Job Description: Head of Shipping Dubai
Position Overview: The Head of Shipping will lead and manage the shipping operations of a dynamic and growth-oriented company based in Dubai, UAE. This role requires an individual with extensive experience in maritime logistics, shipping operations, and strategic planning. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end shipping process, ensuring cost-efficiency, compliance, and alignment with the company's business goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the shipping and logistics department, with direct oversight of teams handling chartering, operations, and container logistics.
- Develop and implement shipping strategies to support the company's trading and business units, managing a diverse cargo portfolio that includes bulk commodities and containers.
- Manage and optimize the freight book, including hedging strategies and long-term vessel charters to mitigate market fluctuations.
- Oversee all aspects of vessel operations from pre-fixture to post-fixture, including stow planning, bunker procurement, port coordination, and voyage execution.
- Negotiate freight rates and secure favorable terms for spot and long-term contracts.
- Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including vessel owners, brokers, agents, and port authorities.
- Identify opportunities for arbitrage and cost optimization within the freight market.
- Guide the department's financial performance by achieving P&L targets and driving operational efficiencies.
- Implement and oversee the use of advanced digital tools like SOFTMAR, Veson, and SAP for seamless operation management.
- Ensure compliance with international shipping regulations and company policies while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.
- Lead and mentor a team of professionals in chartering and operations, cultivating a high-performing, cohesive unit.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support trading desks and align shipping operations with overall business objectives.
Key Qualifications:
- 12-15+ years of experience in shipping, including hands-on roles in chartering, operations, and senior leadership positions.
- Strong background in bulk carrier management, including handling panamax, supramax, and cape vessels.
- Proven track record of managing multi-million tonnage freight books and achieving substantial cost savings.
- Advanced understanding of maritime law, charter party interpretation, and contract negotiation.
- Certifications: Master Mariner or equivalent preferred.
- Educational background in maritime management or related fields.
- Excellent leadership and team-building skills, with experience in training and mentoring staff.
- Proficiency in MS Office and specialized shipping software (e.g., SOFTMAR, Veson).
- Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strategic mindset.
- International experience working and collaborating in a global working environment
- Currently based or willing to relocate to Dubai, UAE.
Skills & Competencies:
- Strategic planning and P&L management.
- Comprehensive knowledge of shipping logistics and freight market dynamics.
- Advanced negotiation and client relationship management.
- Familiarity with maritime safety and regulatory requirements.
- Team leadership and development capabilities.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills to be able to build a good working relationship with internal and external parties.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
- Comprehensive insurance coverage and relocation assistance.
- Professional growth opportunities in a leading company.
Application Process: Interested candidates should send their resume detailing their qualifications and experience.
This role will offer a talented and experienced head shipping / dry freight chartering manager the chance to develop their career with a leading shipping & trading company. Candidates applying for the role should be entrepreneurial in nature, hard-working and initiative driven.
If interested, please HIT Apply.
