Dry Freight Operations Manager

About the role

The client, an international trading house specialising in dry‑bulk commodities, is expanding its third‑party logistics and freight team. Based in Geneva, the Dry Freight Operations Manager will oversee voyages from fixture through loading, discharge and final completion, ensuring smooth execution and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Manage dry‑bulk voyages from fixture through loading, discharge and final completion.
• Issue and monitor voyage instructions, notices and operational documentation.
• Coordinate with shipowners, charterers, traders, brokers, agents, terminals, surveyors and cargo suppliers.
• Monitor vessel movements, port rotations, cargo readiness, berth availability and weather conditions.
• Review charter parties and ensure compliance with operational terms.
• Prepare and check bills of lading, letters of indemnity, statements of facts and other shipping documents.
• Calculate laytime and assess demurrage or despatch exposure.
• Track voyage performance, freight costs, port expenses and operational P&L.
• Identify operational risks and resolve delays, documentation issues and cargo discrepancies.
• Arrange bunkers, agency appointments and other voyage‑related services as required.
• Maintain accurate voyage information within the company’s trading or vessel‑management system.
• Support freight traders with voyage estimates, scheduling information and market intelligence.
• Assist with claims, invoicing and reconciliation of voyage‑related costs.
• Ensure adherence to sanctions, compliance, safety and internal control requirements.

Required profile

• 3–7 years of experience in dry‑bulk freight or vessel operations.
• Background in a commodity trader, shipowner, operator, charterer or shipbroking business.
• Working knowledge of charter parties, Incoterms, bills of lading, laytime and demurrage.
• Experience with commodities such as coal, iron ore, grains, fertilizers, concentrates or specialty ores is advantageous.
• Familiarity with Handysize, Supramax, Panamax or Capesize vessels, depending on cargo.
• Strong numerical, organisational and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple live voyages and respond to time‑sensitive issues.
• Clear communication skills and confidence dealing with international counterparties.
• Willingness to handle urgent operational matters outside normal office hours when necessary.

Required skills

• Proficiency in Excel.
• Experience with voyage‑management or commodity‑trading systems.