Assistant Manager Agency Operations | UAE

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Assistant Manager – Agency Operations to join a reputed Ship Agency Company in Dubai. The role will be responsible for managing hub operations, husbandry services, vessel port calls, principal coordination, and local agency activities, while ensuring smooth and efficient vessel operations. The position requires strong knowledge of the UAE shipping and port market, along with hands-on experience coordinating with port authorities, service providers, vessels, and principals.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day ship agency and hub operations for vessel port calls in the UAE.
• Coordinate husbandry services, including crew changes, launches, transportation, stores, spares, provisions, and other vessel requirements.
• Handle complete vessel port call operations, from pre-arrival planning through vessel departure.
• Coordinate with ship owners, principals, masters, vessel operators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth port operations.
• Liaise with UAE port authorities, terminals, immigration, customs, coast guard, and other relevant authorities.
• Coordinate with local service providers, contractors, suppliers, and vendors to ensure timely delivery of services.
• Monitor vessel movements, berthing arrangements, port formalities, cargo operations, and departure requirements.
• Ensure all agency documentation, permits, clearances, and operational records are accurately maintained.
• Handle operational issues and provide timely solutions during vessel port calls.
• Maintain strong relationships with principals, customers, port authorities, and local service providers.
• Monitor agency costs, service charges, and operational expenses related to vessel calls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable UAE port regulations, shipping procedures, and company operating standards.
• Support the management team in improving agency processes, service quality, and operational efficiency.
• Supervise and guide agency operations team members to ensure smooth execution of daily activities.
• Prepare operational reports, vessel call updates, and other management reports as required.
• Provide operational support and coordination outside normal working hours when required.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a Shipping, Ship Agency, or Maritime Services company.
• Currently based in Dubai/UAE with good knowledge of the local shipping market.
• Hands-on experience in Hub Operations and Husbandry Services.
• Strong experience in managing vessel port calls, agency operations, and husbandry requirements.
• Good understanding of UAE ports, terminals, shipping procedures, and local maritime authorities.
• Experience coordinating with principals, ship owners, Masters, port authorities, terminals, and local service providers.
• Strong knowledge of vessel arrival/departure procedures and port formalities.
• Experience in handling crew changes, launch services, transportation, provisions, stores, spares, and other vessel services.
• Strong vendor and stakeholder-management skills.
• Excellent communication, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple vessel operations simultaneously.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of agency costs and service requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office and operational reporting tools.
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and respond effectively to urgent vessel operational requirements.
• High level of professionalism, accountability, reliability, and customer-service orientation.