Chartering Manager

Job Description Commercial & Chartering Manager (Dry Bulk) Position Summary The Commercial & Chartering Manager will be responsible for developing and executing the Company's freight trading and chartering strategy across the Handy, Supramax and Panamax dry bulk segments. The role requires ownership of the complete commercial cycle, including cargo sourcing, vessel sourcing, charterparty negotiation, voyage profitability, market analysis, business development and portfolio optimisation. The successful candidate will possess a strong commercial mindset with a proven ability to generate freight margins, build long-term customer relationships and make sound commercial decisions in dynamic freight markets. This position requires an individual who can balance commercial opportunities with operational and contractual risks while contributing to the Company's overall growth strategy. Key Responsibilities 1. Commercial & Freight Trading Execution Develop and actively manage a balanced portfolio of cargo contracts (COAs, spot cargoes) and chartered-in tonnage. Source and develop new cargo opportunities through direct engagement with traders, commodity houses, industrial clients, brokers and shipowners. Identify and secure suitable tonnage to optimise fleet deployment and commercial returns. Execute Time Charter (TC), Voyage Charter (VC) and Contract of Affreightment (COA) fixtures. Optimise freight spreads between cargo revenue and vessel hire. Position vessels strategically based on anticipated freight market movements. Manage market exposure through an appropriate balance of spot and period business. Maximise vessel utilisation and minimise idle time. Deliver agreed commercial KPIs and profitability targets. 2. Charterparty Negotiation & Contract Management Lead commercial negotiations with owners, charterers, brokers and operators. Negotiate commercially advantageous charterparty terms while protecting the Company's interests. Review and negotiate key clauses including: Laytime Demurrage and Dispatch Bunker Clauses Performance Warranties Trading Limits Off-hire Cancellation Force Majeure Structure charterparty agreements aligned with the Company's risk management strategy. Ensure fixtures provide commercial flexibility and optionality where appropriate. 3. Voyage P&L Ownership Prepare comprehensive voyage estimates and sensitivity analysis. Evaluate voyage profitability before fixture execution. Monitor voyage performance against original estimates. Manage: Freight Hire Demurrage Dispatch Claims Bunker performance Identify cost optimisation opportunities throughout the voyage lifecycle. Report voyage profitability and commercial performance to senior management. Analyse variances and recommend corrective actions. 4. Market Intelligence & Commercial Strategy Maintain real-time awareness of freight markets across Handy, Supramax and Panamax sectors. Monitor: Baltic Exchange indices Regional freight movements Commodity flows Fleet supply Congestion Geopolitical developments Produce freight market forecasts and commercial recommendations. Identify arbitrage opportunities across trade lanes and vessel classes. Present structured market reports and strategic recommendations to senior management and the Board. Contribute to the Company's long-term commercial strategy and market positioning. 5. Business Development & Customer Relationship Management Develop long-term relationships with cargo interests, traders, brokers and shipowners. Expand the Company's commercial network and market presence. Generate new cargo streams and tonnage sourcing opportunities. Develop strategic partnerships that create recurring business opportunities. Maintain regular engagement with existing customers while identifying new counterparties. Represent the Company at industry events, conferences and commercial meetings. Enhance the Company's commercial reputation within the dry bulk shipping market. 6. Portfolio Management & Commercial Optimisation Manage a balanced cargo and vessel portfolio. Optimise portfolio performance through strategic fixing decisions. Continuously evaluate market exposure and recommend portfolio adjustments. Balance risk and reward across the commercial portfolio. Maximise freight margins while maintaining disciplined risk management. 7. Operational & Cross-Functional Coordination Ensure seamless communication between Chartering, Operations, Finance and Accounts teams. Coordinate closely with Operations to maximise tradable d…