Senior Operations Manager

The Global Ocean Freight department is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day voyage management of dry bulk vessels. Primary customers include internal ADM counterparts and global destination teams. The department serves as a liaison between vessel owners, cargo receivers, brokers, agents, and internal stakeholders, managing all aspects of the ocean freight business. The team assumes operational responsibility for vessels and cargoes controlled by ADM on a global basis.

The Senior Operations Manager will gain and maintain a broad understanding of all facets of the ocean freight business, including vessel operations, loading and discharge of bulk cargoes, freight payments, claims handling, laytime calculations, and settlement of freight accounts. Additional responsibilities include port agency appointments, voyage optimization, performance monitoring, and coordination with internal departments globally.

This role is also responsible for mentoring and developing team members, implementing operational procedures, and leading or participating in Global Ocean Freight initiatives and projects focused on risk mitigation, asset management, cost avoidance, and operational efficiency.

Your Responsibilities

• Manage daily commercial operations for approximately 7–10 dry bulk vessels.
• Oversee voyage execution from fixture through completion, including loading, discharge, documentation, freight settlement, and claims handling.
• Serve as a liaison between vessel owners, brokers, agents, cargo receivers, traders, chartering, and internal ADM teams.
• Coordinate complex stow plans with chartering, trade teams, and vessel command.
• Calculate laytime and support the settlement of freight, demurrage, despatch, and related claims.
• Handle and settle complex disputes and claims.
• Monitor fleet performance and support voyage optimization efforts, including speed and consumption analysis.
• Support bunker planning, bunker purchasing, and voyage cost optimization.
• Appoint and coordinate with port agents and other service providers.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, rates, and discounts as needed.
• Supervise fleet compliance with company policies and applicable maritime regulations.
• Lead or support shipping-related projects, including process improvement, cost avoidance, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures to improve operational efficiency.
• Coach, mentor, and support trainees and junior operators.
• Assist with distribution of fleet responsibilities to vessel operators in the absence of senior management.
• Provide limited night and weekend availability to address urgent operational issues.

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s degree with 6+ years of experience in dry bulk vessel operations
• Strong understanding of maritime operations, commercial voyage management, and industry regulations.
• Experience with voyage management systems (e.g., IMOS, Softmar), bunker procurement, claims management, laytime, voyage settlements, and operational optimization is preferred.
• The ideal candidate demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, with the ability to manage complex operational challenges, build effective stakeholder relationships, and drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, fluency in English, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, global environment are essential.