Chartering And Operations Lead (Dry Bulk)

Key Responsibilities Develop and implement freight strategies that optimise transportation costs while supporting commercial trading objectives. Provide market intelligence and strategic freight advice to trading teams, including vessel availability, freight pricing, and market trends. Manage the chartering of Handysize to Panamax vessels across voyage charters, Contracts of Affreightment (COAs), and period charter arrangements. Build and maintain strong relationships with vessel owners, operators, and brokers while negotiating commercially favourable charter party agreements. Oversee all post-fixture activities, ensuring smooth voyage execution, timely issue resolution, claims management, laytime calculations, demurrage, and operational performance. Partner with Operations, Finance, Legal, and Trading teams to ensure accurate freight settlements and efficient operational execution. Drive the adoption of freight technologies, IMOS, automation, and AI-driven solutions to enhance workflow efficiency, reporting capabilities, and operational controls. Provide leadership on maritime claims, arbitration matters, insurance cases, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management. Lead and develop the freight team while promoting collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the function. Requirements At least 12 years of experience within dry bulk shipping, with strong exposure to the international grain trade. Demonstrated experience managing commercial freight activities across Handysize to Panamax vessel segments. Strong background in voyage chartering, period chartering, COAs, and freight procurement. In-depth knowledge of charter party negotiations, maritime claims, insurance, arbitration, and grain cargo operations. Experience using IMOS or similar freight management systems, with an interest in digital transformation, automation, and AI within shipping operations. Strong commercial judgement, leadership capabilities, stakeholder management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced commodity trading environment.