Manager, Port Operations
Pubblicato il 06-10-2026 - Four Seasons Yachts in Italia
h3Position Summary /h3 pThe Manager of Port Operations is responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of global port operations in support of the company’s worldwide yacht deployment. The role ensures that each port call is operationally prepared, compliant, cost-effective, and executed in accordance with company standards and the expectations of an ultra-luxury commercial yachting experience. /p pThe Manager serves as a primary operational liaison between shoreside leadership, vessel teams, port agents, port authorities, terminals, marinas, government agencies, and other local service providers. Responsibilities include port-call readiness, berth and marina coordination, port agency management, turnaround operations, regulatory requirements, port-cost management, irregular operations, and continuous improvement of operational processes. /p pAs requested, the Manager may also support deployment and itinerary planning activities, including itinerary feasibility reviews, destination research, port evaluations, routing alternatives, and itinerary changes. These responsibilities are supportive of the role's primary focus on Port Operations. /p h3Key Responsibilities /h3 h3Port Operations Operational Readiness /h3 ul liManage the planning and operational readiness of scheduled port calls across the company’s worldwide deployment. /li liEnsure all required port arrangements, confirmations, documentation, services, and local requirements are completed in advance of vessel arrival. /li liCoordinate berth reservations, marina bookings, anchorage requests, terminal arrangements, pilotage, tug requirements, permits, security, waste removal, water, bunkering support, deliveries, offloads, and other port services as required. /li liEnsure vessels receive accurate and timely port-call information, including operational requirements, local restrictions, contacts, service arrangements, and regulatory procedures. /li liCoordinate operational requirements for turnaround ports, transit calls, anchorages, tender ports, marinas, and special operating locations. /li liSupport embarkation and disembarkation operations, including terminal readiness, luggage handling, stevedoring, transportation, provisioning support, guest flows, and other shoreside requirements. /li liMonitor port-call execution and proactively resolve issues affecting safe, efficient, or timely operations. /li /ul h3Port Agency Vendor Management /h3 ul liManage day-to-day relationships with global port agents and other port-service providers. /li liEstablish clear operational expectations and ensure agents provide timely, accurate, and complete information. /li liMonitor port-agent performance against service standards, contractual requirements, operational needs, and budget expectations. /li liParticipate in the evaluation, appointment, and periodic review of port agents and key operational vendors. /li liSupport RFPs, competitive bidding, rate negotiations, and comparative analysis of port agency and related services. /li liMaintain productive relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, marina operators, government officials, security providers, stevedores, transportation providers, and other local partners. /li liEscalate material vendor-performance or service issues to the Director, Port Shoreside Operations as appropriate. /li /ul h3Regulatory Government Coordination /h3 ul liCoordinate agency supported customs, immigration, agriculture, health, port authority, and other government requirements associated with vessel, guest, and crew operations. /li liEnsure port-call arrangements comply with applicable local regulations and operational requirements. /li liIdentify potential immigration,
customs, cabotage, clearance, or other regulatory issues affecting scheduled operations. /li liCoordinate with Marine Operations, Legal, Security, Finance, and other subject-matter experts when specialized review or interpretation is required. /li liEnsure required permits, declarations, supporting documentation, and local approvals are obtained within appropriate timelines. /li /ul h3Irregular Operations Operational Support /h3 ul liManage or support operational response to berth conflicts, port congestion, weather disruption, late arrivals or departures, strikes, regulatory issues, medical situations, transportation disruption, and other irregular operations. /li liDevelop operational alternatives in coordination with Itinerary Planning, vessel leadership, Marine Operations, the Director, and other relevant stakeholders. /li liProvide shore-based support to Masters and onboard leadership for port-related operational issues. /li liSupport special operational requirements associated with charters, inaugural calls, events, technical projects, and other non-routine activities. /li liParticipate in departmental emergency-response or duty coverage as assigned. /li /ul h3Port Cost Financial Management /h3 ul liReview Proforma Disbursement Accounts (PDAs), Final Disbursement Accounts (FDAs), port tariffs, vendor quotations, and invoices for accuracy and compliance with agreed rates. /li liMonitor port costs and identify significant variances, anomalies, or opportunities for cost improvement. /li liSupport development and maintenance of port-cost budgets and forecasts. /li liCoordinate required pre-funding, invoice approval, settlements, and payment follow-up with Finance and Accounts Payable. /li liBalance cost management with operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and the company's service standards. /li liCoordinate and manage FDA invoice coding specialists. /li /ul h3Destination Port Assessment /h3 ul liConduct port, terminal, marina, and destination inspections as required. /li liEvaluate operational infrastructure including berth suitability, vessel access, tender operations, terminals, transportation, security, logistics, regulatory requirements, and shoreside services. /li liPrepare structured inspection and operational assessment reports. /li liSupport evaluation of prospective ports and destinations from an operational perspective. /li liMaintain current knowledge of port infrastructure, restrictions, service capabilities, and operational developments within assigned regions. /li /ul h3Systems, Documentation Process Improvement /h3 ul liMaintain accurate port, destination, vendor, operational, and financial information within IMS, MXP, and other departmental systems. /li liEnsure operational records and supporting documentation are maintained in accordance with departmental standards. /li liDevelop and maintain port-operation procedures, checklists, reference materials, templates, and standard operating procedures. /li liIdentify opportunities to improve operational workflows, controls, communication, and efficiency. /li liSupport testing and implementation of system and process enhancements.
/li liProvide training and guidance to internal stakeholders and external partners regarding applicable port-operational processes and standards. /li /ul h3Cross-Functional Coordination /h3 ul liWork closely with Marine Operations, Hotel Operations, Security, Finance, Product, Charter, Commercial, Logistics, Human Resources, and onboard leadership. /li liCoordinate operational requirements and communicate significant issues, changes, or risks to appropriate stakeholders. /liliParticipate in voyage-planning, operational-readiness, and departmental meetings. /li liSupport charter operations during planning, execution, and post-operation review. /li liWork closely with the Business Intelligence Analyst on port-cost, operational-performance, agency-performance, and readiness reporting. /li /ul h3Itinerary Planning Support — As Required /h3 ul liSupport deployment and itinerary planning activities when requested by departmental leadership. /li liReview proposed itineraries for operational feasibility, including berth availability, port restrictions, local regulations, turnaround requirements, sailing considerations, and infrastructure. /li liResearch potential ports, marinas, anchorages, and destinations. /li liSupport itinerary changes resulting from operational, regulatory, commercial, or destination considerations. /li liParticipate in destination evaluation and itinerary-validation exercises. /li liItinerary planning responsibilities may vary according to departmental requirements and should remain secondary to the Manager's primary responsibility for Port Operations. /li /ul h3Leadership Communication /h3 ul liProvide day-to-day operational directions to Port Operations Specialists or other assigned team members. /li liEstablish priorities and monitor completion of assigned port-operational activities. /li liSupport the Director in developing departmental procedures, standards, resource requirements, and operational objectives. /li liPromote accountability, collaboration, attention to detail, and continuous improvement across the Port Operations function. /li /ul h3Qualifications /h3 ul liBachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Hospitality, Logistics, Transportation, Business Administration, Tourism, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience. /li li5+ years of progressive experience in port operations, cruise operations, yachting, maritime operations, logistics, or related passenger-vessel operations. /li liPrior supervisory, team-lead, or management experience preferred. /li liStrong working knowledge of passenger-vessel port operations, port agency practices, berth and marina arrangements, and international port requirements. /li liExperience coordinating customs, immigration, regulatory, terminal, turnaround, and vessel-support activities. /li liDemonstrated experience managing port agents, vendors, and operational service providers. /li liStrong understanding of operational budgeting and cost management. /li liGlobal geographical knowledge and familiarity with major cruise and yachting operating regions. /li liExperience with itinerary planning, deployment, or destination development is advantageous but not required as the principal competency of the role. /li liStrong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. /li liExperience with IMS, MXP, NetSuite, Brennock, or similar maritime or operational systems is preferred. /li liExcellent communication, organizational, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. /li liStrong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple concurrent operations across different geographic regions and time zones. /li liAbility to travel internationally approximately 20–30% and provide scheduled or situational after-hours support during assigned vessel operations. /li /ul #J-18808-Ljbffr