Claims Lead

Reporting Lines

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.

Main Tasks and Accountabilities

Claims Identification & Invoicing

• Identify, 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 & Settlement

• Lead 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.

Main Tasks and Accountabilities

Recovery & Financial Follow-up

• Actively 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.

Main Tasks and Accountabilities

Tracking, Reporting & Process Improvement

• Maintain 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

Main Tasks and Accountabilities

Coordination & Compliance

• Work 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)

Working Environment

Main Contacts and Working Relationships

Background Knowledge and Experience