Vessel Operator – Houston, TX

Our client, a leading international energy and commodities organization, is seeking an experienced Senior Vessel Operator to join its Houston-based team. This position will be responsible for the commercial operation of spot and time-chartered tankers transporting crude oil and refined petroleum products.

The successful candidate will manage voyages from fixture through final settlement, working closely with traders, charterers, shipowners, brokers, agents, terminals and vessel personnel. This is a commercially focused position requiring strong tanker operations experience and direct financial responsibility for voyage performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the daily commercial operation of multiple spot and time-chartered tanker voyages.

• Issue voyage instructions and ensure vessels comply with contractual and operational requirements.

• Review and approve cargo stowage plans in coordination with vessel personnel and commercial stakeholders.

• Appoint and coordinate port agents, inspectors, bunker suppliers and other service providers.

• Monitor vessel schedules, port rotations, cargo operations, bunker consumption and voyage performance.

• Ensure compliance with charter party terms, including laytime, demurrage and operational obligations.

• Identify potential delays, operational issues and commercial exposure, taking proactive steps to protect the company’s interests.

• Maintain accurate voyage records and provide timely updates to traders and internal stakeholders.

• Review voyage expenses, approve invoices and support voyage accounting and final settlement.

• Manage the financial performance of assigned voyages, including cost control and voyage P&L.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; maritime academy education preferred.

• Previous sailing experience aboard tankers is preferred.

• Eight to ten or more years of commercial tanker operations experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing crude oil and/or refined product tanker voyages.

• Previous responsibility for voyage economics, cost management and financial performance.

• Strong understanding of charter parties, laytime, demurrage, bunkering and port operations.

• Effective communicator with the ability to interact professionally with traders, shipboard officers, owners, brokers, agents, terminals and other service providers.

• Able to manage multiple voyages and competing priorities in a fast-paced commercial environment.

• Self-motivated and comfortable working within a small team with limited supervision.

• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Our client offers an excellent base salary, comprehensive benefits, paid vacation and generous bonus potential. This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced commercial tanker operator to join a dynamic international organization that values its employees and provides meaningful responsibility within its shipping operation.