Sr. Shipping Operator

Gunvor Group; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Gunvor Group is seeking a Sr. Shipping Operator in Houston to support the daily shipping operations for our time-chartered fleet.

You will work closely with the Global Head of Operations of Clearlake Shipping, the Chartering department and Cargo Operations to ensure efficient pre-fixture and post-fixture activities for a range of vessel types including MR, LR1, LR2, Aframax, VLCC and Bitumen. The role requires extensive experience in voyage optimization, performance analysis, compliance with

Qualifications

• Diploma or higher in maritime studies or related field.
• Certifications in shipping operations are desirable.
• Familiarity with BIMCO, IC practices and IMDG code preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage pre-fixture and post-fixture for MR, LR1, LR2, Aframax, VLCC and Bitumen voyages.
• Monitor voyage performance, weather routing, speed, and fuel use; prepare owner claims.
• Appoint port agents, optimize cargo stowage, and ensure timely funding and regulatory compliance.
• Train and mentor team on operational risks and mitigation; support internal/external inquiries.

Skills

Maritime operations

Voyage planning

Leadership

Stakeholder comms

English proficiency

Education

Diploma in Maritime Studies

Shipping operations certs

BIMCO/IMDG familiarity

Tools

IMOS

Veslink

Q88

Excel

Job description

Job Title:

Sr. Shipping Operator

Contract Type:

Full time

Job Description:

The position reports directly to Global Head of Operations of Clearlake Shipping, he/she will work closely with the Chartering department and Cargo Operations to provide day-to-day operational support for the shipping operation of Dirty Petroleum Products and Clean Petroleum Products for our time-chartered fleet.

Main Responsibilities

1. Manage pre-fixture and post-fixture of commercial operations on MR, LR1, LR2, Aframax, VLCC and Bitumen:
   o Handle all pre-fixture related matters to clear nominated vessels for respective voyage.

2. Voyage optimization & Performance Analysis:
   o Monitor vessel’s daily movement and monitor weather routing.
   o Monitor vessel’s speed and consumption and prepare claims against owner, if applicable.
   o Optimize tank-cleaning time to prepare tanks to load next potential cargo.
   o Maximum Utilization of cargo stowage plan with master and charterers.
   o Appointing port Agent, minimize port cost and ensure timely funding.
   o Receive LOI from charterer and prepare it in timely manner to head owners.
   o Non-commercial operations: Bunker planning and deslopping performed with best efficiency in time and cost.
   o Ensure the vessel’s quick turnaround in port by liaising closely with Agent.
   o Ensure all shipping activities comply with international and local regulations, including safety, security, and environmental regulations.
   o Develop and implement shipping strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
   o Timely appointment of armed guards for transiting HRA.
   o Maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, shipping partners, and regulatory agencies.
   o Liaise and verify with owners regarding oil major approval and ensure vessel have valid sire for trading.
   o Profit and loss management by daily updating of system to provide accurate P&L updates.
   o Provide leadership and guidance to the shipping team, ensuring all staff are working effectively and efficiently.
   o Ensure that master is in strict compliance with our standing standard operating procedures.
   o Able to handle dispute /shortages etc. independently.

3. Post-fixtures:
   o Ensure that all Operational Information is entered into Operational Systems (IMOS) in timely fashion and that adequate records are kept in G Docs to meet the company’s legal and fiscal obligations
   o Prepare and ensure that freight received in timely manner.
   o Ensure that necessary documents for interim port calculations and other claims (speed up / slow steam / waiting time / heating costs / purging costs / charterer’s expenses etc.) are given to claims department to process and chase charterer.

4. Demonstrate and help train team to assess operational and business risks, minimizing impacts which may impede success or growth of the Company/ Group and escalating those which require additional mitigation.

5. Acts as a reliable point of contact for routine internal and external inquiries on the desk. Maintain close communications with customers and upon necessity inform customers of problems and issues arising from fulfilment of contracts concluded with them. Maintain close communications with Traders and relevant teams to ensure smooth cooperation; proactively offering creative solutions to Trading team issues.

Education

• Diploma in Maritime Studies, Shipping, Logistics, or a related discipline
• Additional training or certifications in shipping operations, maritime law, or charter party understanding are advantageous
• Familiarity with industry standards such as BIMCO, IC practices, and IMDG Code preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of operational experience within the shipping industry, ideally in a trading house or with a shipowner/operator
• Hands-on experience with both Time and Voyage Charter operations, including vessel coordination, documentation, bunker planning, laytime/demurrage, and voyage claims
• Strong exposure to incident management, including mechanical breakdowns, cargo disputes, and deviation scenarios
• Direct involvement in cost control initiatives, operational audits, and performance enhancement programs
• Proven ability to manage complex voyages across multiple regions and cargo types
• Strategic Operational Planning
  Proven ability to develop and execute shipping strategies that optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure voyage success.
• Regulatory Compliance Expertise
  Strong understanding of international (IMO, MARPOL, SOLAS) and local shipping regulations, with a demonstrated ability to ensure full compliance across operations.
• Dispute Resolution & Incident Management
  Skilled in managing operational disputes, off-hire issues, demurrage claims, and incident responses with composure and sound judgment.
• Commercial & Analytical Acumen
  High level of commercial awareness and the ability to analyze voyage data to identify performance gaps and implement effective corrective measures.
• Leadership & Mentoring
  Experienced in guiding junior operators, setting operational standards, and fostering a high-performance team culture.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong negotiation capabilities when dealing with charterers, owners, agents, and masters.
• Results-Oriented & Resilient
  Comfortable working under pressure in fast-paced trading or shipowning environments, with a proven track record of delivering outcomes.

Skills

• Proficient in shipping software such as IMOS, Veslink, Q88, or equivalent TMS/voyage management platforms
• Strong command of Microsoft Excel, data reporting tools, and electronic document systems
• Able to interpret Charter Parties, CP terms, and freight agreements confidently
• Knowledge of carbon compliance systems (EU ETS, CII) is a plus
• English: Full professional proficiency (spoken and written)
• Additional languages (e.g. Spanish, Greek etc) are a plus for communication with vessel crew, agents, and regional partners

Our people make all the difference in our success.