MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Limited was set up in 2002 and is the local Agency for MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) S.A., based in Geneva. MSC is a global organisation with offices in 155 countries. MSC is a leader in global containerised shipping.
At MSC we aim to be smart, hardworking and ensure a pleasant and productive experience for our clients and employees. We are currently recruiting for the above role to join our positive, diverse, and supportive company. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, ambitious and have a proven track record working in a fast-paced environment. The role represents a real opportunity for an individual who thrives in a dynamic, busy environment. As an integral part of a strong commercial team the successful candidate will work closely with our sales director and the wider commercial team.
Job Description
The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the activity of our busy Cork office, working closely with the managing director and the local Cork office team across all functions such as documentation, operations, customer service, and logistics. The office manager will also liaise with the finance team in our local head office in Dublin while also maintaining day-to-day general operation of the local Cork office. This role will be based full-time in our Cork office.
The key tasks for the Regional Office Manager are as follows:
Office & Administrative Management
- Oversee day-to-day office operations to ensure efficiency and productivity.
- Develop and implement office procedures and administrative systems.
- Manage budgets, expenses, and procurement of supplies.
- Supervise and support administrative staff, including scheduling, training, and performance management.
- Ensure the office is compliant with legislation such as health and safety regulations.
Shipping & Operational Support
- Oversee the coordination of documentation efficiency for import/export shipments (Bills of Lading, manifests, customs documentation, invoices, vessel cut off, deadlines etc).
- Liaise with local suppliers (Depots, transport companies, feeder operators), BCO’s, freight forwarders, customs brokers, and port authorities.
- Monitor shipment schedules and ensure timely communication of updates to clients and stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with maritime regulations and company policies are adhered too.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate records and ensure proper filing systems (physical and digital/TMS).
- Ensure adherence to international trade regulations and safety standards.
- Support audits and regulatory inspections if/when required.
Financial & Reporting Duties
- Assist with invoicing, accounts payable/receivable tracking, and cost monitoring.
- Prepare operational and administrative reports for senior management.
- Track KPIs related to shipping performance and office & staff efficiency.
Vendor Relations
- Maintain strong relationships with service providers and negotiate contracts where necessary.
- Resolve administrative and documentation-related issues promptly.
Customer Service
- Champion customer service locally and work closely with our customer service manager in our local head office in Dublin to ensure the Cork office is aligned with our customer service strategy and meeting our KPIs.
- Ensuring interaction with our customers with respect to documentation, operations, and logistics issues.
- Manage the local departments with respect to difficult customer service cases and provide support where necessary.
- Meet regularly with the local regional commercial manager for client feedback to work out action plans to improve our local customer service offering.
Performance Management:
- Manage the local team members, assisting and guiding them with their development.
- Set goals and development plans and assess the team member’s performance as part of MSC’s annual performance management campaign.
The successful Regional Office Manager should have the following skills:
- Experience in running a busy office at a regional level.
- Global international experience within the shipping or freight forwarding industry.
- A successful negotiator when engaging with local stakeholders such as the depots, transport companies, feeder operators, and port authorities.
- Proven experience in managing, leading, and developing teams.
- Creative in developing, promoting, and delivering improvement strategies.
- Strong leadership, communications, and organisational skills.
- Outstanding geographical awareness.
- Strong customer service background and the ability to deal with difficult customer service cases.
- Strong report-writing and presentation skills, together with a familiarity with popular software packages such as Microsoft Office.
- Self-motivation to use their initiative and to innovate, when required.
- Ability to work to and motivate others to achieve tight deadlines.
Essential Criteria:
- Working for a global multinational organisation in the industry.
- Full clean EU driving license.
Minimum five years’ experience managing and leading teams is desirable.
A bachelor’s degree or higher in a business-related discipline is desirable.
What can you expect from MSC?
- Competitive salary
- Pension - 8% of base salary
- Health Insurance (after 6-month probation period)
- Access to in-house and relevant external training
- 21 days annual leave initially, rising to a maximum of 25 days
- Full training in the role
- Supportive environment
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
