Title: Commercial Executive – Chartering & Market Analysis
Reports to: Commercial Director
DISCLAIMER: This is an overseas opportunity and will require relocation. If you are only considering local opportunities then please don't apply.
Function
The job holder supports the Commercial Director in fleet employment, market analysis, commercial reporting, and day‑to‑day chartering support activities. The role is designed to strengthen market intelligence, reporting discipline, and commercial processes, while also providing analytical support on chartering and sale & purchase (S&P) matters. Over time, the job holder may assume selected chartering responsibilities under the guidance of the Commercial Director.
Background
The employer is a privately held and professionally managed vessel owner with a diversified fleet trading across Asia and globally. Ship management is outsourced to trusted partners.
The commercial focus is on Asia‑Pacific and global trade flows, with a view to expand into diversified shipping sectors and selected trading areas in alignment with long‑term chartering strategy. The commercial platform is lean, owner‑driven, and emphasizes disciplined market analysis, period employment, and selective chartering activity.
Job Purpose
The Commercial Executive is accountable to the Commercial Director. The principal purpose of the role is to support commercial decision‑making through accurate market reporting, maintenance of commercial data and tools, preparation of internal analyses, and assistance with chartering strategy and execution. The role will also help standardize reporting, templates, and workflows across chartering and S&P support activities. The successful candidate will be expected to learn the company's chartering approach and gradually assume selected chartering responsibilities over time.
Key Responsibilities
1. Market Analysis & Reporting
- Prepare periodic commercial reports, market updates, analyses, and presentation materials for management review.
- Collect, organize, and maintain market data from brokers, research providers, subscriptions, and internal sources.
- Maintain and improve market trackers, asset value comparables, and internal commercial reference materials.
- Support development of supply/demand models, earnings comparisons, and other analytical tools used in chartering and S&P discussions.
- Build strong working relationships with broker research teams and market sources to ensure high‑quality market intelligence.
- Provide information and analysis to Finance and other internal stakeholders as required.
2. Chartering Support
- Maintain an up‑to‑date understanding of sector‑based and general shipping market developments.
- Support chartering activities by canvassing brokers, screening opportunities, and preparing comparisons of available options.
- Assist in preparing recaps, charter party documentation, fixture summaries, and internal approval materials.
- Maintain orderly records of fixture discussions, concluded business, and outstanding commercial matters.
- Over time, take on selected chartering tasks and smaller negotiations under supervision.
3. Sale & Purchase (S&P) Support
- Support evaluation of sale and purchase opportunities through data gathering, market research, vessel value comparisons, and earnings analysis.
- Assist in preparing internal notes and presentation materials relating to fleet employment, asset strategy, and investment decisions.
- Maintain reference information on vessel values, newbuilding pricing, period rates, and other market indicators used in strategic review.
4. Commercial Coordination / Post‑Fixture Support
- Work closely with Operations on post‑fixture matters, including hire, receivables, contractual follow‑up, and internal coordination.
- Assist in gathering information and maintaining records relevant to claims, disputes, and charter party performance issues.
- Liaise with Finance, Operations, and external counterparties to support smooth handling of commercial matters.
- Contribute to the development of templates, SOPs, and internal controls within the commercial function.
5. Other Duties
- Perform ad‑hoc tasks as assigned in support of the commercial function.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent preferred.
- 5 years experience in shipping, commodities, operations, market analysis, research, or commercial support preferred.
- Prior chartering exposure helpful but not essential.
- Strong analytical ability and demonstrated interest in shipping considered even without direct fixing experience.
- Exposure to charter parties, freight markets, vessel operations, or commercial reporting advantageous.
- Professional shipping qualifications beneficial but not required.
- Strong command of English required; additional Asian languages an advantage.
Core Competencies
- Commercial Awareness & Learning Agility: Demonstrates curiosity and interest in shipping markets; contributes constructively to discussions with clear analysis.
- Analytical Skills: Strong numerical and analytical ability; able to prepare market summaries, compare alternatives, and support chartering/S&P evaluations.
- Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Communicates clearly and professionally; builds positive relationships with brokers, market sources, and internal stakeholders.
- Professional Standards: Demonstrates integrity, accuracy, discretion, and adherence to commercial guidelines.
- Systems & Reporting Capability: Strong Excel skills required; familiarity with Power BI or similar tools advantageous.
