Stevedore Supervisor

Africa Personnel Services (APS)
Published
June 9, 2026
Location
Walvis Bay, Namibia
Category
Job Type
For more information please dial +264 83 337 4630 and ask for recruiter:
+264833374630

Description

Job Purpose

The Stevedore Supervisor is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising stevedoring activities involving the safe and efficient loading, unloading, handling, storage, and movement of cargo at the port. The role leads stevedoring gangs, coordinates vessel operations with port stakeholders, and ensures compliance with HSSE requirements, operational procedures, and client expectations. The position requires practical experience within NAMPORT operations and a strong understanding of marine cargo handling practices.

Key Responsibilities

Stevedoring Operations

  • Supervise and coordinate daily stevedoring activities for vessel loading and unloading operations.
  • Direct and monitor stevedoring gangs to ensure safe and efficient cargo handling.
  • Allocate manpower, equipment, and resources to meet vessel turnaround schedules.
  • Monitor cargo operations to ensure compliance with cargo handling procedures and vessel requirements.
  • Ensure cargo is loaded, discharged, stowed, secured, and handled in accordance with operational plans.
  • Coordinate cargo movements between vessels, quayside, storage yards, warehouses, and transport providers.
  • Resolve operational issues that may impact productivity or vessel schedules.

Vessel Operations Coordination

  • Liaise with vessel masters, chief officers, port authorities, cargo representatives, and operational personnel.
  • Attend pre-operation meetings and vessel planning discussions.
  • Coordinate commencement, suspension, and completion of cargo operations.
  • Monitor vessel productivity and operational performance during cargo activities.
  • Ensure timely reporting of operational progress, delays, incidents, and cargo discrepancies.

Workforce Supervision

  • Lead, supervise, and motivate stevedoring personnel and contractors.
  • Conduct shift briefings and toolbox talks before operational activities.
  • Ensure personnel are competent and assigned according to operational requirements.
  • Monitor workforce performance and compliance with operational procedures.
  • Address disciplinary, safety, and performance issues in accordance with company policies.

HSSE Management

  • Enforce Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) requirements during all cargo operations.
  • Conduct workplace inspections and hazard identification activities.
  • Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Verify that lifting operations are performed in accordance with approved procedures.
  • Stop unsafe work activities and implement corrective actions when required.
  • Report and investigate incidents, near misses, hazards, and unsafe conditions.
  • Participate in emergency response activities and drills.

Equipment and Cargo Handling Oversight

  • Coordinate the safe use of cranes, forklifts, reach stackers, trailers, and lifting equipment.
  • Verify equipment inspections and certifications are current prior to operations.
  • Ensure lifting gear and cargo handling equipment are used correctly and safely.
  • Report equipment defects and coordinate maintenance requirements.
  • Monitor cargo integrity and prevent damage during handling operations.

Documentation and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate operational records and shift reports.
  • Record cargo volumes, productivity statistics, delays, and operational incidents.
  • Prepare daily operational reports and vessel completion reports.
  • Assist with cargo reconciliations and operational documentation.
  • Ensure compliance with client, port, and company reporting requirements.

Stakeholder Coordination

  • Liaise with NAMPORT personnel, vessel agents, cargo owners, transport contractors, and clients.
  • Support efficient coordination of vessel schedules and cargo operations.
  • Participate in operational meetings and performance reviews.
  • Promote positive working relationships with all stakeholders.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

  • Grade 12 (Senior Secondary Certificate) or equivalent.
  • Certificate or Diploma in Logistics, Port Operations, Maritime Studies, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
  • Supervisory or Leadership Training.
  • HSSE Training relevant to port and cargo handling operations.
  • Basic Lifting and Rigging Certification preferred.
  • Incident Reporting and Risk Assessment Training advantageous.

Experience

  • Minimum 5 years' experience in logistics, stevedoring, cargo handling, port operations, or marine support services.
  • Proven experience working within NAMPORT operational environments.
  • Previous supervisory experience managing stevedoring gangs or cargo handling teams.
  • Experience coordinating vessel loading and unloading activities.
  • Familiarity with container, breakbulk, project cargo, bulk, and offshore support cargo operations is advantageous.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Strong understanding of port operations and stevedoring practices.
  • Knowledge of NAMPORT operational procedures and safety requirements.
  • Understanding of marine cargo handling, lifting operations, and cargo securing methods.
  • Working knowledge of HSSE regulations applicable to port environments.
  • Ability to interpret cargo manifests, stowage plans, and operational instructions.
  • Strong leadership and workforce management skills.
  • Effective communication and stakeholder coordination abilities.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.

Key Competencies

  • Operational Planning and Coordination
  • Team Leadership and Supervision
  • HSSE Compliance and Enforcement
  • Marine Cargo Handling Knowledge
  • Decision Making and Problem Solving
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Time Management
  • Attention to Detail
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Customer and Client Focus

Physical and Medical Requirements

  • Medically fit for port, marine, and quayside operations.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Willingness to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and extended hours as required by vessel schedules.
  • Ability to access vessels, quaysides, warehouses, and cargo handling areas safely.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

  • Vessel turnaround time achievement.
  • Cargo loading and unloading productivity rates.
  • HSSE compliance and incident performance.
  • Completion of toolbox talks and safety inspections.
  • Reduction in cargo damage and handling incidents.
  • Efficient utilisation of manpower and equipment.
  • Accuracy and timeliness of operational reporting.
  • Client and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • Compliance with NAMPORT and company operational standards.

Operational Requirements

During active operations, shall maintain a 24/7 operational manning regime by rotational shifts, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, for all operational roles required to support vessel operations, loadouts/backloads, quayside activities, yard operations, customs and materials handling, and time-sensitive drilling logistics.

Only registered members can apply for jobs.