficient operations.
• Develop training programs and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to build team capabilities in logistics operations, negotiation skills, and problem resolution.
• Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team to achieve higher efficiency and adaptability in a dynamic logistics environment.

Job Requirement :

• Minimum 7 to 10 years of experience in container shipping, freight management or logistics operations, with a strong focus on container rates negotiation, transshipment management and carrier relationship management
• Proven experience in market analysis, freight rates forecasting and providing strategic rate advisory to support business functions such as sales & trading team
• Strong understanding of regional & global shipping trends, especially in major transshipments hubs like Singapore and Port Klang.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication & stakeholder management skills to effectively collaborate with internal teams and external partner
• Extensive traveling request.