We are seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Senior Freight Manager to lead and shape our global dry bulk freight operations across the grain trade.

This is not a conventional shipping role. The position sits at the intersection of freight strategy, commodity trading, operational excellence, and technology transformation. The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimizing freight exposure, strengthening owner and broker relationships, and driving operational efficiency across the freight lifecycle.

The role leads end-to-end across Chartering and Post-Fixture Operations, ensuring smooth execution from contract negotiation through voyage completion, and serves as a trusted partner to the Cargo Trading teams.

We are looking for a freight professional with deep expertise across Handysize to Panamax markets, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to modernize workflows through technology, automation, and AI-enabled operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Freight Strategy & Commercial Leadership

Lead freight market positioning and exposure management across short-term and long-term chartering strategies
Drive commercial decision-making across voyage charters, COAs, and period charter structures
Advise Cargo Trade Teams on freight pricing, vessel availability, and logistical feasibility across global grain flows
Develop and execute freight hedging and bunker procurement strategies to protect trading margins
Monitor freight market fundamentals, vessel supply trends, port dynamics, and geopolitical developments impacting grain flows

Chartering & Vessel Procurement

Lead procurement and chartering of Handysize to Panamax vessels for global grain movements
Utilize deep relationships with vessel owners, operators, and chartering brokerages to secure competitive freight opportunities
Negotiate and structure voyage, short-term, and long-term charter agreements with strong commercial and operational oversight
Ensure charter party terms are commercially optimized while remaining operationally executable

Post Fixture & Operational Excellence

Oversee the full post fixture lifecycle, including voyage execution, claims management, vessel performance, and operational troubleshooting
Drive voyage optimization and proactive mitigation of off-hire risks, delays, and operational inefficiencies
Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and trading teams to ensure accurate freight invoicing, reporting, and settlement processes
Champion process improvement initiatives that enhance operational transparency, speed, and control

Technology, Automation & Innovation

Lead the adoption and optimization of digital freight and chartering tools, including IMOS and related shipping platforms
Drive automation initiatives across chartering and operations workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational errors
Identify opportunities to leverage AI and data-driven technologies to enhance freight analytics, operational controls, document management, and decision-making
Build scalable and modern freight operating processes aligned with the future of digital shipping operations

Legal, Insurance & Risk Management

Serve as the lead authority on maritime disputes, arbitration strategy, and settlement negotiations, including LMAA proceedings
Oversee complex P&I and H&M insurance matters, particularly grain-related operational risks, including cargo heating, infestation, contamination, and cargo damage
Provide commercial guidance on laytime, demurrage, and despatch negotiations
Ensure compliance with maritime regulations, trade sanctions, and operational risk frameworks

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

Lead and mentor a high-performing team across chartering and operations
Foster a culture of accountability, commercial ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Act as the primary liaison between Freight, Trading, Operations, Finance, and external market stakeholders
Build trusted relationships internally and externally across the global shipping ecosystem

Candidate Profile

Experience & Market Expertise

12 to 15+ years of experience within dry bulk shipping and international grain trade
Proven expertise across Handysize to Panamax vessel segments
Strong experience managing freight books and making successful commercial freight decisions
Deep experience handling voyage charters, short-term charters, COAs, and long-term chartering structures
Established relationships with vessel owners, operators, and global chartering brokerages

Technical & Commercial Capabilities

Strong expertise in charter party drafting, negotiation, and interpretation
Deep understanding of maritime arbitration, shipping claims, and insurance frameworks
Strong operational understanding of grain cargo logistics, including fumigation, phytosanitary requirements, and draft-restricted ports
Hands-on experience with freight and shipping systems such as IMOS
Strong interest and capability in leveraging automation, digital tools, and AI within shipping operations

Leadership & Communication

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure commercial environments
Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities
Ability to translate complex freight market dynamics into clear commercial insights for trading teams
Entrepreneurial mindset with a continuous improvement and transformation orientation

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a highly strategic role within a growing global commodities platform, helping shape the future of freight operations, commercial shipping strategy, and digital transformation across the grain trade.

Freight Strategy and Operations Lead