Shipping Operator

Context: Shipping Operator is an intermediary between various departments in the Company and external stakeholders such as Ship Owners, Vessels, Port Agents, 3rd party Charterers etc. The role of a Shipping Operator is to ensure flawless, safe and efficient transportation of the goods on the Ships chartered in or, in case of Ships’ employment with 3rd parties - chartered out, provide in-house support and expertise on the shipping related matters. In addition to the physical side of the operations, as part of their day-to-day duties, Shipping Operator is also responsible for maintaining accurate representation of the voyage itinerary, voyage-related arrangements and respective costs within the shipping software. Non-demurrage claims handling might also be assigned to the Shipping Operator as related to Vessels chartered in or out. The role is fast paced, dynamic and challenging. Involves support to worldwide operations that operate continuously and in multiple time zones which may require individuals to be available outside office hours. Responsibilities: • Assist chartering in obtaining the port restrictions and costs; screen Vessels with the Terminals/Ports. • Guide Chartering and Trading on the hold cleaning procedures and potential claims related to cargo contamination. • Screen the Vessels in accordance with Mercuria vetting criteria. • Issue voyage instructions to the Vessels. • Elaborate the stowage plans, including multi-grades, to accommodate trading arrangements and propose most efficient solutions. • Optimize the cargo stowage plans and bunkers calculations. • Optimize Vessels’ routing depending on the speed/consumption curves, weather, arrival deadlines etc. • Arrange bunkering of the time-chartered fleet. • Arrange and negotiate various shipping-related contracts (agency, towage, mooring, etc.). • Provide initial legal support to trading desk for shipping related matters. • Participate in discussion and elaboration of the c/p clauses. • Update IMOS, maintain accountability for the P&L. • Participate in system development and interface with ETRM. • Arrange periodical system reconciliations and have a lookout on the financial outstandings. • Provide feedback / explanation on the estimate’s vs actual voyage costs, optimization steps post voyage completion. Knowledge, Skills and Experience: • Minimum of 3-5 years’ related shipping experience dealing with dry cargo / vessels. • Entrepreneurial mindset with strong work ethic and structured, team-oriented approach. • Sailing experience as navigating officer at management level (must be combined with a shore experience in a trading or shipping company) is an advantage. • Some legal background or substantial exposure to claims under the voyage-/time-charter parties. • Experience with the IMOS shipping system is an advantage. • Candidate should be prepared to handle Cape/ Panamax/Supramax sized VL’s • Familiarity with standard dry voyage-/time-charter parties forms, FFAs and basic freight and bunker risk management techniques. • Fluent in English, both oral and written. Mandarin and/or Cantonese would be an asset. • Tech-Savvy and comfortable working with digital tools and systems.