Shipping & Trading Claims Lead

Job Purpose The Claims Lead is responsible for the end-to-end management of all voyage and trade operations related claims — from identification and invoicing through negotiation to final settlement and recovery — ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and consistent tracking across both shipping and trading operations

Key Responsibilities

Claims Identification & InvoicingIdentify, quantify, and raise claims (e.g. Freight, demurrage, Hire, off-hire, contractual claims) arising from voyage and trade operations.Prepare and issue accurate, well-supported claim invoices and supporting documentation (SOFs, B/Ls, survey reports, correspondence, etc.) in a timely manner.Ensure claims are raised within applicable contractual and time-bar deadlines.Negotiation & SettlementLead negotiations with counterparties (owners, charterers, receivers, suppliers, agents, P&I clubs, etc.) to reach fair and timely settlements.Liaise with brokers, lawyers, surveyors, and P&I correspondents where required to support claim positions.Escalate complex or high-value disputes to the Operations Manager and/or management with clear recommendations.Recovery & Financial Follow-upActively chase and follow up on outstanding claims to maximize recovery and minimize aged/outstanding balances.Coordinate with Finance/Accounts on collection, offsetting, and reconciliation of settled claims.Maintain visibility over cash-flow impact of open claims and recoveries.Tracking, Reporting & Process ImprovementMaintain a centralized, up-to-date claims tracker/register covering both shipping and trading claims (status, ageing, amounts, next actions).Produce regular (e.g. weekly/monthly) claims status reports and recovery summaries for the Operations Manager and management.Identify recurring claim causes and recommend operational or contractual improvements to reduce future claims exposure.Standardize and streamline claims and invoicing workflows and templates.Coordination & ComplianceWork closely with Operations, Chartering, and Trading teams to gather facts, documents, and evidence needed to support claims.Ensure claims handling is consistent with charter party terms, sale/purchase contracts, and company policy.Maintain organized claim files/records for audit and reference purposes)Qualifications & Background :Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Studies, Business, Law, Shipping/Logistics, or a related field.Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in shipping/chartering claims, demurrage, or trade operations claims handling (owner, charterer, trading house, or P&I/broking background considered).Solid understanding of charter party terms (voyage/time charter), laytime and demurrage calculations, and trade contract terms.Experience liaising with P&I clubs, surveyors, brokers, and legal counsel is an advantage.