One of my clients whom is into Shipping industry is seeking an experienced IT Project Manager – Shipping Systems to lead the planning, governance, and delivery of technology initiatives across our shipping operations. This role serves as a critical bridge between technical development teams and operational stakeholders, ensuring the successful implementation, integration, and optimization of both proprietary and commercial shipping systems.

The successful candidate will combine strong project management capabilities with hands-on technical expertise and a deep understanding of shipping operations. They will lead cross-functional teams, manage technology vendors, and drive digital transformation initiatives that support operational efficiency, business growth, and customer service excellence.

Job Purpose

The IT Project Manager – Shipping Systems is responsible for overseeing the end-to-end delivery of technology projects across the shipping business. The role focuses on ensuring the successful implementation of shipping operational systems, customer-facing platforms, infrastructure enhancements, and digital transformation initiatives, while maintaining alignment with business objectives, operational requirements, and cybersecurity standards.

Job Responsibilities

Project Management & Delivery

1. Lead the end-to-end planning, execution, monitoring, and delivery of IT projects.
2. Develop and manage project plans, budgets, risk registers, timelines, and stakeholder communications.
3. Facilitate governance forums, steering committee meetings, and project reporting.
4. Manage vendor relationships, contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and third-party delivery partners.
5. Coordinate project execution across internal technology teams and external solution providers.

Systems Development & Technical Oversight

1. Provide technical leadership for the development, integration, customization, and enhancement of shipping management systems.
2. Review technical specifications, solution architectures, API integrations, and development deliverables.
3. Support solution design activities and provide hands-on technical input where required.
4. Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.

AI & Digital Transformation

1. Lead automation, AI, and data integration initiatives across Shipping, Bunkering, HR, and Finance functions.
2. Drive digital transformation programs that improve operational efficiency and business performance.
3. Manage change management activities, user adoption, training, and stakeholder engagement.

Infrastructure, Security & Business Continuity

1. Oversee system resilience, cybersecurity, user access management, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity initiatives.
2. Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), deployment planning, and production cutover activities.
3. Lead infrastructure improvement projects across multiple locations, including remote and low-connectivity environments.
4. Drive the implementation of secure enterprise services and group-wide technology infrastructure initiatives.

Candidate Requirements

Essential Qualifications & Experience

1. Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related discipline.
2. PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent Project Management certification preferred.
3. Demonstrated experience managing complex IT projects from initiation through delivery.
4. Minimum 3 years of hands-on software development experience with the ability to engage effectively with technical teams and review technical outputs.
5. Minimum 3 years of direct experience within the shipping or maritime industry. Applications without shipping industry experience will not be considered.
6. Strong knowledge of shipping operational systems, including:
7. Vessel Scheduling
8. Port Operations
9. Cargo & Container Management
10. Shipping Agency Workflows
11. Experience with customer-facing shipping platforms, including:
12. Booking Portals
13. Freight Rate Management
14. Bill of Lading (B/L) Issuance
15. Cargo Tracking Systems
16. Customer Reporting Platforms
17. Proven experience implementing, integrating, or customizing commercial shipping software solutions.
18. Experience delivering AI, automation, system integration, or data transformation projects.

Preferred Experience

1. Experience working within Sub-Saharan Africa and/or Indian Ocean shipping markets.
2. Exposure to multi-currency and USD-denominated operational systems.