Company Overview
Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets. Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on the industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients.
To understand more including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com
Division Overview
Offering exceptional port agency and logistics services, we provide turnkey solutions for clients in the marine and energy sectors.
Established ships agents with a reputation for excellence, our specialist team provide round the clock vessel agency and services to the Offshore energy and dry bulk sectors.
Discover more at www.clarksons.com/port-services
Role Summary
You'll provide strategic leadership and executive oversight for complex offshore energy port services operations, while establishing critical internal project management capabilities, governance structures, and operational excellence frameworks to support our ambitious growth targets and position the company as the premier project services provider in the global offshore wind market.
What you’ll be doing
Core Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Project Direction
* Establish project governance frameworks for multi-year, multi-location project contracts
* Direct cross-functional teams including port agents, customs specialists, marine coordinators, and logistics managers across 5+ international locations
* Set strategic direction for end-to-end project delivery from mobilization through demobilization
* Own client relationships at senior executive level, providing strategic counsel and managing commercial negotiations
* Support the Head of Projects in achieving strategic objectives including significant growth by 2030
Internal Capability Building & Governance Development
* Develop and implement formal project management processes and governance frameworks to support scaling operations
* Create comprehensive reporting systems, KPI frameworks, and performance metrics aligned with strategic targets
* Establish risk management protocols and quality assurance standards across all project deliveries
* Build internal project management office (PMO) capabilities to support business growth
* Drive digitalization initiatives and process optimization across the department
Team Leadership & Resource Management
* Lead and develop teams of upto15-25 professionals across port agency, marine operations, and logistics functions
* Establish performance standards and operational procedures for projects
* Direct resource allocation and capacity planning across multiple concurrent vessel operations
* Mentor project coordinators and ensure knowledge transfer across international offices
Commercial & Risk Management Authority
* P&L responsibility for project delivery including budget management and margin optimization including reporting.
* Support commercial negotiations with port authorities, service providers, and subcontractors where appropriate
* Establish risk management frameworks and authorize mitigation strategies for operational disruptions
* Lead contract variation discussions and manage scope changes with senior client stakeholders
Strategic Business Development
* Represent company in senior client meetings and tender presentations
* Direct business development efforts within existing accounts and identify expansion opportunities
* Establish strategic partnerships with key suppliers and service providers
* Lead standardization initiatives across global project delivery methodologies
What we’re looking for
We invite applications from candidates who can demonstrate:
* Drive and self-motivation, with the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change;
* Relationship building, with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly build rapport;
* Collaboration, able to work well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills, and deliver results;
* Resilience with the ability to persist and adapt;
* Smart problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas;
* Professional integrity and a respect for company values.
Other requirements
Leadership Requirements:
Senior Management Experience:
* Minimum 8-10 years in senior project management roles within marine logistics or port services
* Proven track record leading teams of 15+ professionals across multiple locations
* Demonstrated experience managing projects valued at €10M+ with complex stakeholder environments
* Senior-level client relationship management experience in offshore energy sector
Technical Leadership:
* Deep understanding of offshore wind project logistics and port agency requirements
* Strategic knowledge of international maritime regulations, customs procedures, and compliance frameworks
* Experience directing vessel operations across multiple vessel types and port environments
* Expertise in commercial contract management and P&L accountability
Geographic & Industry Authority:
* Multi-country project leadership experience across European markets
* Senior relationships with port authorities, regulatory bodies, and key industry players
* Strategic understanding of offshore wind supply chain dynamics and market trends
* Authority to make commercial decisions and represent company interests
Leadership Competencies:
* Exceptional communication skills for senior stakeholder management and team leadership
* Strategic thinking ability with track record of optimizing complex operational delivery
* Crisis management experience with authority to make rapid decisions under pressure
* Cultural intelligence for leading diverse international teams and managing global client relationships
Organisational Impact:
* Strategic influence on company's port services growth strategy
* Mentorship responsibility for developing next generation of project management talent
* Process innovation leadership for standardizing global project delivery excellence
This senior role requires an experienced leader who can direct complex operations while maintaining strategic oversight and building long-term client partnerships that drive business growth.