Cape Shipping Broker

Company Overview

Clarksons offers a comprehensive ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services, and research, positioning itself at the core of global shipping. Our unmatched reach, expertise, and depth of experience, coupled with leading research, empower us to partner effectively with clients across diverse sectors to address the demands of the rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade, and energy markets. By leveraging our distinct heritage and insights, we collaborate with clients and communities to develop strategies that create a positive impact on the industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, our people drive the success of our clients.

To understand more about day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at www.clarksons.com.

Division Overview

Our brokers, in conjunction with analysts and the Research team, deliver a seamless service, whether moving a Handysize cargo of cement across the Atlantic or handling a 180,000-tonne shipment of iron ore. As the world’s largest dry cargo shipbroker with offices across six continents, we pride ourselves on our long-standing relationships built on local knowledge and mutual respect. Discover more at www.clarksons.com/broking.

Role Summary

We seek a motivated individual to join our Dry Cargo team, specializing in the Capesize segment. This role involves supporting the negotiation and fixing of spot and forward cargoes while providing market analysis to maximize financial performance within current market conditions. Ideal candidates will possess early-stage broking experience or exposure to the shipping markets, a strong grasp of Forward Freight Agreements, and the ability to integrate technology into commercial decision-making. Proficiency in advanced data analysis tools, vessel tracking systems, and market intelligence software is essential. Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness, and the capacity to build and maintain client relationships in a fast-paced environment are critical for success in this position.

Responsibilities

• Drive revenue and expand the client base through proactive business development and relationship building across international markets.
• Market Cape tonnage to customers, shippers, and charterers, while providing forward market insights for strategic positioning.
• Negotiate spot and time charters, including physical and Forward Freight Agreement-linked deals, to achieve optimal returns for owners.
• Analyze market trends, Forward Freight Agreement curves, time-charter equivalents, vessel supply-demand dynamics, and macroeconomic indicators to inform trade strategy and client advice.
• Coordinate the allocation of spot and contract cargo to assigned ships, optimizing voyage results, space utilization, and scheduling efficiency.
• Set up, negotiate, and finalize deals from initial proposal through to post-fixture follow-up, ensuring accuracy and commercial value.
• Collaborate with chartering, operations, and analytics teams to ensure seamless execution and risk management.
• Maintain accurate records of voyages, charter party documentation, and client reports.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities by monitoring trade flows, port lineups, and future market trends.
• Represent the company at client meetings and industry events in major global shipping locations.
• Undertake additional duties to support business objectives as needed.

Qualifications

We welcome candidates who embody our company values and key attributes, including:

• Commercial Insight: Ability to interpret freight market movements and macroeconomic trends to support profitable decision-making.
• Technology Fluency: Confidence in using digital tools and data visualization platforms to enhance broking performance.
• Market Expertise: Proven experience in the Cape segment, optimizing commercial outcomes through integrated perspectives.
• Client Relationship Management: Proficient in building and maintaining strong relationships with global stakeholders.
• Cross-Cultural Collaboration: Comfortable working with diverse teams, adapting communication styles to various regions.
• Negotiation and Deal Execution: Strong understanding of structuring and concluding spot and time charters.
• Adaptability Under Pressure: Ability to remain effective and solution-oriented in volatile market conditions.
• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in calculations, market reporting, and contract documentation.
• Analytical Strength: Proficient in data analysis using tools like Python, R, PowerBI, and Excel to identify trade patterns.

Other Requirements

• Minimum of one year experience in the Cape market.
• Proven understanding of Cape market broking, with strong competency in both physical and paper markets.
• Demonstrated ability to combine market analytics with commercial negotiation to achieve results.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients and colleagues across various geographies.
• High resilience and adaptability in fast-paced, multi-office environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, with a clear conveying of market insights.
• Strong numerical capabilities with attention to detail and commercial acumen.
• Proficient in MS Office, Python, R, PowerBI, and other analytical tools.
• Willingness to travel and engage in global client events.