CLdN
Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)
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Port Operations and Contract Manager (London)
Port Operations and Contract Manager – CLdN RoRo Ltd
About the Role
CLdN is a leading provider of integrated quay-to-quay and door-to-door logistics solutions, founded in 1929. Specialising in reliable, cost-effective transport across major economic hubs in Europe, the UK, Ireland, Iberia, and Scandinavia, CLdN operates 30 ships and over 240 weekly sailings, offering the lowest CO₂ footprint of Western European RoRo operators.
We are seeking a Port Operations and Contract Manager to oversee third-party terminals and stevedores, ensuring efficiency, adherence to contracts, and optimisation of port operations.
Responsibilities
Port Contract Negotiations & Administration
- Manage agreements with port operators, terminals, stevedores, agents, tugboat services, and other stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with berthing, loading/unloading services, and port tariffs.
- Compare and benchmark port tariffs to drive operational and cost efficiency.
- Negotiate and maintain existing and new contracts, while keeping an overview of terms.
- Coordinate with the invoicing team to ensure correct billing.
- Resolve contractual disputes in collaboration with legal, operational, and finance teams.
Communication & Stakeholder Management
- Maintain Close contact with external stakeholders while facilitating communication between:
- Third-party port operators
- CLdN internal teams (operations, legal, finance)
- Act as the key liaison between external stakeholders and CLdN’s internal teams.
Operational Performance Evaluation & Benchmarking
- Conduct regular performance audits of terminals and stevedores, analysing:
- Berth Productivity (loading/unloading speed per hour)
- Turnaround Time (vessel port stay duration and delays)
- Cargo Damage Rates (rolling cargo handling efficiency)
- Resource Utilisation (labour, equipment, space)
- Benchmark performance against industry standards and contractual SLAs.
- Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks in loading/unloading, vehicle stowage, and yard management.
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Kaizen & Lean Process Improvement
- Apply Kaizen principles to optimise RoRo terminal and stevedoring operations.
- Conduct Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for operational delays and develop corrective action plans.
- Lead Gemba Walks at terminals to identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
- Utilise Lean Six Sigma tools (5S, Value Stream Mapping, PDCA) to enhance cargo handling workflows.
- Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for cargo handling, stowage planning, and berth scheduling.
- Organise workshops and training sessions to foster a culture of continuous improvement within third-party partners.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Collaborate with the Power BI data team to develop performance dashboards for real-time operational tracking.
- Generate monthly and quarterly reports on terminal and stevedore performance, highlighting improvement opportunities.
- Present findings and recommendations to senior management and operational teams.
Contract Compliance & Cost Optimisation
- Ensure third-party service providers adhere to contractual KPIs and SLAs.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements in terminal and stevedoring operations.
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Requirements
- Education: Minimum Bachelor’s degree in related fields such as Maritime Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Industrial Engineering.
- Experience:
- Comprehensive Maritime Logistics background, preferably in RoRo Shipping or terminal operations.
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green/Black Belt) or Kaizen methodologies.
- Analytical mindset with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making.
- Direct experience in contract negotiations, compliance administration, and operational performance improvement.
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational change.
- Valid passport for regular travel to ports.
- Optional but beneficial: Knowledge of maritime contract law and shipping finance.
Benefits & Offer
CLdN provides a long-term position within a dynamic international shipping environment, where you will:
- Shape key operational roles with real impact on port efficiency, contract management, and continuous improvement.
- Join a team dedicated to reducing CO₂ impact while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability.
Contact: Submit your CV and cover letter to: recruitment.pft@cldn.com (Reference: «Port Operations and Contract Manager»).
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