Manager Cargo & Scheduling – Re-Advertised (1 Vacancy)

Department: Commercial
Job Title: Manager Cargo & Scheduling – Re-Advertised (1 Vacancy)
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 end-to-end supply chain logistics, vessel chartering, operations, claims handling, while ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

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 Master’s 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 high-stakes 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

• Interested applicants should submit their applications through the UNOC online recruitment system accessible through this link: https://www.unoc.co.ug/careeropportunities/
• Applications should be submitted not later than Friday 11th September 2026 by 11:59pm EAT.
• Applicants are required to scan and attach copies of the required academic documents only e.g. Relevant Degree Transcript, Postgraduate Diploma or Masters.
• Please note that only applications submitted through the UNOC recruitment system shall be considered.
• NOTE: UNOC is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any monies at any stage of the recruitment process.
• Forward any enquiries regarding this advert to recruitment.unoc@unoc.co.ug