Head of Agency

Job Overview: 

The Agency Head is a senior leadership role responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial performance of the Shipping Agency division.

Reporting directly to the GM Barging, this position provides full accountability for multi -branch agency operations, profitability, regulatory compliance, and long-term business growth.

The Agency Head sets the strategic direction of the agency, ensures strong governance in Estimate Port Disbursement Account (EPDA) management, drives operational excellence, and strengthens stakeholder relationships.

This role requires high -level leadership, commercial a cumen, financial expertise, and deep knowledge of shipping and port operations to ensure sustainable growth and alignment with corporate objectives.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Business Direction:

• • Develop and implement the overall strategy for the Shipping Agency division in alignment with GM Barging and corporate objectives.
  • Define annual business plans, growth targets, and performance frameworks for all agency branches.
  • Drive expansion initiatives, new market penetration, and servic e diversification to strengthen competitive positioning.
  • Provide strategic recommendations to GM Barging on operational improvements, investment opportunities, and risk mitigation.

2. Full P&L and Financial Accountability:

• • Hold full Profit & Loss (P&L) responsibility for the agency division, ensuring sustainable profitability and revenue growth.
  • Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes across all branches.
  • Ensure strong financial governance, cost control, and optimization of operational expenditures.
  • Monitor cash flow, credit exposure, and financial risk management across agency operations.

3. EPDA Governance and Financial Control:

• • Establish policies and internal controls for accurate preparation, approval, and reconciliation of Estimate Port Disbursement Accounts (EPDA).
  • Ensure transparency, accuracy, and compliance in EPDA estimation, disbursement, and final reconciliation processes.
  • Review high-value or complex EPDA cases and resolve escalated discrepancies.
  • Implement audit mecha nisms and financial controls to prevent errors, disputes, or revenue leakage.

4. Operational Oversight and Excellence:

• • Oversee overall agency performance across all branches through the Agency Superintendent and branch managers.
  • Ensure standardized operational procedures, service quality consistency, and regulatory compliance across locations.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance turnaround times, cost efficiency, and service reliability.
  • Resolve high-level operational issues and critical incidents impacting major clients or company reputation.

5. Leadership and Organizational Development:

• • Lead, mentor, and develop the Agency Superintendent and branch leadership teams.
  • Establish clear performance metrics, accountability frameworks, and succession planning strategies.
  • Promote a high-performance culture emphasizing integrity, collaboration, safety, and customer focus.
  • Identify talent gaps and implement training and leadership development programs.

6. Commercial and Stakeholder Management:

• • Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with key principals, ship owners, charterers, port authorities, and regulatory bodies.
  • Act as the senior escalation point for major clients and high-value contracts.
  • Negotiate major service agreements, tariffs, and commercial terms.
  • Strengthen the agency’s market reputation and ensure high levels of client retention and satisfaction.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management:

• • Ensure full compliance with local, national, and international shipping regulations and corporate governance standards.
  • Oversee risk management frameworks covering operational, financial, and legal exposure.
  • Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends, ensuring proactive adaptation.
  • Ensure internal and external audits are properly managed and corrective actions implemented.

Qualification & Skills:

1. Education:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Shipping Management, Maritime Studies, Finance, or related field.
  • Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred.

2. Experience:

• • Minimum of 12–15 years of experience in the shipping or maritime industry.
  • At least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing multi-branch operations.
  • Extensive experience in EPDA management, financial governance, and P&L accountability.
  • Proven track record in driving profitability, business expansion, and operational transformation.
  • Strong experience dealing with port authorities, regulators, and major shipping principals.

3. Skills and Competencies:

• • Strong strategic thinking and business planning capability.
  • Advanced financial management and analytical skills.
  • Deep understanding of port operations, shipping regulations, and agency best practices.
  • Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and executive communication skills.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at executive level.
  • Proficiency in ERP systems, financial systems, and reporting tools.

4. Personal Attributes:

• • Visionary leader with strong commercial mindset.
  • High integrity and strong governance orientation.
  • Decisive and resilient under pressure.
  • Results-driven with strong accountability.
  • Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability.