Dry Bulk Operations Manager

Position Overview

As the Dry Bulk Operations Manager, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end operations of our dry bulk fleet and leading the operations team. This role is central to driving operational efficiency, safety, regulatory compliance, and commercial performance across all voyages.

You will provide strong operational leadership and work closely with shipowners, charterers, port authorities, agents, masters, and other maritime stakeholders to ensure the safe, efficient, and timely execution of all vessel operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the dry bulk fleet, ensuring vessels operate safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company standards, charter party requirements, and applicable international maritime regulations.
• Coordinate the full voyage execution process, including vessel scheduling, port calls, loading and discharging operations, documentation, bunkering, and coordination with owners, charterers, agents, and Masters.
• Monitor vessel performance, voyage progress, port operations, and operational costs, identifying potential delays, risks, and cost-saving opportunities.
• Work closely with shipowners, charterers, port agents, terminals, and Masters to resolve operational issues and ensure smooth execution of voyages.
• Ensure compliance with applicable international maritime regulations, environmental requirements, company policies, and charter party obligations.
• Monitor and manage operational risks, including delays, port restrictions, cargo-related issues, weather disruptions, off-hire risks, and other voyage-related operational matters.
• Review and manage operational documentation, reports, statements of facts, notices, invoices, claims, and other voyage-related records.
• Work closely with the commercial and chartering teams to ensure that operational decisions are aligned with commercial requirements and charter party terms.
• Monitor vessel performance and voyage economics, including bunkering, port costs, demurrage/despatch, and other voyage-related expenses, and support initiatives to improve fleet profitability.
• Lead, manage, and develop the operations team, ensuring clear allocation of responsibilities, effective communication, and timely execution of operational tasks.
• Establish and improve operational procedures and workflows to enhance efficiency, accountability, safety, and service quality.
• Maintain effective communication with Masters and vessel crews and provide operational guidance and support when required.
• Take a proactive approach to operational problems and provide timely solutions to minimize disruption to vessel schedules and commercial operations.
• Prior experience as a Master (Captain) is highly preferred, with practical knowledge of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requirements, including carbon allowance obligations and their impact on voyage planning, operational costs, and chartering decisions.
• Keep abreast of developments in maritime regulations, environmental requirements, and industry practices, and assess their potential impact on the company's dry bulk operations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience in dry bulk shipping operations, preferably with experience managing a fleet or leading an operations team.
• Strong knowledge of dry bulk vessel operations, voyage management, port operations, and charter party requirements.
• Experience working directly with shipowners, charterers, Masters, port agents, terminals, and other maritime stakeholders.
• Master/Captain experience is highly preferred, particularly candidates with practical sea-going experience and a strong understanding of vessel operations.
• Good understanding of EU ETS and other maritime environmental regulations, with the ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical operational and commercial considerations.
• Strong understanding of voyage costs, demurrage/despatch, bunkering, port costs, and operational risk management.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, make timely operational decisions, and manage multiple vessels and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluent in English and Mandarin to liaise with Chinese-speaking internal and external personnel.
• A degree or professional qualification in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, Business, or a related discipline is preferred.