Cargo Controller at Lekki Freeport Terminal

Lekki Freeport Terminal is the only Container Terminal Operator in Nigeria’s only deep seaport.It is set to become the largest container terminal in Nigeria and West Africa with enormous potential of becoming fully automated thereby contributing to the large trading operations of Nigeria and indeed, West Africa. The premise on which Leeki Freeport Terminal will operate is to connect global maritime trade to Nigeria and the rest of the world.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Cargo Controller

Location: Lekki, Lagos
Employment Type: Full-time
Department: Operations
Reporting to: Assistant Manager - Planning

Job Purpose
Project Phase:

• As a support to the superuser team, engage in project implementation activities ensuring planning and operations departments are built, designed, and ready for the operational go live.

Operational Phase:

• Responsible for the data input in TOS and maintenance of data quality for proper output by constant processing and verification of data received from the Shipping lines, agents, and other port stakeholders. Ensure to make all necessary changes in TOS data to ensure data integrity and use EDI to varying degrees.

Major Job Responsibilities
Project Phase:

• Actively follow and promote the LFT Safety and Security policies and ensure that fellow employees and visitors are doing the same.
• Support LFT operations superusers in the preparation and revision of standard procedures for the operations department.
• Support LFT operations superusers in the preparation and revision of training manuals for internal training programs.
• Support LFT operations superusers on the execution of additional end-user training on overall departmental processes and terminal applications (i.e TOS).
• Support LFT operations superusers in setting & configuration of different system modules.
• Be involved in several labs & live equipment tests demand during TOS (and other system`s) implementation and interfaces as a supportive role to LFT operations superusers
• Report to LFT operations superusers issues and results of executed tests and follow-up solutions.
• Involve in the implementation of best practices.

Operational Phase:

• Actively follow and promote the LFT Safety and Security policies and ensure that fellow employees and visitors are doing the same.
• Monitors vessel schedules and gate opening and closing times.
• Post and check different types of EDIs into TOS, and ensure errors are cleaned and discrepancies solved for proper data handover for vessel planning.
• Communicate with lines, agents, and other port stakeholders’ representatives to ensure timely transmission of required data for cargo/vessel planning.
• Address and follow up on identified delays or issues during data transmission and EDI posting to all internal and external customers/stakeholders for proper solution/correction in time.
• Report to line manager once delays, challenges, and/or issues are found.
• Check discharge and load instructions (coprar) provided by lines/agents and raise found discrepancies to customers for proper correction of data to ensure data integrity for proper planning.
• Manage the booking (coparn) updates as per EDI posting and eventual manual process as per business needs.
• Execute different types of manual entry or update of data in TOS once required, due to special procedures or requirements.
• Post-discharge and/or load list instructions (coprar) manually if required due to special requirements.
• Ensures that import container information is received (i.e Manifest, BL, etc) and linked in the system within the stipulated timestamp. Act proactively in case of inconsistency or missing information and escalate it to their superiors.
• Make sure all transshipment information (i.e. second POD and connecting vessel) is received in due time via coprar or manual excel sheet and has their category properly reflected in the terminal operating system.
• Send the Gate closure reports timely to guarantee enough time for vessel load planning by the shipping line central planner and LFT Vessel planners.
• As an operational customer service approach, respond timely to internal and external customers’ and stakeholders’ inquiries by phone and e-mails.
• Maintain proper management of received data files on the department shared folder.
• Prepare, maintain, and share the checklist of executed cargo planning & data input/output activities to the line manager and other internal teams.
• Close communication with operational team & other department peers, in regard to all needed, follow up ensuring all related processes are executed on time and efficiently.
• Prepare and share reports as demanded by management.
• Performs any other duties which may be assigned from time to time.
• Ensure efficient handover on shift change.

Critical Success Factors
Project Phase:

• Achieve and maintain all terminal KPIs.
• Project milestones related to operations are achieved and have no delays

Operational Phase:

• Achieve and maintain all terminal KPIs.
• Maintenance of proper data integrity in the system.
• Data quality is received and sent from/to customers.
• Reduced levels of manual input.
• Timely response to customer inquiries.
• Provision of correct information to the vessel planner and the vessel operator.

Job Dimension

• Working Areas:
  • Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
  • Onshore/Offshore: Onshore
• Heights: No
• Hours of Work: Shift rotation
• On-Call: Yes
• Contact after Hours: Yes

Does the job involve travel?

• Local – Lagos: Limited
• National – Nigeria: Limited
• International: Not expected

Qualifications & Experience
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a Logistics / Operations field, Computer Science, or any equivalent discipline;

Experience & Knowledge:

• Minimum of 2 years experience in container terminal operations in a data management role.
• Experience with NAVIS N4 is preferable.
• Basic knowledge of the shipping industry and port business.
• Knowledge of EDI transmission process approach.

Skills:

• Good communication skills with the ability to communicate across the organization.
• Capable of handling multiple tasks.
• Ability to work under a pressure environment with a constant change of priorities.
• Ability to communicate in English (Speaking/Reading).
• Ability to work on weekends, nights, holidays, and for a long period.

Major Competencies:

• Adaptability: Flexibility in dealing with change and overcoming obstacles in meeting job requirements.
• Analysis: Locating or extracting relevant information that is critical to problem-solving.
• Assertiveness: Confidence in expressing an opinion or requirement even when challenged.
• Customer-focused: Building relationships with internal and external customers.
• Quality-focused: Supporting the needs of product and service excellence.
• Verbally skilled: Presenting ideas or information to an individual or a diverse group.
• Team-focused: Working with a group in utilizing all of its resources to achieve maximum performance.

Application Closing Date
6th May, 2022.