About the Role

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on Group Shipping & Operations Manager to lead and optimise our liquid bulk and container shipping operations. This is an operational leadership role: the person owns the end-to-end execution of shipments as the cargo principal (charterer), manages a small operations team, and is expected to remain close to the day-to-day rather than purely strategic.

The role manages liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container movements of renewable feedstocks and products, drives vessel chartering and freight optimisation, handles demurrage, and liaises with terminals and inland transport providers to ensure timely, cost-effective and compliant delivery. Success depends on strong commercial negotiation, operational discipline, and the ability to build repeatable processes for the team.

Key Responsibilities

Shipping & Operations Management

Own and manage all aspects of shipping operations across liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container shipments as the cargo/charterer side.
Perform spot vessel chartering and freight optimisation to secure competitive, reliable tonnage.
Prepare shipping schedules, monitor shipment progress, and resolve post-fixture operational issues.
Review, calculate and negotiate demurrage claims with customers, brokers and ship owners.
Develop and implement shipping strategies for timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
Coordinate closely with internal teams — Renewable Feedstock Supply, Renewable Feedstock Sales and Treasury — to streamline shipping processes.
Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, safety standards and customer requirements.

Container Shipping & Freight

Manage container bookings and carrier relationships, with the commercial acumen to negotiate competitive container freight rates and terms.
Balance cost, transit time and reliability across carrier options.

Terminal Liaison & Negotiation

Act as the primary point of contact for terminal operators on all shipping-operations matters.
Negotiate terms with terminals to optimise loading/discharge, storage and other terminal services.
Collaborate with terminals to resolve operational issues — equipment availability, cargo handling and documentation.

Land Transport & Inland Logistics

Coordinate land transport / trucking and inland movements between terminals, storage and delivery points.
Negotiate and manage trucking and haulage providers on rates, capacity and service reliability.

Team Leadership & Development

Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, fostering a positive, high-performing work environment.
Establish templates and standard process flows to streamline tasks, improve consistency and raise productivity.
Set Objective Key Results (OKRs) for the team and ensure efficient execution of operational activities.
Empower and motivate team members to solve problems and excel.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction.

Ad Hoc Duties

Undertake any other duties as required by the reporting manager.

Requirements

7 years in shipping and logistics operations, including a leadership or supervisory component.
Strong negotiation, stakeholder-management and problem-solving skills.
Ability to build processes and lead a small team while staying hands-on.
Familiarity with shipping documentation, LC/trade-finance basics and compliance requirements.
Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or a related field.