Broker (US Flag or Jones Act)

Company Overview

Offering a complete ecosystem of maritime services, including broking, finance, port services and research, Clarksons is at the heart of global shipping. Our unrivalled reach, expertise, and depth of experience, combined with leading research, enables us to partner with clients across every sector to meet the demands of the world’s rapidly evolving maritime, offshore, trade and energy markets. Building on our unique heritage and harnessing our insights to see further, faster, we work with our clients and communities to create strategies that have a positive impact on the industry and the world around us. Dedicated to excellence, it’s our people that drive success for our clients. To understand more including day-to-day life at Clarksons, visit us at 

Role Summary

We are seeking a talented Broker to join our team based in Bethesda. You will be responsible for negotiating and fixing spot cargoes on various routes and allocating contract cargoes to assigned ships to maximize the vessels’ financial results within the prevailing market conditions. This will include all vessel types, including dry bulk, tankers, multipurpose, and offshore. You will be required to collaborate with vessel owners and both Government and commercial clients to coordinate the shipment of humanitarian, military, and project cargoes.

What you’ll be doing

• Drive revenue and develop client base.

• Market tonnage to customers/shippers/charterers.

• Negotiate spot/time charters to achieve maximum income for the owners.

• Prepare and submit offers to US Government agencies.

• Be aware of the positions and desired strategic directions for each ship assigned.

• Coordinate the allocation of spot and contract cargo to the ship assigned to the specific service.

• Set up and negotiate deals, including presenting the business to potential clients, negotiating the main terms of a contract or sale and seeing it through to its conclusion, and the completion of any follow-up that may be involved.

• Coordinate with chartering and operation departments to maximize space utilization, minimize the number of port and berth calls and maximize the voyage financial results.

• Maintain current voyage records and documentation to customers for tonnage loading within the service.

• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all relevant charter party forms and company standard terms. Check through charter parties.

• Understand the business strategy for the division and seek to identify new business opportunities relating to trends, future markets, products and clients.

• Identify and introduce new clients to the market and maintain professional relationships.

• Perform market analysis and provide market insight and trade ideas to clients.

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the market space.

• Travel and attending client meetings/events where required.

What we’re looking for

We welcome applications from candidates who share our Company Values and key attributes, as follows:

• Integrity and respect – acting thoughtfully and ethically to do the right thing in accordance with Conduct Rules, and to promote and foster a respectful work environment for all.

• Drive – self-motivation and the desire and commitment to succeed, deliver excellence and make positive change.

• Relationship building – excellent communicator to effectively build strong, long-lasting relationships with colleagues, clients and others.

• Collaboration – working well with others across diverse backgrounds to share information, develop skills and deliver results.

• Resilience - persisting and adapting to changing or difficult situations and adopting a positive and focused approach.

• Smart - problem-solving and analytical abilities, with a curious and inquisitive mind, and an openness to new ideas.

Other requirements

• Previous experience with broking

• US Flag or Jones Act experience 

• Exposure of working with government agencies advantageous 

• Effective communication skills (both verbal and written)

• Personable and engaging, able to build strong relationships

• Self-motivated and able to work to deadlines

• Excellent attention to detail

• Strong problem-solving skills

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize

• Confident and able to work well under pressure, with ability to adapt

• Team player with a flexible approach

• Good MS office skills (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word 

Salary range - up to $80,000 - $100,000 USD (open dependent on experience)