Chart your Course with PIL
With over 55 years of leadership in the global shipping industry, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is looking for proactive individuals to drive innovation and sustainable shipping solutions. If youre fueled by pioneering ideas, enjoy challenging the status quo, and are determined to make a significant impact, PIL wants you as a part of our dynamic community of maritime professionals.
At PIL, we provide local experiences with a global reach. With our headquarters in Singapore, and services offered at over 500 locations in 90 countries, you will have ample opportunities to work with colleagues from different cultures and communities.
Get On Board for a Dynamic and Purposeful Career.
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced National Operations and Logistics Manager to join our dynamic team at PIL. The Operations Manager will be responsible for managing vessel and landside operations in South Africa and fully accountable for driving vessel and landside execution processes including cost ownership. Also responsible for the relationship as well as engagement with third party service providers (terminals, depots, haulers etc.) and government regulatory authorities on service deliverables, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in optimize logistics processes, and drive performance excellence in a dynamic shipping environment.
Key Responsibilities
Vessel (Marine) Operations:
NB that all the above ius also applicable for CPT operations
- Own and drive schedule reliability and operational productivity at ports of call in South Africa.
- Liaise with TNPA and TPT on any vessel queries, push and ensure our vessel gain berths with a minimal delay.
- Proactively interact and coordinate with vessels and terminals to drive day-to-day performance and optimization of vessel and terminal operations
- Drive and enforce contract compliance (CTOC) and performance management at all terminals.
- Develop, monitor, improve, and benchmark operations processes through process improvement.
- Drive cost cutting initiatives in relation to Marine & Terminal expenses in all terminals.
- Align daily operations execution to the companys overall operational strategies.
- Develop and build an effective team with mixed competencies capable of delivering on operational goals.
- Oversee and challenge Agencies Management in relation to vessels operations, including:
- Coordinating with HO Vessel Ops on the planning of each vessels call and any schedule adjustments
- Coordinating with Terminals on berthing plans, productivity, etc.
- Responsible and accountable for ensuring maximum vessel utilization upon vessel departure from the region
- Responsible and accountable for minimizing voyage time wastage e.g. waiting for pilot, gangway down, last lift to last lashing, etc. and delivering the Terminal Velocity programme
- Responsible and accountable for delivering the operations related KPI and process streamlining for the Agencies within the region
- Perform Operational coordination with partners, as required
- Close liaison with SAASOA
- Ensure all forecasts are sent out within the required time frames.
- Ensure allocations are adhered to by all branches as per BSA
- Close liaison with Transnet Freight Rail on all rail units and rail performance
Equipment (Container) Management
- Monitor empty stock and container movement nationally
- Liaise with service providers to ensure performance in accordance with FIFO
- Monitor container maintenance and repair & 3rd party billing and collection
- Manage container dwell days and clearance of long stay units
- Regular visits to depots & close liaison with service providers
- Oversee container sales when required by the Principal
- Manage EMD team on a national base to ensure the Principal-set KPIs are achieved
- Ensure full visibility of all PIL containers within South Africa and accurate reporting of all container movement within the requirements of the Principal
- Build equipment flow strategy based on import and export flow analysis.
- Deliver improvements to key processes geared towards reducing container dwell and turn times in South Africa.
- Own and drive empty container flow as well as reduction in long stay containers through active follow up with commercial teams, depots and vessel capacity teams.
- Empty repositioning: develop and execute cost savings plans in line with procurement logic to deliver a consistently deflationary cost profile while maintaining excellent standards of safety and reliability, including efficient planning for repositioning of empty units from depots (holding bays) to the ports.
- Manage laden and empty overdue containers to minimum level in accordance with the KPI target set
- Build strong and collaborative relationship with vendors and 3rd party suppliers.
- Monitor 3rd party vendor performance to ensure service delivery in accordance with the contract.
- Work with space management to ensure all required empties are made available to fulfil the BSA per POL
- Ensure vessels allocations are correct as in tracked versus stacked
- Management of SA container inventory with regards to balances, utilization and turn times
- Responsible and accountable for delivering the container related KPI
- Drive cost cutting initiatives in relation to achieving efficiency targets set by Principal
- Manage the reefer inventory on the basis of stock, and upcoming reefer requirements
- Ensure the reefer inventory and NOR equipment requirement is accurately summarized and sent to HQ weekly to ensure an early notification of the empty equipment require
- Monitor the resulting NOR movement to ensure the incoming stocks match the forecast requirements
- Monitor the deport performance on reefer as indicated in the terminal agreements
- Ensure the nominated depots meet all the PPECB requirements regarding reefer container preparation including PTI done timeously
- Manage the performance of the reefer monitoring team within PIL SA (DUR and CPT) including external reefer monitoring service provider (Genesis)
- Monitor the Steri probe stock to ensure sufficient supply to meet demand
- Identify and build strategic relationships with depots geared towards driving cost reduction (transport and storage costs) and optimizing operational productivity.
- Develop and coordinate processes with PIL ZA marketing & Documentation that would optimize equipment flow at minimum cost. e.g. triangulation, depot optimization, etc.
- Follow up with depots or transporters (rail and trucking) vendors in order to ensure smooth end-to-end equipment flow and execution in the depot and ports.
- Establish and monitor service level performance indicators (as per SLA) for depots and transport providers.
- Close monitoring of all current claims with the PIL ZA team for all regions
- Any other operations and equipment control matters
- At least 10 years of experience in shipping operations, port management, or logistics, preferably within a containerised shipping line or agency.
- Strong working knowledge of South African port and terminal operations, including experience dealing with Transnet, port authorities, and customs.
- Demonstrable ability to manage vessel operations, container logistics, and inland transportation effectively.
- Strong grasp of customs clearance, import/export regulations, and trade compliance.
- Proficiency in logistics software, container tracking systems, and EDI messaging platforms.
- Experience leading operations teams, with a track record of developing and mentoring staff.
- Strong negotiation skills with vendors, hauliers, and terminal operators to ensure service excellence and cost efficiency.
- Ability to manage complex operational challenges and crisis situations effectively.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to optimize costs related to port charges, haulage, and detention.
- Ability to collaborate with commercial teams to align operational execution with business objectives.
- A solution-driven approach to managing disruptions, including port congestion, vessel delays, and regulatory changes.
- Experience implementing efficiency improvements to enhance service reliability and operational performance.
- A degree or diploma in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
- Professional certifications (e.g., ICS Certification, or equivalent shipping/logistics training).
- Results Orientation
- Experience leading and motivating a team
- Ability to optimize logistics processes
- Ability to drive performance excellence
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Be part of a leading global carrier with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please submit your resume in English outlining your qualifications and experience to PIL Career Website .
Eligibility To Apply
This position is open to South African nationals or individuals who currently have the legal right to work in South Africa. Please note that applicants without this eligibility will not be considered.
About Us
Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the worlds top container shipping lines and is also the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Oceania, and the Pacific Islands.
Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi-purpose vessels.
Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot, and logistics services.
PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value-adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk, and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on Driving Connectivity and commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable, and future-ready shipping line.
For more information, visit www.pilship.com
Pacific International Lines (PIL) is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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