Shipping Operations Analyst – Commercial Operations

Vale; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in mining and metals seeks an experienced Operations Analyst to manage CFR iron ore shipping contracts in a dynamic environment. Key responsibilities include overseeing voyage operations, ensuring compliance with international regulations, and optimizing vessel utilization. Candidates should have a maritime studies degree and at least 5 years of industry experience. Fluency in English is required, with proficiency in Portuguese and Chinese preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years relevant industry experience in Ship Operations.
• Experience with Capesize market and iron ore business is essential.
• Additional language: Portuguese and Chinese is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily voyage operations and post fixture activities of the chartered fleet.
• Operate the voyage charter fleet issuing voyage instructions and handling of BLs.
• Monitor the main operational KPI’s and keep the management updated.

Skills

Expert on voyage calculation methods

Strong communicator

Good negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills

Fluency in English

Good knowledge of MS Applications

Knowledge of shipping systems (IMOS, EssDocs, etc.)

Education

Diploma/Degree in maritime studies, logistics, economics, engineering, data science or related business areas

Tools

Power BI

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The Operations Analyst for Dry Bulk Commercial operations is in charge for activities with impact on Vale’s CFR iron ore shipping contracts for Asia-Pacific business:

The Shipping Operations Analyst oversees the end-to-end commercial operational activities of Vale’s CFR shipments. This role ensures the efficient execution of shipping contracts, optimizes vessel utilization, manages customer and suppliers’ relationships, and cost control. Acting as a key liaison between chartering teams, internal teams, clients, and external stakeholders, the Operations Analyst ensures compliance with international regulations while maintaining Vale’s service standards and operational excellence.

Office-based with occasional travel to ports or client sites. May involve irregular hours depending on vessel schedules and operational demands.

MAIN CHALLENGES

• Have a passion for safety in all aspects of port operations, vessel vetting and oceanic transportation
• Ensure a good working knowledge of market participants, regulatory requirements and key sectoral issues
• Ability to meet strict deadlines
• Fulfill the company systems and reports with accurate information for the use by all Vale’s areas such as but not limited to Vessel Operations, Scheduling team, Accounting, Backoffice, Insurance, etc.
• Take the lead on operational discussions that may arise from contract negotiations, including eventual legal disputes
• Ensure that every step of the post fixture process is performed on a timely and accurate fashion
• Be attentive to Vale’s corporate rules and values including VPS and ensure an ethical and high standard quality of work
• Operate across a multicultural, geographically dispersed team, able to adapt to different time zones and working styles
• Demonstrate strong commercial acumen and teamwork
• Complete understanding of the role of shipping transportation in the context of Vale’s businesses

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the daily voyage operations and post fixture activities of the chartered fleet on the Pacific basin and China Coast.
• Operate the voyage charter fleet issuing voyage instructions, laytime calculations, handling of BLs and LOIs, nominating agents, approving port disbursement accounts etc.
• Freight differential calculations and approving freight invoices
• Liaising with commercial teams of business units and ensuring vessel performance is in accordance with needs of the business unit.
• Liaise with legal teams to negotiate and settle charter party disputes and claims
• Identify and mitigate issues which do not comply with T&Cs of Vale’s charter party.
• Support all commercial and sales departments in Vale, mainly in Singapore, China, Japan and Middle East and India.
• Monitor the main operational KPI’s and keep the management updated.
• Provide operational and professional advices to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Attending meetings with suppliers and brokers
• Ad hoc project

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma/Degree in maritime studies, logistics, economics, engineering, data science or related business areas
• Minimum 5 years relevant industry experience in Ship Operations
• Expert on voyage calculation methods
• Strong communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of shipping systems such as IMOS, EssDocs, DA-DESK and SEA is advantageous
• Experience with Capesize market and iron ore business
• Fluency in English
• Additional language: Portuguese and Chinese is preferred.
• Good knowledge of MS Applications is essential, particularly Excel
• Knowledge of Power BI is advantageous
• Good negotiation, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
• Proactive, meticulous and willing to take on new challenges
• Able to work with colleagues from different geographies and time zones