Operations Planner

Location: Portsmouth
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Department: Operations

We are recruiting on behalf of a busy and well-established organisation within the shipping and port operations sector for an experienced Operations Planner.

This is a key role within the Operations team, responsible for the efficient planning and coordination of vessel, container and terminal operations, as well as the allocation of operational labour.

You will act as a key point of contact for shipping lines, agents and internal operational teams, ensuring activities are planned safely, efficiently and in line with customer requirements.

• Plan vessel and terminal operations in line with customer requirements, vessel schedules and operational priorities.

• Coordinate berth usage, taking into consideration vessel arrival and departure times.

• Liaise with shipping lines, agents, vessel crews, customers and relevant authorities.

• Prepare vessel operational plans, paperwork and work instructions.

• Create and maintain accurate vessel records using the Terminal Operating System.

• Prepare crane splits and discharge/load sequences to support operational productivity.

• Communicate vessel plans clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

• Attend vessels when required to provide operational information and make amendments to plans where necessary.

• Coordinate with government agencies and authorities regarding inspections and operational requirements.

• Work closely with operational management and vessel teams to ensure customer requirements are met.

• Plan the efficient allocation and movement of containers within container parks.

• Ensure all operational instructions are accurately recorded within the relevant systems.

• Coordinate with cargo planning teams regarding container stripping and collection requirements.

• Liaise with forwarding teams and shipping lines to ensure export containers are available within required cut-off times.

• Communicate container planning requirements clearly to operational teams.

• Coordinate with relevant authorities where required.

• Prepare daily labour plans and coordinate resources to meet operational priorities.

• Allocate employees based on their skills, training and competency.

• Prepare and issue operational paperwork and labour plans.

• Manage overtime lists and allocations across operational teams.

• Coordinate employee training requirements with relevant training teams.

• Manage and record employee absence requests in line with company policies.

• Maintain accurate manual and electronic records to support payroll processing.

• Monitor attendance and timekeeping and escalate concerns where required.

• Conduct return-to-work meetings and complete relevant HR documentation.

• Support attendance reviews in conjunction with HR and operational management.

• Ensure all planned activities comply with Health & Safety policies and procedures.

• Support the maintenance of operational KPI and billing information.

• Provide operational planning cover as part of a 7-day rota.

• Work closely with Operations, Commercial, Shipping, Health & Safety and other internal teams.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of operational planning processes.

• Carry out any other reasonable duties as required by Operations Management.

We're looking for someone with previous experience in operations planning, ideally gained within a shipping, port, logistics, warehousing, distribution or transportation environment.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience planning operational activities within a busy environment.

• Experience coordinating vessel, terminal, transport or warehouse operations.

• Experience planning and allocating labour or operational resources.

• Strong organisational and planning skills.

• The ability to work independently and make decisions confidently.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Good problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using operational/terminal management systems.

• The ability to work effectively under pressure and respond quickly to changing operational requirements.

An IOSH Working Safely or Managing Safely qualification would be advantageous but is not essential.

• Operations Planning

• Labour Planning

• Resource Allocation

• Vessel Planning

• Container Planning

• Logistics

• Shipping & Port Operations

• Health & Safety

• Customer Service

• Problem Solving

• Decision Making

• Microsoft Office

• Terminal Operating Systems

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Planner, Logistics Planner, Shipping Coordinator or similar operational professional looking to develop their career within a busy and varied environment.

TJCOM