Overview
The Chartering Manager is responsible for leading end-to-end freight procurement and chartering activities across Asia-focused commodity trading operations. This role plays a key part in securing cost-effective and reliable shipping solutions for steel products, iron ore, coking coal, and ferrous/non-ferrous scrap cargoes. Working closely with trading, operations, and logistics teams, the incumbent will support the efficient movement of commodities across regional and international markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Source, negotiate, and charter dry bulk vessels across various vessel segments, including Handysize, Supramax, Panamax, and Capesize.
- Manage container freight procurement and booking arrangements for raw materials and finished steel products.
- Negotiate freight rates, charter party terms, Contracts of Affreightment (COAs), laytime provisions, and demurrage agreements.
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with shipowners, vessel operators, brokers, and logistics service providers throughout Asia.
- Monitor freight market conditions and provide commercial insights on market trends, freight pricing, and vessel availability.
- Coordinate vessel nominations, laycan schedules, and post-fixture operations to ensure smooth execution of shipments.
- Handle demurrage and despatch claims while resolving freight-related disputes and operational issues.
- Ensure compliance with relevant safety standards, vessel vetting requirements, sanctions regulations, and insurance policies.
- Support freight budgeting processes and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and reduce logistics costs.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure timely and effective transportation of cargoes.
Requirements
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5 years of experience in chartering, freight procurement, or shipping operations.
- Exposure to both dry bulk and containerized cargo transportation.
- Experience handling commodities such as steel, iron ore, coal, scrap metal, or other bulk materials.
- Strong understanding of freight markets, charter party agreements, laytime calculations, and demurrage processes.
- Demonstrated negotiation, commercial, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to analyze market conditions and make informed chartering decisions.
Preferred Qualifications
- Established network of shipowners, operators, brokers, and logistics providers within China, Korea, and the broader Asian market.
- Experience within commodity trading, shipping, logistics, or freight procurement environments.
- Qualification in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Supply Chain, or a related discipline.
- Professional certifications such as ICS or equivalent maritime accreditation.
- Familiarity with international trade, freight contracting, and shipping regulations.
