Legal Maritime Counsel

Your role in our network

The maritime legal team is enthusiastic, creative and hard-working with a no-nonsense mentality. We are passionate about shipping and work very closely with the Chartering team in an international environment.

The Chartering network of Viterra covers the globe to ensure transportation of a wide range of dry bulk commodities. Vessels are chartered on both time and voyage basis. You will be responsible for handling the wide ranging maritime claims (both P&I and FD&D) in the ever evolving world of shipping while keeping all internal and external stakeholders fully informed. In addition to handling claims, you are expected to assist with drafting clauses and reviewing contracts, and keeping your professional knowledge up to date.

You are expected to be an enthusiastic, organized, proactive and a pragmatic team player with proficiency in maritime law. You will have strong analytical skills, not shying away from a professional discussion and a strong sense of responsibility.

What will you do?

• Provide Legal Advice and Guidance;
  • Offer advice and guidance on issues related to maritime law, including but not limited to aspects that concern marine insurance
  • Advise on charter party terms, bills of lading, and other commercial shipping agreements
• Drafting and Reviewing Contracts;
  • Draft bespoke clauses tailored to specific operational and/or commercial needs and regulations
  • Review contracts to ensure alignment with the company’s policies and interests
• Claims Management and Strategic Dispute Resolution;
  • Handle all types of claims and/or disputes arising under charter parties
  • Develop and implement strategic plans in close co-ordination with the relevant teams to defend or pursue claims
  • Negotiate and settle claims
• Insurer Liaison and Claims Reporting;
  • Report claims to relevant insurers promptly together with the relevant documentation and handle the claim together with the insurer
• Claims Administration and Database Management
  • Process and update claims in the database, ensuring accurate records of case progress and outcomes
  • Oversee the administration of payments, ensuring timely and compliant processing

What we offer

• A competitive salary and an annual bonus scheme, based on company results and your performance;
• An additional full month’s salary each year as an annual holiday allowance;
• Exciting opportunities to progress your career within our international network;
• A flexible and attractive pension scheme;
• A professional and stimulating environment in which enthusiastic and driven colleagues work together in a practical and informal way;
• 27 days of annual leave, including Good Friday and one flexible day during the Christmas and New Year period;
• Access to a range of free and exclusive classes to improve your physical and mental wellbeing as part of our Vitality programme;
• Tailored learning & development opportunities;
• A modern, open and inspiring office in the centre of Rotterdam, next to the Markthal and Blaak station;
• Complimentary daily lunch service from our restaurant;
• Options for flexible working, in accordance with our working from home policy;
• Business laptop;
• Reimbursement of travel to work (via public transport).

Who are we looking for?

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a law firm or P&I Club, or as in-house counsel;
• Master’s degree in Maritime Law;
• Good knowledge of English Law;
• Proficiency in English language is mandatory; additional languages highly desirable;
• Good analytical skills with the ability to identify key issues, with the right attention to detail;
• Team player with a problem-solving mindset;
• Preferably knowledge and understanding of the commodities industry.

Who we are

We believe in the power of connection

Our world-leading, fully integrated agriculture network connects producers and consumers to supply sustainable, traceable and quality-controlled agricultural products.

With our talented people, decades of experience and diverse capabilities, we offer innovative solutions to open pathways and create value for customers through our supply chains.

As a responsible long-term business, we will continue to invest in and develop our network, allowing us to meet the needs of a growing world.

What do we stand for?

We believe that a workforce made up of colleagues from different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs can only make us stronger.

We value diversity and work inclusively to bring together many minds, many talents and many perspectives. We offer a work environment where colleagues receive fair and equal opportunities to progress their career at Viterra.

We welcome all applicants regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, social origin or any other characteristic.