DEPARTMENT : COMMERCIAL
JOB TITLE :MANAGER CARGO & SCHEDULING – RE-ADVERTISED (1VACANCY)
REPORTS TO : HEAD OF CRUDE OIL MARKETING AND TRADING
JOB PURPOSE : OVERSEEING ALL ASPECTS OF CRUDE OIL SHIPPING AND CARGO ACTIVITIES FOR UNOC, INCLUDING MANAGING ENDTO-END SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS, VESSEL CHARTERING, OPERATIONS, CLAIMS HANDLING, WHILE ENSURING COMPLIANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL MARITIME REGULATIONS.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
a) Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- Oversee the end-to-end physical movement of crude oil, including tanker
scheduling, nominations, and lifting coordination to ensure timely and efficient
deliveries. - Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to align logistics
planning with commercial and operational priorities. - Monitor inventory levels and transportation timelines to optimize throughput,
avoid production deferrals where possible and meet market demand.
b)Shipping & Chartering
- Receive and validate lifting requirements from the Marketing & Trading team,
ensuring alignment with contractual entitlements and operational readiness. - Prepare and issue Vessel Enquiry Sheets (VES) to a vetted pool of shipbrokers,
clearly outlining voyage parameters, cargo specifications, and laycan windows. - Conduct thorough market assessments to identify suitable vessels based on freight
economics, vessel availability, safety records, and compatibility with
loading/discharge terminals. - Lead freight negotiations with shipowners or brokers, ensuring competitive rates,
favourable charter party terms, and alignment with company risk appetite. - Secure internal approvals for vessel selection and chartering decisions in
accordance with governance protocols and delegation of authority. - Execute charter party agreements (voyage or time charter), ensuring all
commercial, legal, and operational terms are clearly defined and enforceable. - Ensure vessel compliance with international maritime regulations, terminal vetting
requirements, and company HSSEQ standards prior to nomination. - Manage any contractual obligations, operational or administrative aspects of any
third party marketing agreements - Coordinate closely with operations and legal teams to ensure smooth transition
from chartering to execution, including documentation, insurance, and risk
mitigation.
c) Operations Oversight
- Maintain full knowledge of charter party forms, including rider clauses,
laycan/laydays, ship’s itinerary, last cargoes, load and discharge range, freight and
demurrage rate, declarations, and terms, to ensure accurate and efficient voyage
execution. - Manage communication between charterers and shipowners throughout the
voyage to ensure alignment on operational expectations. - Plan and coordinate bunkering, appoint port agents, and arrange for disbursement
account prefunding to support timely port calls. - Ensure vessels arrive on time and are fully prepared for loading and discharge
operations at designated terminals. - Oversee the loading process to ensure cargo is stowed as agreed, with correct
quantity and segregation, and that all documentation is accurate and complete. - Ensure the issuance of the Bill of Lading or a valid Letter of Indemnity in accordance
with contractual and legal requirements. - Provide estimated time of arrival (ETA) updates and movement reports to
charterers, internal stakeholders, and relevant authorities. - Monitor freight invoicing and ensure timely follow-up on payments and financial
reconciliations. - Track the performance of time-chartered vessels and manage post-voyage claims,
including off-hire, speed and consumption, and deviation claims. - d) Claims Management
Review and confirm voyage-related costs and disbursements, ensuring accuracy
and contractual compliance. - Investigate and resolve claims from vessel owners related to demurrage, freight
discrepancies, and cargo quality or quantity issues. - Maintain detailed records of claims, settlements, and supporting documentation for
audit and analysis. - Ensure timely closure of voyage accounts and implementation of corrective actions
to prevent recurrence.
e) Compliance & Standards
- Ensure all shipping and cargo operations comply with international maritime laws,
local regulations, and HSSEQ standards. - Conduct regular audits, inspections, and risk assessments to uphold operational
integrity and safety. - Stay informed of regulatory changes and proactively implement necessary
adjustments to maintain compliance.
f) Contract Management
- Lead the negotiation and administration of shipping-related contracts, including
charter parties and service agreements. - Ensure all contractual obligations are clearly defined, enforceable, and aligned with
company policies. - Collaborate with legal and commercial teams to address disputes and ensure timely
resolution.
g) Operational Efficiency
- Identify and implement opportunities to reduce logistics costs and improve
shipping performance. - Benchmark operations against industry best practices and introduce innovations to
enhance efficiency. - Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous
improvement.
h)Resiliency Planning
- Develop and maintain contingency plans to address potential disruptions in
shipping and cargo operations. - Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure business continuity during
emergencies or unforeseen events. - Regularly review and update resiliency strategies to reflect evolving risks and
operational realities.
i) Personnel Development
- Lead recruitment, training, and development of personnel in chartering, operations,
and claims functions. - Foster a high-performance culture and ensure knowledge transfer across teams.
- Drive performance management, training, and succession planning, especially with
regard to succession of Ugandans into senior roles - Develop local talent and support national capacity-building priorities
- Promote a strong culture of compliance, ethics, and transparency
- Qualifications And Experience
Bachelor’s degree (Hons) in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management,
or a related field - A Masters degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a
related field is an added advantage - Specialized training in Cargo operations is an added advantage
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience in shipping and cargo
operations, at least 4 years of which should be at a supervisory level. - Experience in leading cross-functional teams is an added advantage
Skills And Competencies
- In-depth knowledge of international shipping regulations, chartering practices, and
logistics management. - Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams across chartering,
operations, and claims. - Strong commercial acumen with a deep understanding of global crude oil markets and
freight economics. - Proven ability to negotiate complex contracts and influence key stakeholders in highstakes environments.
- Expertise in crisis management and operational risk mitigation in international
shipping contexts. - Proficiency in logistics and shipping systems with a data-driven approach to
performance optimization - Should possess a record of impeccable integrity
APPLICATION PROCEDURE & DEADLINE