Job Description
Somtrade Mombasa CFS is inviting applications from highly organized, safety-conscious, and performance-driven professionals for the position of Supervisor – Operations (Shed/Yard/Ship) based in Mombasa. This opportunity is ideal for an experienced operations professional who is passionate about coordinating cargo handling activities, optimizing terminal workflows, and leading operational teams in a busy Container Freight Station environment. The successful candidate will play a central role in ensuring that cargo movement, container handling, vessel support activities, and yard coordination are completed accurately, efficiently, and in full compliance with operational procedures and safety regulations. The position requires an individual who can effectively balance operational priorities, maintain excellent communication with internal departments and external stakeholders, and deliver exceptional service standards while meeting daily productivity targets. Working closely with warehouse personnel, transport coordinators, customs representatives, equipment operators, shipping agents, and management teams, the Supervisor will monitor cargo flow, allocate resources, supervise loading and unloading operations, inspect operational processes, resolve workflow challenges, and ensure continuous improvement across all assigned areas. The role also involves maintaining accurate operational documentation, enforcing health and safety standards, conducting routine inspections, supporting workforce development, monitoring equipment utilization, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency while minimizing delays and operational risks. The successful applicant will contribute to maintaining high customer satisfaction through reliable service delivery, strong leadership, and proactive problem-solving. Candidates should demonstrate excellent organizational skills, sound operational judgment, the ability to perform effectively under pressure, and a commitment to continuous operational excellence. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a respected logistics organization supporting international trade and cargo movement through one of East Africa's busiest port corridors. Individuals who enjoy leading teams, coordinating complex logistics activities, and delivering measurable operational results within a dynamic, fast-paced environment are encouraged to apply and become part of a company committed to safety, reliability, innovation, operational efficiency, and exceptional customer service.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise daily shed, yard, and ship-side operational activities to ensure uninterrupted cargo movement.
- Coordinate loading, unloading, stacking, and dispatch of containers according to operational schedules.
- Allocate daily duties and monitor workforce productivity across operational teams.
- Ensure cargo handling activities comply with established company procedures and customer requirements.
- Monitor container receiving and release processes for accuracy and efficiency.
- Conduct routine inspections of cargo storage areas and operational facilities.
- Verify cargo documentation before operational processing begins.
- Coordinate with transporters, clearing agents, shipping lines, and customs officials.
- Maintain continuous communication with warehouse and transport coordination teams.
- Monitor vessel operation support activities whenever required.
- Ensure operational deadlines are achieved without compromising safety standards.
- Identify workflow bottlenecks and implement practical operational improvements.
- Supervise equipment utilization to maximize operational efficiency.
- Report equipment faults and coordinate timely maintenance requests.
- Ensure safe handling of cargo with minimal damage or loss.
- Enforce occupational health, environmental, and workplace safety policies.
- Conduct daily toolbox meetings before operational shifts commence.
- Investigate operational incidents and recommend corrective actions.
- Maintain accurate operational records and activity reports.
- Prepare daily performance summaries for management review.
- Monitor productivity indicators and recommend efficiency improvements.
- Support inventory verification and cargo reconciliation activities.
- Ensure proper utilization of storage space within the container yard.
- Supervise compliance with customer service standards.
- Resolve operational issues affecting cargo turnaround times.
- Monitor employee attendance and shift performance.
- Mentor junior operational staff and promote teamwork.
- Participate in emergency response procedures whenever necessary.
- Coordinate operational priorities during peak cargo periods.
- Ensure compliance with port authority operational guidelines.
- Monitor security procedures relating to cargo handling activities.
- Assist management with operational planning and scheduling.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance productivity.
- Ensure operational documentation is completed accurately.
- Coordinate communication between different operational departments.
- Participate in internal operational audits.
- Maintain high housekeeping standards throughout operational areas.
- Support implementation of quality management initiatives.
- Ensure company assets are used responsibly.
- Perform additional operational duties assigned by management in support of business continuity and efficient logistics operations.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Transport Management, Maritime Studies, or another closely related discipline from a recognized institution. Candidates should demonstrate substantial experience supervising logistics, warehouse, terminal, port, freight station, or cargo handling operations with proven success leading operational teams in demanding environments. Strong leadership abilities, excellent planning skills, and the capacity to coordinate multiple operational activities simultaneously are essential. Applicants should possess outstanding communication, interpersonal, analytical, organizational, and decision
- making skills together with a proactive approach to solving operational challenges. Sound knowledge of inventory control practices, cargo handling procedures, transport coordination, warehouse operations, occupational safety standards, risk management principles, and quality assurance processes will be highly advantageous. Candidates should be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and comfortable working with logistics management systems, inventory software, cargo tracking platforms, and digital reporting tools. The ideal individual should demonstrate integrity, accountability, professionalism, adaptability, attention to detail, customer service orientation, time management skills, and the ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining operational excellence. A commitment to continuous improvement, teamwork, compliance with regulatory requirements, and maintaining high safety standards is required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications are invited to submit a detailed CV together with relevant academic and professional certificates through the employer's official recruitment process before the application deadline. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.