Shipping Operator

UNIPEC America, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UNIPEC America, Inc. in Houston seeks a Shipping Operator to coordinate ship operations, loading processes, and voyage orders while ensuring safety, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness in support of energy trading activities.

The role requires 3+ years in tanker operations, strong charter party understanding, and the ability to work after hours for urgent situations. Compliance with regulations and accurate data handling are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, such as Maritime Transportation, Maritime Business Administration, International Logistics, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years of tanker commercial operation or chartering experience
• Strong understanding of Charter party terms (Time/Voyage Charter)
• Knowledge of shipping regulatory framework
• Strong negotiation and scheduling skills
• Analytical capabilities and proactive approach in a dynamic trading environment
• Availability to work after office hours in urgent situations

Responsibilities

• Direct vessel commercial operations and port scheduling per charter-party terms
• Arrange voyages and coordinate changes for cost savings with stakeholders
• Monitor vessels performance and communicate with Chartering, Trading and Crude Operations teams
• Prepare and send instructions and documents including loadable requirements and voyage orders
• Input shipping data in IT systems and manage shipping documents
• Coordinate with charterers, traders, cargo operators, brokers, agents, and vessels
• Monitor port restrictions and ensure smooth operation
• Track and arrange all freight invoices and shipping costs
• Coordinate with Finance for data for invoicing and rebilling
• Prepare shipping data and required statistics
• Maintain data accuracy across systems and comply with internal controls
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Negotiation skills

Scheduling skills

Analytical capability

Proactive in trading environment

After-hours availability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Maritime or related field

Job description

The Shipping Operator is responsible for coordinating and monitoring ship operations to ensure they are conducted safely, reliably, and cost-effectively in support of the energy trading business and in accordance with charter-party terms and conditions. Key responsibilities include overseeing vessel operations, coordinating loading processes, preparing voyage orders, arranging bunkering and agency appointments, and monitoring voyages. The Shipping Operator achieves these objectives while adhering to compliance and safety standards set by UNIPEC America.

Responsibilities:

• Direct vessel commercial operations, port scheduling according to charter-party terms and conditions and trading requirements
• Arrange voyages and coordinate any changes or adjustments with respect to cost savings with all stakeholders
• Monitor vessels commercial and contractual performance and communicate to Chartering, Trading and Crude Operations team as appropriate
• Prepare and send instructions and documents including loadable requirements, voyage orders, LOI’s to ship owners, and agent nominations
• Ensure timely input of shipping information in IT SYSTEMS, collect and save shipping and cargo documents
• Coordinate and communicate with charterers, traders, cargo operators, brokers, agents, and vessels to facilitate resolving any issue related to ships
• Maintain awareness of port restrictions and regulations and ensure smooth operation
• Track, analyze, and arrange all freight invoices and other shipping costs
• Coordinate with Finance to provide accurate and timely data for efficient invoicing and rebilling to third parties
• Prepare shipping data and required statistics
• Proactive communication, efficient coordination, and strong organizational skills to maintain smooth operational performance and service quality.
• Ensure that all data and operational inputs are accurate, timely, and standardized across systems.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Maritime, such as Maritime Transportation, Maritime Business Administration, International Logistics, or related field preferred
• Minimum 3 years of experience with tanker commercial operation or chartering
• Strong understanding of Charter party terms and conditions (Time Charter, Voyage Charter)
• Knowledge of shipping regulatory framework
• Strong negotiation and scheduling skills
• Strong analytical capability
• Proactive in a dynamic trading environment
• Ability to work after office hours will be required in urgent situations

*This position requires permanent, unconditional authorization to work in the United States as a condition of employment. Eligible candidates are limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) whose work authorization does not expire, is not subject to renewal, and is not contingent upon any pending application, petition, or adjudication by any government agency. The following do not satisfy this requirement:

• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) of any kind, including those issued in connection with a pending application for adjustment of status (I-485), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, or any other pending immigration proceeding;
• Any nonimmigrant visa status, including but not limited to H-1B, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, STEM OPT, or CPT; or
• Any other work authorization that is temporary, conditional, or subject to change based on a government decision.

The Company does not offer employment-based visa sponsorship of any kind, now or in the future.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruitment agencies; therefore, we will not pay any fees for resumes submitted.