Position Overview
The EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Shipping & Chartering is responsible for leading and managing the Group's global shipping, chartering, freight procurement, vessel operations, and maritime commercial activities.
The role serves as a strategic business partner to Managing Director, providing leadership in freight strategy, shipping market intelligence, contract negotiations, port operations, and risk management. The successful candidate will drive shipping efficiency, optimize freight costs, and support the Group's international commodity trading business.
This position requires a seasoned shipping executive with no less than 15 years of experience in dry bulk shipping, vessel chartering, logistic, freight negotiations, and maritime commercial management.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute the Group's global shipping and chartering strategy.
- Support the Group's commodity trading business through effective freight planning and vessel deployment.
- Provide strategic recommendations on freight exposure, shipping costs, vessel selection, and market positioning.
- Participate in senior management discussions regarding business expansion, investments, and operational planning.
- Lead the development and growth of the Group's shipping division.
- Lead all chartering activities, including voyage charter, time charter, COA, and spot market fixtures.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with shipowners, operators, brokers, and charterers worldwide.
- Develop freight procurement strategies to achieve competitive transportation costs.
- Manage freight budgets and maximize voyage profitability.
- Oversee vessel nomination, fixture execution, and post-fixture performance.
- Negotiate and conclude charter party agreements and freight contracts.
- Review commercial terms and conditions to ensure optimal risk allocation.
- Manage disputes related to demurrage, detention, cargo claims, laytime calculations, and contractual matters.
- Oversee end-to-end vessel operations from fixture to cargo delivery.
- Manage relationships with port authorities, terminal operators, shipping agents, and logistics service providers.
- Monitor loading and discharging operations to ensure operational efficiency.
- Optimize vessel turnaround times and reduce port-related costs.
- Assess vessel supply-demand dynamics, commodity trade flows, freight indices, and market trends.
- Produce market intelligence reports and freight forecasts for senior management.
- Track geopolitical developments, regulatory changes, and economic indicators affecting shipping markets.
- Identify and mitigate operational, commercial, legal, and financial risks.
- Ensure compliance with international maritime regulations and industry best practices.
- Monitor changes in IMO regulations and environmental compliance requirements.
Job Requirements
- Minimum 15 years of relevant shipping industry experience.
- At least 10 years in a senior management or executive leadership role.
- Extensive experience in dry bulk shipping and international commodity trade support.
- Proven track record in vessel chartering, freight negotiations, shipping operations, and commercial management.
- Experience managing large shipping portfolios and global freight exposure.
Technical Expertise
Strong knowledge of:
- Voyage Charter Parties
- Time Charter Parties
- Contracts of Affreightment (COA)
- GENCON, NYPE, BALTIME and related charter forms
- Laytime and Demurrage Calculations
- Port Operations and Agency Management
- Freight Procurement and Cost Optimization
- Dry Bulk Shipping Markets
- Commodity Trading Logistics
- Maritime Law and Contract Risk Management
Preferred Industry Background
Candidates with experience in one or more of the following sectors will be highly preferred:
- Coal Trading
- Iron Ore Trading
- Steel Raw Materials
- Dry Bulk Shipping Companies
- Commodity Trading
- Shipowners and Chartering Firms
