Head of Shipping

About the role

The Head of Shipping leads the company's shipping and freight function, acting as the primary interface between trading, operations, and the maritime market. This senior position ensures safe, compliant, and cost‑efficient transportation of physical commodity cargoes while managing demurrage and claims performance across the fleet.

Key responsibilities

• Lead vessel chartering activities, including voyage and time charters, and negotiate freight rates and charter party terms.
• Manage freight market exposure using FFAs and other freight derivatives, providing market insight to trading desks.
• Oversee vessel nomination, scheduling, voyage performance, and ensure compliance with SIRE and vessel screening standards.
• Direct demurrage calculations, claims handling, and dispute resolution in coordination with the Demurrage & Claims team.
• Build and maintain relationships with shipowners, brokers, and P&I clubs, negotiating commercial terms and monitoring counterparty performance.
• Ensure adherence to maritime regulations, sanctions, IMO/environmental standards, and internal HSE policies.

Required profile

• 10‑15 years of experience in shipping, chartering, or freight trading within commodity trading, shipowning, or shipbroking environments, including leadership responsibility.
• Proven track record in vessel chartering, freight risk management, and demurrage/claims oversight.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of chartering practices, charter party terms, and freight markets.
• Expertise in freight derivatives and hedging, including FFAs.
• In‑depth understanding of maritime regulatory, vessel vetting, and HSE standards.
• Advanced negotiation and counterparty management abilities.
• Experience with ERP/ETRM and shipping systems, preferably SAP functional skills.