Port Operations Area Manager

As Port Operations Area Manager you will negotiate and follow up on port and terminal contracts, ensuring cost control and smooth operations. You will act as the primary liaison between ports, terminals, and MSC’s regional teams to resolve issues and optimize performance. The role focuses on cost analysis, contract preparation, and proactive problem solving to minimize costs and improve efficiency. This is a Geneva-based, full-time role with international travel and strong emphasis on negotiation, coordination, and cross-department collaboration.

• Negotiate and follow up contracts with ports and terminals, including related topics (pilotage, mooring, towage, port authorities)
• Prepare business analysis on port costs and liaise with Liner department on potential lines changes
• Estimate costs and provide port/operational and financial analysis
• Prepare data and documents for contract negotiations
• Serve as main contact with Regional Operations Manager to ensure smooth operations and quick problem solving
• Monitor providers’ performance per contracts/TSA/SLA and prepare related reports (operational, transhipment, port productivity)
• Act as main contact between terminals/ports and other departments
• Handle high-level port operations issues and communicate with terminal management
• Monitor terminal capacity and productivity to minimize costs, reduce port stay, and boost efficiency
• Intervene in day-to-day issues affecting costs and prevent extra costs to the line
• Review TSA contracts and interface with terminals; be main contact for non-compliance
• Attend management meetings upon request
• Willingness to travel
• Build relationships with port stakeholders to influence contract negotiations and costs
• Provide quick resolution of issues with terminal management
• Be proactive in preventing extra costs and operational hiccups

• Extensive experience in the shipping industry
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to set priorities and make timely decisions
• Strong communication, negotiation and organizational skills
• Problem solving
• Responsible and well organized
• Attend management meetings upon request
• Willingness to travel
• Ability to build relationships with port stakeholders to influence contract decisions and costs
• Proactive in preventing extra costs and operational hiccups

• Stress resilience
• Strong communication
• Negotiation
• Contract negotiation
• Port operations knowledge
• Cost analysis