Chief Operating Officer - Shipping

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and optimize the day-to-day operations of our shipping business. This is a senior leadership role, responsible for ensuring the efficient execution of our commercial strategy while driving operational excellence across the organization.

Working closely with the CEO, the COO will play a key role in shaping and delivering the company's growth strategy, with direct oversight of chartering, operations, fleet management, and risk. The role requires a strong balance of commercial acumen and operational discipline, ensuring that fleet deployment, cargo exposure, and market positioning are fully aligned.

The COO will be responsible for building scalable processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing performance across the fleet. This includes optimizing vessel utilization, managing costs, strengthening relationships with shipowners and counterparties, and ensuring best-in-class operational execution.

A key part of the role will also be leadership-developing and mentoring teams, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring the organization is well-positioned to capitalize on market opportunities in a dynamic and often volatile environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all operational aspects of the business, including chartering, operations, and fleet management
• Align commercial strategy with fleet positioning and execution
• Drive performance and profitability across the fleet, including P&L ownership
• Optimize processes, systems, and workflows to improve efficiency and scalability
• Manage relationships with shipowners, clients, brokers, and key stakeholders
• Implement and monitor risk management frameworks across trading and operations
• Support strategic initiatives including fleet growth, asset investments, and partnerships
• Lead, develop, and retain high-performing teams across multiple functions

Requirements

• 8-15+ years of experience in shipping, with strong exposure to dry bulk markets

• Proven track record in a senior operational or commercial leadership role

• Deep understanding of chartering, vessel operations, and freight market dynamics

• Strong commercial mindset with experience managing P&L and driving returns

• Demonstrated ability to scale operations and improve performance

• Established industry network with owners, brokers, and charterers

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities

• Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, market-driven environment

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills