Operations Manager (Steel or Scrap experience; or Dry Bulk experience)

Division Overview

Whether it’s moving a mini bulker cargo of cement across the Continent, or a 180,000-tonne shipment of iron ore, our brokers work alongside our analysts and Research team to deliver a seamless service. We are the world’s biggest dry cargo shipbroker with 14 offices in six continents. Our long-standing relationships within the sector are founded on local knowledge and mutual respect.

Project Overview

Clarksons has been appointed as shipping advisor and exclusive broker to Europe’s first green-field steel plant currently under construction and scheduled to commence operations in Q1 2027. As part of this partnership, we are establishing a dedicated Operations desk to deliver best-in-class operations and post-fixture services for approximately 2.5 million metric tonnes per annum, equating to around 250 shipments. The majority of volumes will consist of steel and scrap transported via minibulk vessels, with some Panamax and lightering operations also expected.

Role Summary

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated Senior Operator / Manager to build a dynamic team at our London Head Office dedicated to our exclusive client. This is a key role, in which you will help establish and build a top-class Operations / Post-Fixture desk of people, specialising in scrap and steel shipping within the Continent/Baltic region.

You will work closely with our client, as well as internal brokers, counterparties, and vessel owners, acting as the operational backbone of cargo movements. You’ll oversee the end-to-end execution of trades, ensuring that voyages and shipments are carried out efficiently, compliantly, and profitably.

From fixture confirmation through to post-voyage resolution, you will be the key link between internal trading and operations teams, the client and external stakeholders including terminals, ship agents, brokers, and vessel owners. Your responsibilities will include issuing cargo instructions, verifying contracts, coordinating shipments, and managing stakeholder communications. You will also handle freight and hire payments, laytime calculations, time bar tracking, and claims resolution.

With a strong focus on accuracy and operational execution, you will play a critical role in driving efficiency, compliance, and seamless delivery across the board.

What you’ll be doing

Prior to shipping beginning in Q1 2027:

• Help to build the Operations desk at Clarksons, including drafting end-to-end Operations procedures.
• Potentially help the client build and train their Ops desk where required, including travel to Europe as required, as well as load / discharge ports / terminals.

Once shipping commences:

• Manage daily vessel operations and ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Track vessel itineraries and follow up on load/discharge/proceeding orders.
• Monitor and log port documentation and voyage data.
• Liaise with clients on ship and cargo operations.
• Coordinate with brokers, owners, charterers, and internal teams.
• Communicate declarations and ensure timely issuance of LOIs.
• Review recaps, charter parties, and client contracts.
• Ensure declarations are diarised and time-bar clauses are flagged.
• Assist with laytime calculations and voyage sheet closure.
• Check invoices and chase payments.
• Identify and resolve operational issues to the client’s advantage.
• Provide support to the chartering team and proactively prevent problems.
• Additional / ad hoc duties as required to meet the needs of the business.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from candidates who share our Company Values and key attributes, as follows:

• Integrity and respect – acting thoughtfully and ethically to do the right thing in accordance with Conduct Rules, and to promote and foster a respectful work environment for all.
• Drive – self-motivation and the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change.
• Relationship building – excellent communicator to effectively build strong, long-lasting relationships with the client, colleagues and others.
• Collaboration – working well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills and deliver results.
• Resilience - persisting and adapting to changing or difficult situations and adopting a positive and focused approach.
• Smart - problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas.

Other requirements

• Previous extensive dry cargo operator experience, ideally in the steel and scrap trades
• Ability to build and manage a team and work alongside others, sometimes in a high-pressure environment
• Ideally experience in Ice Class shipping
• In depth knowledge of shipping practices
• Ability to understand recaps and charter parties, clauses for voyage and time-charter vessels
• Strong communicator, both verbal and written, and able to build strong relationships
• Strong analytical skills, with a good record of shipment breakdown
• Highly organised with excellent time management skills
• Strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail
• Flexible and reliable, with ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to embrace new ways of working and digitalisation
• Good knowledge in MS office (word, excel, powerpoint)