JOB DESCRIPTION – GENERAL MANAGER - CHARTERING
Dry Bulk Shipping
Reporting To: CEO
Experience: 10–15 Years
Preferred Background: Relevant shore-based Chartering experience in the Maritime Transportation sector for Bulk Carriers ( Containers exposure is an added advantage ). Sailing exposure as Chief Mate/Master is good to have.
Role Purpose
To lead the Chartering & Commercial function , ensuring optimum vessel employment, competitive chartering revenue, minimum commercial downtime, effective Charter Party management, timely commercial and claims settlement, and development of new business opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
1. Chartering & Revenue
- Identify and secure suitable employment for Dry Bulk vessels through Tenders, Voyage Charter and Time Charter opportunities.
- For non-tender vessels, strive to secure charter rates at around 95% of the prevailing BDI / relevant BKI, BSI or corresponding market index for the vessel tonnage.
- Evaluate market conditions, vessel positioning, cargo availability and prevailing fixtures before concluding employment.
- Explore 3–6 month period employment linked to BDI/FFA scales for identified vessels, based on market opportunities.
- Negotiate freight/hire rates and commercial terms with charterers and brokers within the approved authority framework.
2. Chartering Efficiency & Vessel Utilisation
- Minimise commercial off-hire and waiting time between completion of one employment /tender and commencement of the next, and minimise avoidable commercial downtime and loss of earnings.
- Plan vessel repositioning and re-hire opportunities to maximise earning days and fleet utilisation .
- Evaluate options based on recent comparable fixtures for similar tonnage in the relevant region.
3. Voyage Estimation & Commercial Performance
- Prepare voyage estimates before fixing Voyage Charters and assess expected TCE and voyage profitability .
- Prepare voyage actuals on completion and analyse variance against estimates.
- Monitor vessel earnings and analyse losses arising from off-hire, idling, ballast, repairs and other commercial downtime .
- Prepare voyage analysis, variance and commercial loss reports for Management review.
4. Charter Party Management
- Review fixture recaps and Charter Party terms thoroughly before conclusion.
- Ensure Charter Party terms adequately protect the Owner’s commercial interests and minimise revenue leakage.
- Track disputes arising from concluded Charter Parties and ensure learnings are incorporated into future fixtures.
- Work towards minimising Charter Party disputes and their impact on vessel earnings.
5. Business Development
- Identify and develop new chartering, cargo and commercial business opportunities for the Company.
- Drive growth and utilisation of identified business segments and vessels in line with Management targets.
- Explore new container business opportunities and sectors , in addition to the existing Chennai–Kolkata sector.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other commercial partners .
6. Hire, Receivables & Commercial Closure
- Ensure timely receipt and settlement of hire/freight and additional recoverable , including AWRP, bunker payments and other applicable amounts.
- Target commercial closure and collection of outstanding amounts within 15 days from completion/end of charter , wherever contractually applicable.
- Coordinate with Finance & Accounts for timely reconciliation and closure of commercial receivables.
- Follow up on outstanding commercial dues and ensure timely escalation wherever required.
7. Claims & Insurance
- Coordinate and follow up P&I, H&M, commercial, cargo and other applicable insurance claims .
- Liaise with insurers, P&I Clubs and underwriters for timely processing and settlement of claims.
- Ensure proper documentation and systematic record keeping of claims, correspondence and settlements.
- Support insurance renewals, negotiations and settlements with appropriate Management approval.
8. Commercial MIS & Reporting
- Prepare monthly fleet earnings and commercial performance reports within defined timelines.
- Report vessel utilisation, waiting periods, commercial downtime, voyage performance and loss of earnings.
- Support performance reports with relevant freight market and BDI analysis .
- Prepare quarterly and annual commercial analysis and reports required by the CEO and Management/Board.
- Highlight key commercial risks, performance gaps and opportunities for Management review.
9. Tenders & Commercial Documentation
- Prepare and review commercial documents for vessel and cargo tenders .
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of tender documentation.
- Maintain proper documentation, approvals and records relating to fixtures, Charter Parties, tenders, claims and other commercial transactions .
10. Vessel Sale & Purchase Support
- Assist the CEO in commercial matters relating to the purchase and sale of vessels , as required.
- Review relevant vessel particulars and commercial documentation.
- Provide commercial inputs and analysis to support Management evaluation and decision-making.
Skills & Competence
- Strong understanding of Dry Bulk freight markets, Voyage Charter and Time Charter .
- Good network and relationships with charterers, cargo owners, brokers and other industry stakeholders .
- Strong commercial negotiation, analytical and decision-making skills .
- Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
- Commercially driven with a strong focus on revenue, vessel utilisation, cost optimisation and profitability .