Zodiac Maritime is an international ship operating company providing a full range of management services for a wide and diverse fleet of commercial ships, spanning containership to tankers, bulk carriers to PCTCs, and a growing orderbook focused on dual-fuel vessels to improve overall fleet energy efficiency.
Headquartered in London’s bustling West End, our modern, open-plan offices accommodate a growing team of over 200 people. With representative offices across Europe and Asia, our shore-based headcount grows as our fleet continues to expand and diversify, as does our dedicated crew of over 6,500 seafarers.
This is an exciting time for the company as we continue to grow and modernise our fleet and operations. We are looking for hard working and dynamic individuals to come aboard and be a part of the next generation of the Zodiac Maritime team!
The role
Position Chartering Manager – Containers
Contract type Full Time
Reporting to Head of Chartering (Dry Cargo)
Location London
Overview of role
With our diversified portfolio of over 180 commercial vessels and the continuation of expansion across our fleet, this is an exciting opportunity to join our chartering department.
As Chartering Manager, reporting into the Head of Chartering (Dry Cargo), you will be responsible for the employment of our current fleet of approximately 55 Containers. The vessels are currently employed on medium to long term Time Charters with MLO’s.
You will work within the commercial team of approximately 10 people who closely liaise with the Executive Management Team in developing and executing the Companies’ commercial strategy across the different vessel types.
Zodiac is seeking an experienced Chartering Manager, with a broad and in-depth knowledge of Shipping; either Container or other appropriate experience. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of market dynamics, commercial aptitude and economic principles. They are proactive, detail-oriented and capable of delivering high-quality results under pressure.
Key responsibilities and primary deliverables
Commercial
- Responsible for all time and voyage chartering activities to achieve the most profitable and efficient employment of the fleet
- Leveraging market analysis and insights, proactively seeking out opportunities to create commercial advantage
- Developing and managing relationships with key charterers and joint venture parties
- Reporting market developments to and strategising with Executive Management team to optimise commercial strategy
- Successful negotiation and conclusion of spot market fixtures, period time charters, and contracts of affreightment; whilst upholding commercial guidelines and compliance requirements
- Astute drafting and reviewing of Charter Parties and other fixture related documentation
- Ensure executive management have up-to-date visibility of all vessels chartered and unfixed, daily position listings, freight market information, market trends and analysis
- Reporting and analysing fixture results including comparisons of voyage estimates against final results on completion of the voyage; and ensuring any discrepancies are investigated and actioned
- Effective and timely coordination and communication with all relevant departments, to support successful negotiations and conclusion of fixtures
- Ad-hoc deliverables as required
Marine Compliance
- Safeguarding that the Chartering function operates in strict accordance with all company Health, Safety and Environmental; Anti-Bribery and Corruption; Ethical Trading; and Anti-Money Laundering, policies, practices, and procedures
- Remain current on industry rules, regulations, and best practices, and ensure that procedures are updated accordingly
Skills profile
Relevant experience & education
- Successful background and demonstrated experience in shipping (Chartering and Operations)
- In-depth knowledge of Container market segments
- Demonstrated understanding of vessel design, cargo, voyage requirements, stowage plans, vessel KPI’s, key ports and routes
- Established relationships and network within the Container market segments
- Good working knowledge of Charter Party Terms and Conditions
- Clear, precise and confident in verbal and written communication to support credibility and position of expertise
- Strong interpersonal skills to effectively build and maintain sustainable relationships with key contacts
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills, together with the ability to support decisions with sound reasoning and judgement
- Commercial aptitude and ability
- Self-motivated, focused, and driven to achieve results
- A successful track record in dealing with a broad set of activities within a fast-paced environment, whilst managing ambiguity and pressure well, is a requirement for this role
- Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and collaborative in style
- Commitment to helping promote and maintain a safe workplace
- Familiarity with Alphaliner and / or other relevant industry information platforms.
- Ability to help drive the commercial aspect of our new ERP platform Open Ocean and reporting tools within
Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.