Commercial Manager, Africa

Aesen Group; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 661,000 - 1,102,000; Full time

Job summary

Aesen Group in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Commercial Chartering Leader to develop and execute chartering strategies across Africa markets, align with financial objectives, and lead negotiations for voyage time-charter. This role requires a deep understanding of dry bulk shipping and a strong, proven network of industry contacts.

You will monitor market trends, optimize vessel utilization, and manage risk in collaboration with Finance, Operations, Legal and Technical teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business, Finance, Economics or a related discipline.
• Typically 10-15+ years of relevant experience in shipping, chartering or commercial operations, with significant experience in chartering.
• Proven track record in negotiating and executing chartering contracts and generating profitable fixtures.
• Strong established network within the shipping/chartering industry.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute chartering strategies aligned with business and financial objectives.
• Identify and evaluate market opportunities, cargo requirements, vessel positions and potential fixtures.
• Lead negotiations for voyage time-charter and other relevant chartering contracts.
• Maximize vessel utilization, freight earnings and overall commercial returns.
• Review and approve commercial terms ensuring alignment with company risk appetite.
• Monitor fixture performance, freight rates, market trends and competitor activity.
• Develop and maintain a strong network of charterers, shipowners, brokers and industry stakeholders.

Skills

Chartering negotiations

Dry bulk shipping

Commercial acumen

Market analysis

Contractual knowledge

Relationship management

Leadership

Decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies/Shipping/Business/Finance/Economics

Job description

Commercial Chartering Africa

Develop and execute chartering strategies aligned with business and financial objectives. Identify and evaluate market opportunities, cargo requirements, vessel positions and potential fixtures. Lead negotiations for voyage time-charter and other relevant chartering contracts. Maximize vessel utilization, freight earnings and overall commercial returns. Review and approve commercial terms ensuring alignment with company risk appetite and delegation of authority. Monitor fixture performance, freight rates, market trends and competitor activity. Develop and maintain a strong network of charterers, shipowners, brokers and industry stakeholders.

Market Intelligence Africa

Monitor global and regional shipping markets, freight rates, supply demand trends and relevant geopolitical and economic developments. Provide regular market intelligence and recommendations to senior management. Identify emerging commercial opportunities and potential market risks.

Business Development Africa

Develop new customer relationships and expand the company’s commercial portfolio. Maintain strong relationships with existing key customers and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Support development of new trade routes, cargo segments and commercial opportunities. Prepare commercial proposals, tenders and business cases where required.

Financial & Risk Management

Ensure chartering decisions support revenue, profitability and margin targets. Analyze voyage economics, freight profitability, demurrage, despatch and associated commercial costs. Identify and mitigate contractual, credit and market risks. Work closely with Finance, Operations, Legal and Technical teams to ensure successful execution of fixtures.

Leadership

Lead, coach and develop the commercial chartering team. Establish clear objectives, KPIs and performance expectations. Review team performance and provide guidance on complex commercial negotiations. Promote compliance with company policies, procedures and governance requirements.

Key Competencies

• Strong chartering and commercial negotiation skills in Africa market
• Excellent knowledge of dry bulk shipping markets
• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Market analysis and business development capability
• Contractual and risk‑management knowledge
• Strong stakeholder and relationship‑management skills
• Leadership and people‑management capability
• Strong communication, negotiation and decision‑making skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and make commercially sound decisions
• Proven experience in the marine/offshore shipping industry, with hands‑on commercial and chartering exposure in Africa across different vessel types, including crew boats, DP vessels, barges and other offshore support vessels
• Strong track record in developing and expanding the African market, including customer acquisition, business development, chartering and commercial negotiations
• Established network of charterers, shipowners, brokers, offshore operators and other key industry stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Business, Finance, Economics or a related discipline
• Typically 10-15+ years of relevant experience in shipping, chartering or commercial operations, with significant experience in chartering
• Proven track record in negotiating and executing chartering contracts and generating profitable fixtures
• Strong established network within the shipping/chartering industry
• Experience managing a commercial team is preferred
• Strong knowledge of relevant charter‑party terms, shipping regulations and commercial practices