Salmaa Vincent
Operations Center Manager
Saldanha,Western Province
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance employee engagement and boost performance. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
32
32
years of post-secondary education
Work History
OPERATIONS CENTER MANAGER
Transnet National Ports Authority
Saldanha
10.2022 - Current
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by 60% by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
- Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
- Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
- Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
- Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
- Improved marketing to attract new customers and promote business.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for business growth.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
- Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly.
- Facilitated successful cross-functional collaborations for completion of key projects, fostering strong working relationships among team members.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment, onboarding, and talent development initiatives.
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends and capitalize on emerging opportunities for growth.
- Cultivated partnerships with external stakeholders to maximize business opportunities and extend network reach within industry sector.
- Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
Acting Marine Operations Manager
Transnet National Ports Authority
Saldanha
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics by 75%.
- Managed vessel maintenance schedules, ensuring optimal functioning and minimal downtime ensuring 90- 95% tug availability in port.
- Reduced operational costs through effective resource management and budget control.
- Negotiated contracts with suppliers and vendors, securing competitive rates while maintaining service quality.
- Evaluated emerging industry trends and technologies, identifying opportunities for process improvements and cost reductions.
- Developed comprehensive training programs for staff, leading to increased competency levels and improved performance.
- Enhanced safety standards by conducting regular audits and enforcing strict compliance with regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key clients, leading to increased business opportunities and long-term partnerships.
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, fostering better collaboration and decision-making capabilities among team members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to improve overall supply chain efficiency within organization.
- Improved marine operations efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new technologies.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
- Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue, and effectively targeting new markets.
- Identified and qualified customer needs and negotiated and closed profitable projects with high success rate.
MARINE PILOT -Transnet National Ports Authority
Transnet National Ports Authority
Cape Town And Saldanha
03.2011 - 09.2022
- Executed and managed marine piloting on 588 vessels and customer calls yearly ensured on time service request.
- Provided expert guidance to ships entering and leaving ports, minimizing incidents of grounding or collisions.
- Streamlined communication processes between pilots, tug operators, and terminal personnel for improved overall operation efficiency.
- Improved vessel safety by conducting thorough pre-departure checks and addressing potential hazards.
- Maintained strict compliance to maritime regulations, ensuring smooth inspections and avoiding penalties.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry trends and best practices in marine pilotage.
- Conducted regular training sessions for junior pilots, fostering culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Enhanced navigation efficiency with precise route planning and adjustments based on real-time conditions.
- Contributed to environmental conservation efforts by adhering to pollution prevention guidelines and reporting any violations observed.
- Developed strong relationships with port officials and other industry professionals to support efficient coordination during vessel movements.
- Mentored new marine pilots as they transitioned into their roles, sharing valuable knowledge gained from years of experience in field.
- Increased on-time arrivals by providing accurate tidal, current, and weather information for optimal route planning.
- Played vital role in maintaining reputation of maritime services by consistently delivering high-quality pilotage assistance to vessels transiting in and out of ports.
- Assisted in emergency response efforts during maritime incidents, helping to prevent further damage or loss of life.
- Collaborated with ship captains and crews to facilitate seamless communication during critical operations.
- Reduced operational expenses for shipping companies through careful resource management and fuel conservation strategies.
- Supported harbor authorities in implementing new policies, contributing to safer waterways for all vessels.
- Advised shipping company clients on optimizing vessel configurations for improved stability and handling characteristics during movement through restricted waterways.
- Navigated vessel routes and used navigation equipment to verify accuracy of calculations.
- Docked and undocked vessel using radios, depth finders, radars, lights, lighthouses and buoys to make safe and accurate operational decisions.
- Directed ships' speeds using specialized knowledge of local winds, water depths and hazards.
Tug Master
Transnet National Ports Authority
Saldanha
02.2009 - 10.2010
- Adherence to Governance (IMO conventions, Ports Act, Ports rules, SAMSA and Merchant shipping Act.)
- Optimized workflow by organizing tools and materials for easy access during shifts, minimizing downtime between tasks.
- Skipper of Tugboat see to compliance of safety is adhered to
- Responsible for safety and seaworthiness of tugboat
- Maintained safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and keeping workspaces clean and organized
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on current processes and suggesting potential enhancements for better efficiency or results
STC Marine Operations Facilitator
Transnet National Ports Authority
Durban
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Enhanced leadership abilities and expertise by delivering forward-thinking training to over management staff.
- Provide background knowledge and understanding as well as practical training to enable participants to perform various marine operations duties.
- Provide for standard training and developmental procedures, and apply to all relevant positions in all ports.
- Execute assessment/examinations to be undertaken by students.
- Conducted training courses for management support staff to enhance understanding of industry best practices and company protocols.
Trainee Tug Master - Transnet National Ports Authority Tug Master Trainee
Transnet National Ports Authority
Saldanha
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Adherence to Governance (IMO conventions, Ports Act, Ports rules, SAMSA and Merchant shipping Act.)
- Optimized workflow by organizing tools and materials for easy access during shifts, minimizing downtime between tasks.
- Skipper of Tugboat see to compliance of safety is adhered to
- Responsible for safety and seaworthiness of tugboat.
- Maintained safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols and keeping workspaces clean and organized.
- Supported continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on current processes and suggesting potential enhancements for better efficiency or results
Safmarine Cadet- Apprentice Navigation Officer
Safmarine and Transnet National Ports Authority
Far East Asian Countries, West Africa And Spain
4 2005 - 12.2007
- Apprentice Navigation Officer
- Adhering to IMO conventions, maintaining safety of life at sea.
- Executing Navigation Officer duties in accordance with Merchant shipping act
Education
BBA - Business Administration And Management
REGENESYS BUSINESS SCHOOL
Johannesburg 05.2021 - 04.2025
Operations Management Certificate - Operations Management And Supervision
UCT
Cape Town 04.2001 - 05.2022
International Harbour Masters Diploma - Port Operations And Management
IBC Academy London
London 05.2015 - 05.2016
Officer of The Watch Certification - Marine Navigation
SAMSA
Cape Town 04.2005 - 05.2008
Some College (No Degree) - Tug Master
Transnet NPA School of Excellence
Durban 04.2008 - 05.2009
Marine Pilotage Certificate - Marine Piloting
STC Rotterdam And TNPA School of Excellence
Durban And Rotterdam 05.2010 - 05.2011
Some College (No Degree) - Marine Investigation
SAMSA
Saldanha 07.2013 - 05.2013
Some College (No Degree) - Education
School of Excellence Transnet And STC
Durban 01.2009 - 04.2010
Skills
Operations Management
Strategic Planning
Performance Management
Time Management
Business Development
Business Administration
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
Policy Implementation
Cross-Functional Teamwork
Verbal and written communication
Staff Training and Development
Key Performance Indicators
Problem-solving abilities
MS Office
Decision-Making
Multitasking
Positive Attitude
Computer Skills
Customer Service
Excellent Communication
Analytical Thinking
Organizational Skills
Continuous Improvement
Managing Operations and Efficiency
Attention to Detail
Ship Maintenance
Incident Investigation
Crew Management
Environmental Compliance
Shipping Regulations
Port Operations
Maritime expertise
Emergency Response Coordination
Safety Management
Leadership Experience
For the past 17 years I have acted in numerous leadership positions including Deputy Harbour Master, Harbour Master, Senior Operations Manager, Acting Port Manager, and acted as Marine operations Manager
References
- Shadrack Tshikalange, Shadrack.Tshikalanga@transnet.net, 0605693961/022 7035471
- Silindile Mdlalose, Silindile.Mdlalose@transnet.net, 0842912743/022 703 5481/73
- QUENTON BRINK, qsbrink @outlook.com, 083 271 0935
Timeline
Acting Marine Operations Manager
Transnet National Ports Authority
01.2023 - 07.2023
OPERATIONS CENTER MANAGER
Transnet National Ports Authority
10.2022 - Current
BBA - Business Administration And Management
REGENESYS BUSINESS SCHOOL
05.2021 - 04.2025
International Harbour Masters Diploma - Port Operations And Management
IBC Academy London
05.2015 - 05.2016
Some College (No Degree) - Marine Investigation
SAMSA
07.2013 - 05.2013
MARINE PILOT -Transnet National Ports Authority
Transnet National Ports Authority
03.2011 - 09.2022
Marine Pilotage Certificate - Marine Piloting
STC Rotterdam And TNPA School of Excellence
05.2010 - 05.2011
Tug Master
Transnet National Ports Authority
02.2009 - 10.2010
STC Marine Operations Facilitator
Transnet National Ports Authority
01.2009 - 01.2010
Some College (No Degree) - Education
School of Excellence Transnet And STC
01.2009 - 04.2010
Some College (No Degree) - Tug Master
Transnet NPA School of Excellence
04.2008 - 05.2009
Trainee Tug Master - Transnet National Ports Authority Tug Master Trainee
Transnet National Ports Authority
01.2008 - 01.2009
Officer of The Watch Certification - Marine Navigation
SAMSA
04.2005 - 05.2008
Operations Management Certificate - Operations Management And Supervision
UCT
04.2001 - 05.2022
Safmarine Cadet- Apprentice Navigation Officer
Safmarine and Transnet National Ports Authority
4 2005 - 12.2007