Chartering Manager

Position : CHARTERING MANAGER

Location: Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Department: Commercial – Dry Bulk Operations

Reporting to: Chartering Director or equivalent

Job Summary

The Chartering Manager will be responsible for leading and executing the

company's dry bulk commercial operations within an asset-light operating model.

The role focuses on managing chartered-in tonnage against cargo commitments,

optimizing freight spreads, and driving voyage profitability.

The position requires full ownership of freight trading execution, charterparty

negotiations, market positioning, and voyage P&L performance. The Chartering

Manager will operate in a commercially dynamic environment, balancing cargo

exposure, vessel cover, and market volatility to generate sustainable margins.

This is a pure operator role, with emphasis on freight optimization rather than asset

ownership.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Freight Trading Execution

• Develop and manage a balanced portfolio of cargo contracts (COAs, spot

cargoes) and chartered-in tonnage.

• Optimize freight spreads between cargo revenue and vessel hire.

• Execute time charter, voyage charter, and COA fixtures.

• Position vessels strategically based on forward market expectations.

• Actively manage market exposure (spot vs period exposure strategy).

• Monitor Baltic indices and route economics to guide commercial decisions.

Charterparty Negotiation & Contract Management

• Lead negotiations with owners, charterers, brokers, and operators.

• Structure charterparty terms aligned with risk management strategy.

• Review and negotiate CP clauses including laytime, demurrage, bunker

clauses, and performance warranties.

• Ensure commercially robust fixtures with optimized terms and optionality.

Voyage P&L Ownership• Prepare detailed voyage estimates and sensitivity analysis.

• Monitor actual voyage performance versus estimates.

• Manage hire, freight, demurrage, dispatch, and claims.

• Identify and implement cost optimization strategies.

• Report voyage profitability and variance analysis to management.

Market Intelligence & Strategy

• Maintain real-time awareness of freight markets across Handy, Supramax,

and Panamax segments.

• Develop freight forecasts and commercial positioning recommendations.

• Provide structured reporting to senior management and the Board.

• Identify arbitrage opportunities across regions and vessel sizes.

Operational & Cross-Functional Coordination

• Ensure seamless communication between post-fixture and the account

teams.

• Coordinate with operations to maximize tradable days and minimize idle

time.

• Work closely with technical managers (where applicable) to optimize vessel

performance and off-hire management.

• Support bunker procurement strategy in coordination with operations.

Business Development & Network Building

• Expand relationships with cargo interests, traders, brokers, and shipowners.

• Develop new cargo streams and tonnage sourcing channels.

• Enhance the company's commercial profile within the dry bulk market.

Risk Management & Claims

• Manage exposure related to freight volatility and operational risks.

• Correspond with P&I Clubs and legal advisors on claims when required.

• Support arbitration processes when necessary.

Required Competencies

• Strong freight trading mindset with commercial discipline.

• Proven ability to generate freight margin in volatile markets.

• Deep understanding of dry bulk chartering structures (TC, VC, COA).

• Advanced analytical skills for voyage economics and market forecasting.

• Strong negotiation capability across complex CP clauses.

• Resilient and performance-driven in high-pressure environments.

• Strategic thinker with strong numerical and commercial acumen.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 5 years experience in dry bulk chartering within an operator environment.

• Proven track record in managing chartered-in tonnage and cargo books.

• Experience in Handy/Supramax markets preferred.

• Strong network of brokers, owners, and charterers.

• Proficiency in IMOS (VIP preferred) and voyage accounting systems.

• Excellent English communication skills (written and verbal).

• University degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business, or related

discipline.