Planning Manager

Planning Management:

• Develop and implement comprehensive terminal operating plans, including vessel scheduling, yard management, gate operations, and equipment utilization.
• Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient container handling, storage, and retrieval processes.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance terminal productivity and reduce operational costs.
• Manage and develop a team of planning and operations personnel needed to fulfil daily activities.
• Proficient in utilizing N4 TOS for terminal planning, optimization, and execution.
• Proficient in utilizing N4 TOS modules for vessel planning, yard optimization, gate management and reefer activity.
• Experience in configuring and customizing N4 TOS to meet specific terminal requirements.
• Leverage N4 TOS functionalities to enhance vessel scheduling, yard management, gate operations, equipment utilization and other core terminal operations as required.

Customer Service & Stakeholder Management

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with stakeholders, including shipping lines, customs authorities, port authorities, government agencies, local communities, and employees.
• Collaborate with shipping lines, customs authorities, and other stakeholders to streamline terminal processes.
• Works closely with the commercial team to ensure new customer opportunities are investigated and analysed to be within the terminal capacity to deliver.
• Responsible for approving, maintaining and administering customer vessel window protocols as required.
• Manage and oversee customer service department as required, including documentation processes and claims.
• Ensures timely and accurate communication with customers.
• Leverages stakeholder relationships to achieve terminal objectives.

Safety and Security:

• Implements and enforces ACT safety standards and procedures.
• Conducts regular safety inspections of operational teams/workplaces, ensuring compliance and adherence to ACT safety standards.
• Oversees security measures to protect cargo and terminal assets.
• Investigates accidents and incidents to identify root causes and implement preventive measures as required.
• Sets clear safety performance goals for the planning team and upholds the values of ACT in this regard.
• Collaborates with safety committees and external safety experts as required.

Performance Management & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor and analyses key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure terminal performance and identify trends.
• Identifies and eliminates waste in terminal operation processes through various tools and analysis and continuously seeks to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Fosters a continuous improvement culture throughout the operations department and is the leader of any improvement initiatives
• Analyses operational data to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.

4. Qualification, Skills, and Experience

• Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in operations management, business administration, logistics, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field.
• A master’s degree in a relevant discipline can be advantageous.
• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in container terminal operations, with 5 years as a Planning Manager or similar senior role, having a strong focus on planning and optimization or other terminal operations.
• Hands-on experience with N4 TOS, including data analysis, report generation, and system configuration.
• Knowledge & Skills: In-depth knowledge of container terminal systems, processes, and equipment, with preference to optimization/lean methodologies or equivalents.
• Proficiency in using terminal operating systems and planning software to create efficient and effective operations delivery high customer service levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience leading diverse teams.
• Good experience in stakeholder management and relationship building, including dispute resolution.

5- COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal:

• ACT Senior Leadership Team.
• Operations.
• Commercial, HSSE.
• Engineering.
• Asyad Ports.

External:

• Shipping Lines.
• Shipping Agencies.
• Key Customers.
• Government Agency.
• Customs.
• ROP.