Senior Opex Analyst

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement; Ernakulam; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement seeks a Senior Opex Analyst to manage and optimise OPEX across vessels and projects, ensuring cost-effective delivery of ship management services while maintaining compliance and operational performance. The role connects commercial, technical and finance teams, delivering timely analysis, reporting and recommendations to support budgetary control and continuous improvement.

You will collaborate with technical superintendents, fleet operations and procurement,

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maritime Studies or related discipline, or equivalent.
• 5+ years experience in OPEX analysis/finance/controlling in ship management/maritime services.
• Experience with budgets, forecasting, variance analysis and management reporting.
• Experience collaborating with technical, procurement and commercial teams in maritime contexts.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to present complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems; ERP or fleet management familiarity is an advantage.
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently or in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills in English and strong organizational abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and report OPEX budgets and forecasts for assigned fleets or contracts, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and company targets.
• Monitor actual spend against budget, analyse variances, identify trends and drivers, and recommend corrective actions to optimise cost efficiency.
• Prepare monthly and ad-hoc financial reports, dashboards and management information for technical, commercial and executive stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Technical Superintendents, Fleet Operations and Procurement to validate invoices, review supplier performance and ensure accurate cost allocation.
• Support contract and tender cost modelling, scenario analysis and post-award cost control activities.
• Identify and lead initiatives to reduce OPEX through process improvements, vendor negotiations, lifecycle planning and preventive maintenance optimisation.
• Maintain accurate transactional records and ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in vessel visits, audits and meetings as required to validate expenditure, investigate issues and drive resolution.
• Coach and support operational colleagues on budget ownership, spend control and financial literacy.

Skills

Budgeting

Forecasting

Variance analysis

Management reporting

Analytical skills

Financial communication

Cross-functional collaboration

English communication

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelors degree in Finance/Accounting/Business/Maritime Studies

Tools

Excel

ERP systems

Fleet management systems

Job description

As a Senior Opex Analyst at BSM, you will be responsible for managing and optimising operational expenditure (OPEX) across assigned vessels and projects, ensuring cost-effective delivery of ship management services while maintaining compliance and operational performance. The role acts as a key connector between commercial, technical and finance teams, delivering timely analysis, reporting, and recommendations to support budgetary control and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and report OPEX budgets and forecasts for assigned fleets or contracts, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and company targets
• Monitor actual spend against budget, analyse variances, identify trends and drivers, and recommend corrective actions to optimise cost efficiency
• Prepare monthly and ad-hoc financial reports, dashboards and management information for technical, commercial and executive stakeholders
• Collaborate with Technical Superintendents, Fleet Operations and Procurement to validate invoices, review supplier performance and ensure accurate cost allocation
• Support contract and tender cost modelling, scenario analysis and post-award cost control activities
• Identify and lead initiatives to reduce OPEX through process improvements, vendor negotiations, lifecycle planning and preventive maintenance optimisation
• Maintain accurate transactional records and ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies and regulatory requirements
• Participate in vessel visits, audits and meetings as required to validate expenditure, investigate issues and drive resolution
• Coach and support operational colleagues on budget ownership, spend control and financial literacy

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maritime Studies or a related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification
• Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in OPEX analysis, finance, controlling, or a related area preferably within ship management, shipping or maritime services
• Practical experience working with budgets, forecasting, variance analysis and management reporting
• Experience of interacting with technical, procurement and commercial teams in a maritime or asset-intensive environment is highly desirable
• Strong analytical and numerical skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Proven ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems; familiarity with ERP or fleet management systems is an advantage
• Problem-solving mindset, proactive approach and ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication skills in English and solid organisational abilities

Why You Should Join Us!

We offer a supportive, technology-driven environment, competitive compensation and meaningful opportunities for professional development. By joining us, you will benefit from:

• On-the-job training and continuous learning opportunities
• Exposure to the evolving maritime and energy-efficient technologies
• Working within a diverse, collaborative team
• Being part of the wider Schulte group family with opportunities for career progression