Group Shipping & Operations Manager

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on Group Shipping & Operations Manager to lead and optimise our liquid bulk and container shipping operations. This is an operational leadership role: the person owns the end-to-end execution of shipments as the cargo principal (charterer), manages a small operations team, and is expected to remain close to the day-to-day rather than purely strategic.

The role manages liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container movements of renewable feedstocks and products, drives vessel chartering and freight optimisation, handles demurrage, and liaises with terminals and inland transport providers to ensure timely, cost-effective and compliant delivery. Success depends on strong commercial negotiation, operational discipline, and the ability to build repeatable processes for the team.

Key Responsibilities

Shipping & Operations Management

• Own and manage all aspects of shipping operations across liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container shipments as the cargo/charterer side.
• Perform spot vessel chartering and freight optimisation to secure competitive, reliable tonnage.
• Prepare shipping schedules, monitor shipment progress, and resolve post-fixture operational issues.
• Review, calculate and negotiate demurrage claims with customers, brokers and ship owners.
• Develop and implement shipping strategies for timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams — Renewable Feedstock Supply, Renewable Feedstock Sales and Treasury — to streamline shipping processes.
• Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, safety standards and customer requirements.

Container Shipping & Freight

• Manage container bookings and carrier relationships, with the commercial acumen to negotiate competitive container freight rates and terms.
• Balance cost, transit time and reliability across carrier options.

Terminal Liaison & Negotiation

• Act as the primary point of contact for terminal operators on all shipping-operations matters.
• Negotiate terms with terminals to optimise loading/discharge, storage and other terminal services.
• Collaborate with terminals to resolve operational issues — equipment availability, cargo handling and documentation.

Land Transport & Inland Logistics

• Coordinate land transport / trucking and inland movements between terminals, storage and delivery points.
• Negotiate and manage trucking and haulage providers on rates, capacity and service reliability.

Team Leadership & Development

• Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, fostering a positive, high-performing work environment.
• Establish templates and standard process flows to streamline tasks, improve consistency and raise productivity.
• Set Objective Key Results (OKRs) for the team and ensure efficient execution of operational activities.
• Empower and motivate team members to solve problems and excel.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction.

Ad Hoc Duties

• Undertake any other duties as required by the reporting manager.

Requirements

• 7 years in shipping and logistics operations, including a leadership or supervisory component.
• Strong negotiation, stakeholder-management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build processes and lead a small team while staying hands-on.
• Familiarity with shipping documentation, LC/trade-finance basics and compliance requirements.
• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or a related field.