Laytime Specialist

COFCO International is a global agri-business with a clear vision, strong values and a positive culture, focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains. We provide the food the world needs in a responsible way. Headquartered is Geneva, Switzerland, we are ambitious, with the right structures and culture to meet the world's increasing and changing needs. With 11,000+ people in 35 countries, our global portfolio includes assets across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. We trade with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market.

With 12,000 people in 35 countries, COFCO International is the overseas agriculture business platform for COFCO Corporation, China's largest food and agriculture company. COFCO International is focused on being a leader in the global grains, oilseeds and sugar supply chains, with assets across the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The company trades with over 50 nations, while providing farmers unique direct access to the growing Chinese market. In 2017, COFCO International handled over 100 million tonnes of related commodities with revenues of $34bn. The company is accelerating its growth to create a world-class integrated global agriculture supply chain, anchored in China and competing globally.

Job Purpose: 

Global Laytime Team serves COFCO International and its subsidiaries by making laytime calculations both for the commodity and freight side. As a Laytime Specialist, you will be expected to carry out the calculation, negotiation and settlement processes covering the entire trade chain.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end laytime process for a portfolio of voyages, ensuring calculations are completed accurately and in accordance with contractual provisions.


• Review voyage documentation and operational records to validate events, identify discrepancies, and support claim assessments.


• Analyze charter party terms, sale and purchase agreements, and related commercial contracts to determine laytime and demurrage implications.


• Identify potential commercial exposures and provide timely recommendations to stakeholders to mitigate financial and contractual risks.


• Collaborate with operations, trading, and commercial teams to ensure contract requirements and commercial instructions are properly executed.


• Maintain accurate records of claims, accruals, settlements, and supporting documentation within relevant business systems.


• Prepare, issue, and reconcile settlement statements, including debit and credit adjustments where required.


• Lead discussions and negotiations with customers, suppliers, shipowners, charterers, and other counterparties to achieve commercially sound resolutions.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Maritime, Shipping or Logistics Management


• Degree in MICS will be an advantage

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years work experience with a Shipping or Trading company of which at least 1 full year core experience in Laytime operations.


• Experience of tanker operation preferred but not required


• Experienced level of understanding of laytime terms


• Familiarization with Charter Party and Sales Contract clauses


• Experience from hybrid working or collaborating virtually

Skills / Competencies:

• Advanced English level, both written and spoken


• High computer literacy


• Attention to details with a strong focus on contractual language


• Ability to analyze data accurately and make suggestions & improvement


• Technology sound with regards to using digital applications


• Good understanding of contracts, charter parties and key Laytime/ demurrage provisions and the terminology associated with Laytime to perform an accurate calculation


• Ability to negotiate with customers by making analytical calculations on laytime calculation

COFCO International is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

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