About this role
You Belong Here… Wherever in the World You Find Yourself.
Connect the world. Make an impact. Build your future with Inchcape.
At Inchcape Shipping Services, we don’t just move ships—we help connect the world.
With a vision for a connected world, our 3,000+ professionals across 60+ countries and 250+ offices bring together local expertise, global perspective, and deep maritime knowledge to help our partners connect to a smoother, smarter ocean.
We are a global team made stronger by the people within it. Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be part of something bigger—working alongside talented colleagues, building meaningful relationships, and helping shape the future of our industry.
Why Inchcape?
We believe our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Our success comes from bringing together diverse perspectives, experiences, skills, and ideas. We empower our people to make an impact, encourage them to challenge the status quo, and provide opportunities to learn, grow, and build a career they can be proud of.
Our values guide how we work every day:
Global Perspective – We connect the world and see the bigger picture.
The Power of People – We rely on the strength of local agent knowledge, expertise, and relationships.
Progress – We embrace new thinking and push for positive change across our industry.
We know what matters. We never stand still. We always reach for more.
Business Need / Purpose of Role:
The Senior Operations Representative (Boarding Agent) is responsible for providing logistics service to our Principals to ensure the safe and smooth turnaround of all appointed vessels within the jurisdiction of the port office, managing vessel requirements, procurement of relevant vendor services, and undertaking vessel boarding as required. The Operations Representative performs office and non-manual work assisting Inchcape in the running and servicing Inchcape’s 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week on-call services commitments to its Principals.
Objectives & Measurement – Key Responsibilities
Customer Service & Operations
• Responsible for determining berth availability, local port conditions prevailing at the time of estimated arrival of vessels, and particular terminal orders and requirements, for communicating these issues to ship captains and other representatives of the Principals, and for assisting ship captains with advice on how the vessels and Principals can meet those varying conditions and satisfy varying requirements.
• Responsible for providing ships captains and Principals pre-arrival lists of what is needed or required for port entry depending on the individualized circumstances of each port and prevailing conditions, for reviewing the Principal’s responses concerning the particular required items and for deciding whether the ships’ qualifications and conditions match up to the particular requirements, for communicating to terminals whether the ships meet requirements, or for advising ships captains or Principals on potential options or actions which could be taken to meet requirements.
• Responsible for contacting local river pilots or bar pilots associations to obtain pilots for assigned vessels and for gathering information relating to pilots’ activities to assist Principals with monitoring services provided.
• Responsible for assisting with ships’ crew lodgings, travel and transportation, and activities while in port as requested by the Principals, for receiving reports of any crew change issues, for reporting to the Principals any delays or unexpected circumstances which might call for varying crew lodging or transportation arrangements, for developing and evaluating potential solutions for crew lodging or transportation arrangements in response to changing circumstances or delays, for making and delivering recommendations on alternative accommodations to the ships captains and other Principals’ representatives, and for implementing any decisions by the Principals based on the range of options and recommendations.
• Responsible for assisting Principals with obtaining the various services needed by vessels while in port, such as medical services or food deliveries for crew, by contacting vendors and arranging for service deliveries, and for reporting back to the ships captains and other Principals representatives concerning provision of vendor services.
• Responsible for ship boarding duties upon arrival and at departure of assigned vessels including meeting with captains to assist with communicating with government officials (such as Customs and INS) concerning both crew and cargo, for collecting all legally required documentation, such as cargo manifests and bills of lading, and for gathering information on the times of service of tugs and bar pilots / river pilots, and the particular details concerning loading and unloading processes.
• Responsible for assisting Principals with monitoring and servicing the Principals’ business operations by gathering details concerning the entry and loading or unloading process for each vessel and for drafting the Statement of Facts (SoF) for each port call, and responsible for obtaining and providing to the Principals the respective SoFs for the port call prepared by ships captains and terminals.
• Responsible for assisting Principals with monitoring and servicing the Principals’ business operations by preparing and ensuring the accuracy of pre-arrival documentation and visitor/vendor list for vessels and terminals, for coordinating sailing arrangements, for updating arrival details and for sending arrival messages, for gathering information and ensuring the accuracy updated daily cargo details, for communicating daily updates to Principals (cargo & husbandry), for gathering and updating departure details and for sending departure messages and documents.
• Responsible for continually seeking new methods to reduce operational costs and find efficiencies for the port office.
External Providers
• Responsible for maintaining relationships with and liaising with clients, vendors, terminals, government officials, and port services on a daily basis and attend regular meetings with ports, terminals and others.
• Responsible for ensuring all shipping documentation is issued on time and accurately.
• Responsible for suggesting improvements to existing processes to enhance service delivery.
Operating System and Data Integrity
• Responsible for utilization of POPDA (the Company’s Operating System) as per company operating procedures.
• Responsible for performing accurate and timely updates of systems in order to have fresh data and present the best information to clients.
• Responsible for using Company timekeeping systems by maintaining accurate records of all time worked for management review for performance evaluation and operational efficiency purposes.
• Responsible for following internal and external procedures ensuring compliance with ISS standards, customer standards and legal requirements
• Responsible for ensuring all procedural Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) are met.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• A foundational knowledge of Port Operations.
• Competent user of the Microsoft Office suite including Outlook, Excel and Word.
• Being able to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Balance multiple tasks, changing priorities & operate within a deadline-oriented environment.
Education, Qualifications, Certifications, and Licenses:
• High School diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Administration, Business Administration, or related major from a public or accredited private academic institution desired.
• 0-4 years’ experience in general maritime industry with exposure to various commodities and vessel types utilized in the port of employment.
What You Can Expect at Inchcape
We want you to succeed—not just in your role, but in your career and your life outside of work.
We recognize that every person and every family is different, which is why we continue to evolve our benefits, flexibility, and employee experience to meet the needs of our people.
As part of the Inchcape team, you’ll have access to:
• Competitive benefits supporting your health and financial wellbeing
• Generous time off and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Employee Resource Groups and opportunities to connect across our global organization
• Performance and recognition programs that reward contribution, achievement, and growth
• Career development and opportunities for advancement—we believe in developing and promoting from within
• A collaborative and inclusive culture where people are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work
• Flexible working practices that recognize the importance of both collaboration and work-life balance
• A global network of colleagues and opportunities to learn from people around the world
And that’s just the beginning.
A Career That Moves With You
The maritime industry never stands still—and neither do we.
At Inchcape, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills, expand your perspective, and work with people and customers from around the world. Whether you’re building your expertise, taking on new challenges, or preparing for your next career move, we want to help you reach what’s next.
Your experience matters. Your ideas matter. Your growth matters.
Most importantly, you belong here.
We Have You Covered for Anything Life Could Throw Your Way.
Choosing where you work is an important decision. Choosing a company that supports both your professional ambitions and personal goals matters even more.
At Inchcape, you’ll find the resources, leadership, culture, and global opportunities to help you succeed—and the support to build a career and life you’re proud of.
Wherever your career takes you, we want Inchcape to be part of the journey.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X to meet our people and discover what makes us who we are.
Who You Are Is Who We Are.
Inchcape is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.
Inchcape encourages applicants of all ages. As part of this commitment, Inchcape will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please email
[email protected] describing the accommodation.
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