The Head of Operations is responsible for managing the daily operations of chartered and owned dry bulk vessels globally, handling post-fixture activities, and driving continuous improvement in business processes. This role ensures compliance with agreements, SOPs, and maritime standards, while optimizing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Management:
- Oversee daily global operations of chartered and owned dry bulk vessels.
- Manage post-fixture activities to enhance business performance and efficiency.
- Ensure professional execution of work in compliance with applicable contracts and agreements.
Compliance and Standards:
- Ensure services are delivered in accordance with agreements and maritime standards.
- Maintain and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and process documentation.
Process Excellence and Improvement:
- Drive process excellence within the team by suggesting innovations, cost savings, and improvements.
- Identify success factors, root causes of issues, and opportunities for improvement.
- Facilitate continuous performance improvements to ensure team productivity.
Risk and Issue Management:
- Actively monitor work progress to identify, report, and address risks and problem areas.
- Anticipate operational problems and handle them in a timely and satisfactory manner.
Budgeting and Planning:
- Manage budgeting and planning for all shipping operations activities.
- Oversee risk management in shipping operations.
Performance Monitoring:
- Responsible for vetting performance and data analysis.
- Monitor voyage performance of vessels, ensuring operations proceed as planned and taking corrective actions when necessary.
Strategic Development:
- Develop new operational strategies and supervise new programs.
- Manage port operations and oversee marine equipment sourcing and purchasing.
Cost Management:
- Reduce operating costs by evaluating port disbursement accounts and negotiating contracts.
- Handle laytime calculation, charter party, and fixture note negotiations for shipowners with charterers.
Bunker Management:
- Responsible for bunker booking and managing bunker supply on ships.
Legal and Compliance:
- Liaise with the Legal Department and P&I Clubs to address potential disputes and legal issues proactively.
- Collaborate with the Chartering Manager to ensure efficient delivery of services to clients.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Maintain effective communication with clients, stakeholders, and team members to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, or related field preferred.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in dry bulk vessel operations, preferably in a ship operating company.
- Strong understanding of international shipping regulations, industry best practices, and safety standards.
- Proficiency in maritime software systems, especially IMOS (Veson).
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated problem-solving abilities and sound judgment in fast-paced operational environments.
- Previous seagoing career with recent shore-based management experience preferred.
- Willingness to work irregular hours and travel as needed to support vessel operations.
