Shipping Charter Specialist - JHB at Ivanhoe Mines

Duties and Responsibilities:

Sea freight Coordination

• Sea freight Coordination
• Co-Ordinate forthcoming sailings and booking of vessels, Vessel Laycan Dates, and berthing opportunities.
• Determining the Short-medium term cargo and vessel allocation
• Drafting of Ocean Bill of lading in relation to the Buyers requirements (if required).
• Maintain and update the Ivanhoe Marketing Sailing Schedules of all Buyers.
• Liaise with Stock Team on Inventory levels for vessel planning.
• Ensure the final Port of Discharge complies with the DRC Export Licence.
• Acquitting of Sea freight Shipments (B/L to Mine) and retiring of Bags on the inhouse Software system.
• Ensure the available stock meets the requirements of vessel booking dates and tonnages.

 Coordination of Port Operations

• Oversee Port Activities, minimizing any potential service failures and costs thereof.
• Collaborate with Service Providers and Buyers to address any operational challenges.
• Monitor vessel schedules and communicate any changes to relevant stakeholders.
• Manage the stock movements to Port and stock transfers to staging and loading areas for vessel loading.
• Ensure the proper stowage and handling of goods to prevent damage or loss.
• Maintain comprehensive records of inventory and transfers of cargo.
• Monitor and record the times (Rain, possible demurrage, etc.) for on time reporting.
• Ensure Mates Receipt is issued timeously.

Sampling Analysis of Cargo

• Oversee the complete sampling process.
• Act as a liaison between sampling teams, and other relevant stakeholders and assist to resolve any issues related to the sampling and analysis process.
• Cross-check AHK Analysis with Mine to ensure consistency.

 Vessel Nominations and rate Negotiations

• Liaise with Charterers, shipping lines and carriers to secure competitive rates and secure capacity.
• Develop and implement negotiation strategies to optimize terms, pricing, and contractual terms.
• Keep abreast of industry trends, market conditions, and competitor activities to inform negotiation strategies.
• Negotiate and execute the chartering of bulk freight to various countries in accordance with
• Responsible for reviewing all Charter Party contracts.
• Review, negotiate and conclude demurrage and dispatch.

 Communication

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Charterers, shipping lines and carriers to enhance collaboration and facilitate successful negotiations.
• Foster good working relationships with warehouses, Buyers, and internal Stock teams.
• Assist and support colleagues, fostering a collaborative and cooperative team culture.

Experience required: 

• Minimum Qualification – Matric essential
• Degree/Diploma in a shipping discipline preferable
• An understanding of the economic, commercial, technical and political issues affecting the shipping market.
• Experience/knowledge of the freight market, technical requirements and operational knowledge.
• Sounds knowledge of contract management
• Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• 4-7 years of experience in Dry Bulk and Break-Bulk Sea freight Exports.
• Ability to analyze data related to stock levels.
• Strong understanding of international shipping regulations, Inco terms and compliance.
• Excellent knowledge of Chartering Terminology and requirements.
• Good network of Ships brokers and Charting Agents.
• Excellent negotiating
• Proven experience in negotiations, preferably in a business or procurement setting.