Team Lead, Vessel Operations

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 20,000 people globally.

We are seeking a Team Lead, Vessel Operations to join the LDC Freight Platform. In this leadership role, you will manage a team of Vessel Operators and oversee the successful execution of dry bulk voyages for your segment. Leveraging your operational expertise and leadership capabilities, you will ensure the safe, efficient, and commercially optimized transportation of dry bulk commodities while fostering a high-performing team culture. You will play a key role in improving operational processes, managing risk, developing talent, and delivering strong commercial and operational outcomes.

Responsibilities:

Lead & Develop People

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Vessel Operators, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing culture.
• Provide clear direction, mentorship, and guidance to support both individual and team success.
• Build team capabilities through training, knowledge sharing,
• Ensure effective workload distribution.

Deliver Operational Excellence

• Oversee the end-to-end execution of dry bulk voyages, ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and cost optimized operations.
• Support the team in managing day-to-day operational challenges while maintaining a strong focus on service delivery.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex operational matters and critical decisions.
• Maintain effective coordination with Freight Trading, Shipowners, Masters, Agents, and other stakeholders.

Optimize Performance

• Monitor operational and commercial outcomes, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, and company policies.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks while supporting claims prevention and resolution.

Drive Continuous Improvement

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.
• Identify and implement process enhancements that improve efficiency, control, and overall performance.
• Support the adoption of new systems, digital tools, and best practices across the Operations function.
• Contribute to the development of standardized procedures, performance metrics, and operational governance.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years' experience in dry bulk time charter operations.
• Previous experience leading, mentoring or supervising is preferred.
• Strong understanding of voyage execution, charter parties concepts and vessels technical aspects.

Languages

• Fluent written and spoken English is essential.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop and inspire others.
• High level of accountability, ownership and teamwork.
• Sound commercial awareness and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and organizational skills.
• Adaptable, innovative and open to change.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive, resilient and solution-oriented mindset.

Education

• University degree in Shipping, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline.

Additional Information for the job

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

We offer

• A workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusivity
• Regular events that foster team engagement
• Access to Training and Development
• Hybrid work arrangement offered (availability varies by role).
• Comprehensive insurance coverage and flexible benefits