Operations Coordinator

Meet the company behind the Z Factor At ZIM, we believe shipping can be exciting. In a fast-moving industry, we’ve made our mark with a fresh and unique approach; we’re all about our people, and our people are all about the Z Factor.

So, what is our Z Factor? It’s the spirit of Innovation and Togetherness, it’s the Can-Do Approach, the Agility in thought and action, it’s the personal touch with both employees and customers.

Driving Global Trade Forward: Operating globally in over 90 countries, and serving over 32,000 customers in 300 ports worldwide, our differentiated global-niche strategy covers major trade routes with a focus on select markets.

Our mission? To deliver an outstanding customer experience. We’ve blended cutting-edge, data-driven strategies with creative, tailored solutions to keep up with our customers’ evolving needs.

Are you ready to unleash your Z Factor?

Who we are looking for:

The Operations Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the efficient, safe and cost-effective execution of vessel and port operations across assigned Italian ports. The role acts as a key liaison between terminals, port service providers, vessel operators, network partners and internal stakeholders to maintain schedule reliability, operational performance and compliance with company standards.

Main Job Responsibilities:

Vessel & Port Operations

• Coordinate vessel calls and related port activities in assigned locations.
• Monitor vessel schedules, turnaround times and operational performance.
• Identify operational disruptions, delays and risks, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
• Support service recovery initiatives to minimize commercial and operational impact.

Terminal & Service Provider Coordination

• Liaise with terminals, port authorities, agents and service providers to ensure smooth execution of port calls.
• Monitor loading and discharge operations, productivity levels and operational constraints.
• Ensure operational requirements are communicated effectively to all stakeholders.

Cost Control & Operational Efficiency

• Review and validate operational expenses, vendor invoices and port call costs.
• Support budget control activities and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and service quality.

Reporting & Performance Monitoring

• Maintain accurate operational data and records.
• Prepare and analyze operational KPIs and performance reports.
• Provide regular operational updates to local and regional management.

Stakeholder Management

• Collaborate closely with Customer Service, Trade, Logistics, Finance and regional Operations teams.
• Maintain effective relationships with terminals, service providers and external business partners.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve operational performance and customer experience.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with company policies, industry regulations and local requirements.
• Support safety, security and environmental standards related to vessel and port operations.
• Promote operational excellence and adherence to established procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Shipping, Logistics, Maritime Studies or related fields.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in container shipping, vessel operations, port operations or logistics.
• Sound knowledge of liner shipping and container terminal operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced international environment, together with the flexibility in working hours required by the management of vessel operations.
• Fluent in Italian working knowledge of English, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and operational management systems.

Key Competencies:

• Operational Excellence
• Planning & Coordination
• Problem Solving
• Cost Awareness
• Stakeholder Management
• Accountability
• Communication Skills
• Teamwork & Collaboration
• Adaptability
• Results Orientation

• Job Location: Genova, Italia
• Contract Type: Full time, Permanent/Temporary based on candidate’s experience.
• Salary Range: 33.000 E – 40.000 E
• Hybrid working arrangement up to 20% of the time

We believe in equal opportunities: At ZIM, we prioritize diversity of our qualified employees. We celebrate differences and embed them into every aspect of our workplace, services, a