Senior Operations Planner at Lekki Freeport Terminal

About the Company

Lekki Freeport Terminal (LFT) operates the container terminal at Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s first deep-sea port and one of the most advanced maritime gateways in West Africa. Located within the Lagos Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, the terminal is focused on connecting global trade to Nigeria through sustainable operations, leveraging automation, digital systems, and innovation across the cargo handling process.

The terminal features deep-water access with a draft of up to 16.5 meters and modern ship-to-shore infrastructure, allowing it to handle large vessels and high cargo volumes. Designed to scale for millions of TEUs annually, the facility supports efficient logistics by reducing congestion and improving cargo flow. LFT integrates advanced equipment, data-driven processes, and international safety standards to deliver reliable and efficient port operations.

Job Summary

Job Purpose

• The Senior Operations Planner provides advanced analytical and planning support across vessel, yard, rail, and gate operations within the container terminal.
• The role focuses on transforming operational data into actionable insights, enhancing system-driven processes, and supporting digitalization initiatives.
• It ensures effective integration between operational workflows and Terminal Operating Systems such as NAVIS N4 and XPS.
• The position plays a key role in improving efficiency, productivity, turnaround time, and data integrity across terminal operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance Analytics:

• Analyse vessel performance metrics such as berth productivity, crane intensity, crane moves per hour, and turnaround time.
• Evaluate yard KPIs including yard density, dwell time, RTG productivity, and effectiveness of yard strategies.
• Monitor gate and landside KPIs such as truck turnaround time, throughput, and appointment system performance.
• Assess equipment utilization and productivity across RTGs, RMGs, reach stackers, terminal tractors, and empty handlers.
• Identify operational bottlenecks using data-driven analysis and recommend improvement strategies.

Systems Support:

• Provide advanced support for NAVIS N4, XPS, gate VBS, and related operational systems.
• Conduct system testing, validation, and configuration updates to align with operational needs.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and coordinate with IT/TOS teams for resolution.
• Support automation and digital workflows within systems, including vessel, yard, rail, and gate operations.
• Ensure accurate data capture, EDI integrity, and alignment between operational processes and system logic.

Reporting & Business Intelligence:

• Develop and automate operational dashboards and reports using Power BI, advanced Excel, and macros.
• Convert complex datasets into clear visual insights to support management decision-making.
• Maintain a centralized repository of operational data and documentation.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity of operational reporting.

Operational Planning & Continuous Improvement:

• Support planning teams with predictive analytics and scenario modelling for vessel and yard operations.
• Conduct capacity analysis for berth, yard, equipment, and gate operations.
• Lead initiatives aimed at reducing vessel and truck turnaround times.
• Drive digitalization projects, including automation of manual processes and workflow optimization.
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and operational performance assessments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy, timeliness, and level of automation in operational reporting.
• Improvement in vessel turnaround time and berth productivity.
• Reduction in truck turnaround time and gate congestion.
• Increased utilization and productivity of equipment.
• Maintenance of data integrity and compliance with operational standards.
• Successful execution of digitalization and system improvement initiatives.

Requirements & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Engineering, Maritime Studies, Economics, Logistics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Experience & Knowledge:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in port, terminal, or logistics operations.
• Practical experience with NAVIS N4, XPS, or similar Terminal Operating Systems is an advantage.
• Proven background in data analytics, operational planning, and performance optimization.

Skills & Competencies:

Technical Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in Excel, including macros, VBA, pivot tables, and automation.
• Strong working knowledge of Power BI, SQL, and other business intelligence tools.
• In-depth understanding of Terminal Operating System workflows (vessel planning, yard planning, gate operations).
• Ability to interpret operational data and generate actionable insights.
• Strong IT application skills with the ability to support system-driven improvements.

Operational & Analytical Skills:

• Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities.
• Good understanding of maritime and port KPIs, including berth planning, yard strategy, and equipment deployment.
• Ability to analyse operational data and recommend process enhancements.
• High level of attention to detail and problem-solving ability.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Planning — Ability to manage both short- and long-term operational strategies.
• Adaptability — Ability to respond effectively to operational changes.
• Assertiveness — Confidence in presenting analytical findings and recommendations.
• Decisiveness — Ability to evaluate data and make informed decisions.
• Quality-focused — Commitment to accuracy and operational excellence.
• Communication — Strong verbal and presentation skills.
• Team-focused — Ability to collaborate with operations, IT, and planning teams.
• Customer-focused — Ability to support stakeholders with reliable insights and data.

How to Apply