Commercial Manager – Africa

About the role

We are seeking a Commercial Manager to lead our chartering and business development activities across the African market. Based in Dubai, you will work closely with shipowners, charterers and offshore operators to grow our presence in the region.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and execute chartering strategies that meet business and financial targets.
• Identify market opportunities, evaluate cargo requirements and position vessels for optimal fixtures.
• Lead negotiations for voyage, time‑charter and other commercial contracts.
• Maximise vessel utilisation, freight earnings and overall commercial returns.
• Review and approve commercial terms in line with company risk appetite.
• Monitor fixture performance, freight rates, market trends and competitor activity.
• Provide regular market intelligence and recommendations to senior management.
• Develop new customer relationships and expand the commercial portfolio.
• Prepare commercial proposals, tenders and business cases as required.
• Analyse voyage economics, freight profitability and associated commercial costs.
• Identify and mitigate contractual, credit and market risks.

Required profile

• At least 10 years of hands‑on commercial and chartering experience in the marine/offshore shipping industry.
• Proven track record of developing and expanding business in Africa, covering crew boats, DP vessels, barges and other offshore support vessels.
• Established network of charterers, shipowners, brokers, offshore operators and other key stakeholders.
• Strong commercial negotiation skills and ability to manage complex contracts.

Required skills

• Financial Risk Management
• Commercial Negotiations
• Leadership and People‑Management
• Contractual and Risk‑Management Knowledge
• Market Analysis
• Charter‑Party Terms
• Chartering
• Business Development
• Shipping Regulations