Group Shipping & Operations Manager

About the Role We are seeking a proactive, hands-on Group Shipping & Operations Manager to lead and optimise our liquid bulk and container shipping operations. This is an operational leadership role: the person owns the end-to-end execution of shipments as the cargo principal (charterer), manages a small operations team, and is expected to remain close to the day-to-day rather than purely strategic. The role manages liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container movements of renewable feedstocks and products, drives vessel chartering and freight optimisation, handles demurrage, and liaises with terminals and inland transport providers to ensure timely, cost-effective and compliant delivery. Success depends on strong commercial negotiation, operational discipline, and the ability to build repeatable processes for the team. Key Responsibilities Shipping & Operations Management - Own and manage all aspects of shipping operations across liquid bulk (tanker/parcel) and container shipments as the cargo/charterer side. - Perform spot vessel chartering and freight optimisation to secure competitive, reliable tonnage. - Prepare shipping schedules, monitor shipment progress, and resolve post-fixture operational issues. - Review, calculate and negotiate demurrage claims with customers, brokers and ship owners. - Develop and implement shipping strategies for timely and cost-effective delivery of goods. - Coordinate closely with internal teams — Renewable Feedstock Supply, Renewable Feedstock Sales and Treasury — to streamline shipping processes. - Ensure compliance with shipping regulations, safety standards and customer requirements. Container Shipping & Freight - Manage container bookings and carrier relationships, with the commercial acumen to negotiate competitive container freight rates and terms. - Balance cost, transit time and reliability across carrier options. Terminal Liaison & Negotiation - Act as the primary point of contact for terminal operators on all shipping-operations matters. - Negotiate terms with terminals to optimise loading/discharge, storage and other terminal services. - Collaborate with terminals to resolve operational issues — equipment availability, cargo handling and documentation. Land Transport & Inland Logistics - Coordinate land transport / trucking and inland movements between terminals, storage and delivery points. - Negotiate and manage trucking and haulage providers on rates, capacity and service reliability. Team Leadership & Development - Provide leadership and direction to the operations team, fostering a positive, high-performing work environment. - Establish templates and standard process flows to streamline tasks, improve consistency and raise productivity. - Set Objective Key Results (OKRs) for the team and ensure efficient execution of operational activities. - Empower and motivate team members to solve problems and excel. - Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction and increased customer satisfaction. Ad Hoc Duties - Undertake any other duties as required by the reporting manager. Requirements - 7 years in shipping and logistics operations, including a leadership or supervisory component. - Strong negotiation, stakeholder-management and problem-solving skills. - Ability to build processes and lead a small team while staying hands-on. - Familiarity with shipping documentation, LC/trade-finance basics and compliance requirements. - Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain, Business or a related field.