Port Operations and Maritime Safety Manager Job Vacancy in Buchanan, Liberia – Maritime and Port Management

Job Description

Position: Port Operations and Maritime Safety Manager

Company: Bolloré Africa Logistics Liberia

Location: Buchanan, Liberia

Experience: Minimum 8-10 years in port operations, maritime safety, or terminal management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or managerial role within a West African or international port environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Port Management, Logistics, Civil Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree or professional certifications (e.g., IMO Port Facility Security Officer, ISPS Code) are highly advantageous.

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Maritime and Port Management

Department: Port Operations and Safety

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Bolloré Africa Logistics is a leading integrated logistics provider and port operator across the African continent, with a significant and growing presence in Liberia. As part of the global Bolloré Group, we are committed to driving economic development through efficient, safe, and sustainable port and logistics solutions. Our operations at the Port of Buchanan are critical to Liberia’s import/export economy, handling key commodities and facilitating regional trade. We invest in modern infrastructure, advanced technology, and most importantly, our people, to maintain world-class standards of operational excellence, safety, and environmental stewardship. Joining our team means contributing to a vital national asset and being part of a company dedicated to professional growth and community impact.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Port Operations and Maritime Safety Manager to oversee all terminal operations and ensure the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency at our Buchanan port facility. This senior leadership role is pivotal for optimizing vessel turnaround times, managing cargo handling operations, and enforcing strict compliance with international maritime safety regulations (ISM Code, ISPS Code) and Liberian port authority standards. The successful candidate will lead a diverse team of operations supervisors, stevedores, and safety officers, driving continuous improvement in productivity while maintaining an incident-free workplace. This position offers a unique career opportunity in Liberia within a dynamic international company at the heart of the nation’s trade and logistics sector. For more Jobs in Liberia and employment in Liberia, visit our partner portal at https://liberiajobsearch.com.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, direct, and control all daily port terminal operations, including vessel berthing/unberthing, cargo loading/unloading, stacking, and storage.
• Develop and implement comprehensive port safety and security management systems in full compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and other relevant IMO regulations.
• Lead incident investigation and root cause analysis for any safety, security, or operational irregularities, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Manage the port operations budget, optimize resource allocation (equipment, labor), and implement cost-control measures without compromising safety or service quality.
• Liaise with port authorities, shipping agents, customs officials, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth coordination and resolve operational bottlenecks.
• Conduct regular safety audits, drills, and training sessions for all port personnel and subcontractors to foster a pervasive culture of safety-first operations.
• Oversee the maintenance and operational readiness of all port equipment, including cranes, forklifts, and cargo handling machinery.
• Prepare and submit regular operational performance, safety, and compliance reports to senior management and regulatory bodies.

Required Skills

• Expert knowledge of port terminal operations, cargo handling techniques, and maritime regulations.
• Proven leadership and team management skills in a unionized or multi-cultural industrial environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to operational decision-making.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency in port management software and MS Office applications.
• In-depth understanding of risk assessment methodologies and safety management systems.
• Ability to perform under pressure and make critical decisions in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational setting.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Port Management, Logistics, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field is required. Advanced qualifications such as a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on logistics or professional certifications from recognized maritime institutions (e.g., IMO Model Courses, Port Executive Management) will be considered a significant advantage and may influence the starting compensation package.

Experience

A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in port operations, terminal management, or maritime safety is essential. Candidates must demonstrate at least 3 years of experience in a managerial capacity, preferably within a container or multi-purpose terminal in West Africa. Direct experience implementing ISPS Code requirements and managing relationships with national port authorities is mandatory. Experience in dry bulk or general cargo operations will be highly regarded.

Benefits

• Competitive expatriate-level salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance for employee and family.
• Housing allowance or company-provided accommodation.
• Annual home leave travel allowance.
• Professional development opportunities and sponsorship for further relevant certifications.
• Company vehicle and fuel allowance for official duties.
• Retirement savings plan.

Training

• Induction program on company policies, Liberian maritime law, and specific port systems.
• Ongoing professional training in advanced port management, safety leadership, and new logistics technologies.
• Sponsorship for specialized international courses in port security and safety management.
• Leadership and management development programs.

Working Environment

This is a hands-on, site-based leadership role at the Port of Buchanan. The manager will work in a dynamic, sometimes challenging outdoor environment, overseeing operations that run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The role requires a visible leadership presence on the terminal floor and a commitment to working outside standard office hours as operational demands dictate. Safety is our paramount value, and all operations are conducted within a strict framework of personal protective equipment (PPE) and procedural compliance.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a detailed CV and a cover letter outlining their specific experience in port operations and safety management. Applications should be submitted through the official Bolloré Africa Logistics careers portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview. The selection process may include practical assessments and panel interviews. For other job vacancy in Liberia listings, you can also explore https://www.southafricajobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bolloré Africa Logistics Liberia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to ethnicity, tribe, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by Liberian law. We strongly encourage qualified Liberian nationals and residents to apply for this key role in managing our national port infrastructure.