Manager, Vessel Operations

Job Summary The role oversees day to day ship operations, covering voyage planning, bunker optimization, port operations, cargo handling, compliance, and coordination between commercial, technical, and chartering teams. This role serves as the central point of contact for vessel masters, charterers, agents, and port authorities, ensuring voyages are executed in line with commercial contracts and international regulations.

Key responsibilities include monitoring vessel schedules, addressing operational issues in real time, managing claims exposure, optimizing voyage P&L, and driving continuous improvements in operational efficiency. This position is based in Singapore.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of vessels as shipowners or bareboat charterers.
• Ensure safe vessel operations in coordination with ship managers, following industry regulations and internal procedures.
• Ensure compliance with charter party requirements, company procedures, and operational standards across vessels, brokers, Charterers, and agents.
• Monitor and document all voyage performance details, including off-hire, stoppages, and delays.
• Arrange bunkers at designated ports.
• Proactively conduct loss-prevention activities.
• Handle claims, negotiate effectively, and resolve issues promptly.
• Support the Chartering team with vessel information, requirements, questionnaires, certification, and scheduling for pre- and post-fixture activities.
• Verify loading/discharging port plans with ship managers to ensure compliance with port requirements and hold-cleanliness standards.
• Arrange routine invoicing and ensure timely processing.
• Manage disputes with Charterers with support from the defence club when required.
• Maintain strong knowledge of charter parties, ship-management contracts, and other relevant agreements.
• Manage charter hire payments and final settlements upon completion of time charters.
• Review ship managers’ operational and accounting reports.
• Conduct briefings with deck and engine officers.
• Optimize resource utilization and propose workflow improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Represent the company at meetings, seminars, and industry conferences.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Key Requirements

• Appropriate qualification in Shipping, Maritime Studies, Logistics, or a related field.
• At least 6 years of experiences in dry bulk operations, ideally including steel, projects, general or other dry bulk cargoes.
• Strong understanding of voyage execution, chartering operations, and post-fixture procedures.
• Analytical mindset for evaluating voyage performance, TCE, off hire, demurrage/ despatch.
• Commercial awareness of market conditions affecting freight, bunkers, and port costs.
• Proficiency in voyage management software IMOS would be a plus.
• Strong commercial acumen with maritime operational expertise.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to handle complex operational demands.
• Proactive problem-solving skills with strong stakeholder management capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint familiarity preferred)
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proactive attitude with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.