Freight Strategy and Operations Lead

We are seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Senior Freight Manager to lead and shape our global dry bulk freight operations across the grain trade.

This is not a conventional shipping role. The position sits at the intersection of freight strategy, commodity trading, operational excellence, and technology transformation. The successful candidate will play a critical role in optimizing freight exposure, strengthening owner and broker relationships, and driving operational efficiency across the freight lifecycle.

The role leads end-to-end across Chartering and Post-Fixture Operations, ensuring smooth execution from contract negotiation through voyage completion, and serves as a trusted partner to the Cargo Trading teams.

We are looking for a freight professional with deep expertise across Handysize to Panamax markets, strong commercial instincts, and the ability to modernize workflows through technology, automation, and AI-enabled operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Freight Strategy & Commercial Leadership

• Lead freight market positioning and exposure management across short-term and long-term chartering strategies

• Drive commercial decision-making across voyage charters, COAs, and period charter structures

• Advise Cargo Trade Teams on freight pricing, vessel availability, and logistical feasibility across global grain flows

• Develop and execute freight hedging and bunker procurement strategies to protect trading margins

• Monitor freight market fundamentals, vessel supply trends, port dynamics, and geopolitical developments impacting grain flows

Chartering & Vessel Procurement

• Lead procurement and chartering of Handysize to Panamax vessels for global grain movements

• Utilize deep relationships with vessel owners, operators, and chartering brokerages to secure competitive freight opportunities

• Negotiate and structure voyage, short-term, and long-term charter agreements with strong commercial and operational oversight

• Ensure charter party terms are commercially optimized while remaining operationally executable

Post Fixture & Operational Excellence

• Oversee the full post fixture lifecycle, including voyage execution, claims management, vessel performance, and operational troubleshooting

• Drive voyage optimization and proactive mitigation of off-hire risks, delays, and operational inefficiencies

• Collaborate closely with operations, finance, and trading teams to ensure accurate freight invoicing, reporting, and settlement processes

• Champion process improvement initiatives that enhance operational transparency, speed, and control

Technology, Automation & Innovation

• Lead the adoption and optimization of digital freight and chartering tools, including IMOS and related shipping platforms

• Drive automation initiatives across chartering and operations workflows to improve efficiency and reduce operational errors

• Identify opportunities to leverage AI and data-driven technologies to enhance freight analytics, operational controls, document management, and decision-making

• Build scalable and modern freight operating processes aligned with the future of digital shipping operations

Legal, Insurance & Risk Management

• Serve as the lead authority on maritime disputes, arbitration strategy, and settlement negotiations, including LMAA proceedings

• Oversee complex P&I and H&M insurance matters, particularly grain-related operational risks, including cargo heating, infestation, contamination, and cargo damage

• Provide commercial guidance on laytime, demurrage, and despatch negotiations

• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations, trade sanctions, and operational risk frameworks

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team across chartering and operations

• Foster a culture of accountability, commercial ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Act as the primary liaison between Freight, Trading, Operations, Finance, and external market stakeholders

• Build trusted relationships internally and externally across the global shipping ecosystem

Candidate Profile

Experience & Market Expertise

• 12 to 15+ years of experience within dry bulk shipping and international grain trade

• Proven expertise across Handysize to Panamax vessel segments

• Strong experience managing freight books and making successful commercial freight decisions

• Deep experience handling voyage charters, short-term charters, COAs, and long-term chartering structures

• Established relationships with vessel owners, operators, and global chartering brokerages

Technical & Commercial Capabilities

• Strong expertise in charter party drafting, negotiation, and interpretation

• Deep understanding of maritime arbitration, shipping claims, and insurance frameworks

• Strong operational understanding of grain cargo logistics, including fumigation, phytosanitary requirements, and draft-restricted ports

• Hands-on experience with freight and shipping systems such as IMOS

• Strong interest and capability in leveraging automation, digital tools, and AI within shipping operations

Leadership & Communication

• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams in high-pressure commercial environments

• Strong stakeholder management and negotiation capabilities

• Ability to translate complex freight market dynamics into clear commercial insights for trading teams

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a continuous improvement and transformation orientation

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to play a highly strategic role within a growing global commodities platform, helping shape the future of freight operations, commercial shipping strategy, and digital transformation across the grain trade.