Supervisor – Panamax Operations

Why explore

• A challenging position working in our World Class Shipping Division

• An opportunity to develop your career within a global organization

• Based in Singapore, a global commercial hub for Rio Tinto

About the role

We are looking for a Supervisor – Panamax Operations, you will lead and manage the efficient execution of voyages for Panamax-class dry bulk vessels. This position requires a blend of commercial acumen, operational expertise, and leadership capability to ensure voyages are executed safely, profitably, and sustainably. You will also play a critical role in advancing digital initiatives, supporting compliance, and optimizing global supply chain interfaces.

Reporting to the Manager Operations, Pacific, you will

• Ensures the team executes Panamax vessel voyages safely and efficiently, in accordance with Charter Party agreements, regulations and standards, company policies, and safety requirements at all times.

• Lead and manage end-to-end Panamax vessel operations, including voyage planning, execution, bunker management, port turnaround, and post-voyage reconciliation.

• Drive commercial performance by optimizing voyage economics in close collaboration with the Chartering and Business Unit teams.

• Lead a team of operators and provide ongoing coaching, performance monitoring, and career development aligned with the company’s strategic direction.

• Develop and implement Key Performance Indicators to track the operational performance of the vessels. Ensure the portfolio is optimized for every voyage and conduct post-voyage and month-end analysis

• Ensure accurate interpretation and implementation of charter party clauses and handle all operational matters arising from contracts, claims, and disputes.

• Support the company’s decarbonization and sustainability goals by incorporating fuel-efficient voyage strategies and tracking carbon emissions performance.

• Coordinate with Fleeting, Marine Assurance, Vetting, and Compliance teams to ensure adherence to safety, regulatory, and vetting requirements (e.g., ISM, MARPOL, RightShip).

• Foster digital innovation through the adoption of operational systems and tools (e.g., Veson IMOS, RightShip, weather routing software), and contribute to system enhancements.

• Act as the focal point for performance and incident reporting for Panamax voyages, escalating issues and providing solutions in real time.

• Monitor vessel schedules and cargo readiness across key trade routes, adjusting plans as needed to minimize delays and maximize efficiency.

• Identify operational risks and cost-saving opportunities and implement continuous improvement measures that drive productivity and competitive advantage.

About you

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• A marine-based diploma or degree or equivalent qualification.

• 5–8+ years of hands-on experience in commercial shipping operations, with a strong preference for dry bulk and preferably Panamax vessels.

• Proven leadership experience in managing vessel operations and operational teams across time zones and cultures.

• Strong knowledge of maritime logistics, international trade lanes, charter party execution, and marine claims handling.

• Demonstrated experience with digital shipping platforms (such as IMOS, Sedna network) and an openness to innovation in operations.

• Understanding of ESG considerations and emissions regulations (EU ETS, IMO DCS, CII, EEXI) and their operational impact.

• Excellent organizational, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities to interact with internal stakeholders, ship masters, agents, port authorities, and counterparties.

What we offer

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority 

• A full-time position working directly for Rio Tinto 

• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive program

• Comprehensive medical benefits including health insurance for employees and immediate family 

• Attractive share ownership plan 

• Company provided insurance cover 

• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions 

• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave)

Where you will be working

Headquartered in Singapore, and integrated with Rio Tinto’s assets, hubs, and offices globally, our Commercial group works hand-in-hand with our product groups to ensure both the amount and types of products we produce meet our customer’s needs, and manage the trade-off between volumes, quality, cost, and capital expenditure.

Application Deadline: 21 July 2025 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings prior to the stated closing date)

Please note, in order to be successfully considered for this role you must complete all pre-screening questions.

Rio Tinto does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles from recruiters or employment agencies. Rio Tinto will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee relating to unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles. Rio Tinto reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Rio Tinto.”

About Rio Tinto
 

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
 

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Every Voice Matters

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.

JOB_POSTING-3-9014