Berth Planning Manager

Position Overview

The Berth Planning Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the operational excellence of container transit through ports managed by Hapag-Lloyd. This leadership role requires aligning operational and asset capabilities at the port and collaborating regularly with hub terminals to facilitate seamless connections for container flows aligned with commercial demands. The position focuses on driving improvements in operational quality, cost efficiency, and turnaround times alongside terminal operators, enabling quick responses and corrective actions through direct onsite coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the central command overseeing operational collaboration with the terminal.
• Lead Hapag-Lloyd’s cooperation with ports enabling capacity setup and operational capability enhancement, fostering a performance-focused partnership with terminals.
• Guide local operations, commercial, and equipment teams on requirements for connecting full and empty containers within the port.
• Coordinate long-term planning (~4 weeks) and short-term execution (~2 weeks) with all stakeholders to ensure efficient port operations.
• Manage consistent quay side, yard, and gate operations to guarantee swift vessel turnaround and reliable transshipment activities.
• Ensure gate alignments are completed in advance with the hub based on operational needs.
• Align projected volume flows with terminal capacity and act decisively to prevent operational disruptions at hubs.
• Lead crisis and incident management impacting container and vessel operations, ensuring internal reporting of disruptions.
• Liaise with Network Execution and terminal operators to optimize berthing lineups and monitor estimated times of arrival and completion.
• Coordinate vessel dispatch timing with terminal and Network Execution stakeholders.
• Maximize vessel utilization and secure transshipment connections through berth plan optimization.
• Work in tandem with Network Execution to minimize waiting times for incoming vessels, ideally eliminating delays.
• Cultivate relationships with port authorities to improve pilotage efficiency for Hapag-Lloyd vessels.
• Monitor and ensure transshipment unit dwell times remain within required guidelines.
• Conduct post-port call reviews to identify and implement operational enhancements.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities to reduce operational costs, working with procurement teams to implement optimizations.
• Keep terminal information updated in relevant systems (Ankeri) within the operational scope.
• Monitor weather forecasts to anticipate and plan for operational contingencies.
• Oversee timely production and quality assurance of berth performance reports, analyzing deviations and ensuring SLA compliance.
• Identify volume changes by service and collaborate with Marine Operations to adjust proformas and berth windows accordingly.
• Ensure terminal operations conform to defined processes, promoting efficient workflows.
• Support contract negotiations with vendors, ensuring requirements are met and new business processes are implemented for smoother operations.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date terminal data and act as a super-user for Port Chain software, assisting onboarding and supporting operational teams.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in marine studies, logistics, supply chain management, or a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience as a Nautical Officer.
• Demonstrated expertise in port and terminal management focusing on berth planning and hub operations.
• In-depth understanding of vessel scheduling, port operations, and terminal activities.
• Strategic thinker capable of developing and executing operational plans and initiatives.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to drive continuous operational enhancements.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation abilities, adept at fostering stakeholder relationships.
• Familiarity with applicable regulations and industry standards governing port and terminal operations.
• Experience with port and terminal management tools and software.
• Ability to thrive and make decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.

About Hapag-Lloyd

Hapag-Lloyd is a global leader in liner shipping, connecting businesses and people across over 600 ports worldwide. Operating a modern fleet exceeding 300 container ships with a capacity of 2.5 million TEU, the company ensures reliable global trade daily. Our extensive network covers 140 countries, with 400 offices and growing terminal and infrastructure investments, enabling consistent high-quality service and operational support within complex supply chains. Joining Hapag-Lloyd means becoming part of a diverse team of over 18,000 colleagues dedicated to delivering excellence, innovation, and growth opportunities across various roles and regions.