Ship Chandler & Operations Clerk - Paramaribo

About the role

Whale Maritime supplies ship spares, provisions, technical stores and lubricants to vessels across the Caribbean and the Americas, running its regional operation from Trinidad & Tobago and now expanding into Suriname. It is looking for a reliable, hands-on person in Paramaribo to act as its local ship chandler. You will be the eyes, hands and wheels in Suriname: sourcing products locally, buying and collecting orders and delivering them alongside vessels in Paramaribo port and nearby anchorages, working closely with the operations team in Trinidad who handle customers, quotations and invoicing.

Key responsibilities

• Obtain prices and quotations from local suppliers (provisions, deck/engine stores, technical items)
• Purchase and collect goods against confirmed purchase orders from the Trinidad office
• Deliver orders alongside vessels in Paramaribo port and anchorages, on time and complete
• Check quantity and quality of goods before delivery and report shortages or damage
• Handle delivery notes, receipts and port/gate formalities
• Keep and submit all purchase receipts and reconcile purchases weekly
• Send daily updates, photos and delivery confirmations to the operations team
• Build and maintain good relationships with local suppliers, agents and port contacts

Required profile

• Based in Paramaribo, Suriname
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Dutch and/or Sranan Tongo is a strong advantage
• Valid driver's licence; access to a vehicle or pickup is a strong advantage
• Experience in ship supply, ship chandlery, port services, logistics or purchasing is an advantage
• Honest, organised and comfortable handling company purchases and paperwork
• Flexible and available at short notice, as vessels work around the clock

Required skills

• Basic computer and smartphone skills (e-mail, WhatsApp, Excel)

What we offer

• Freelance contract with pay per delivery / job, plus performance bonuses
• Work with an established international maritime group
• Training and support from the regional team in Trinidad & Tobago
• Opportunity to grow with the Suriname operation as it develops

To apply, use LinkedIn or send your CV by e-mail to the employer, mentioning where in Paramaribo you are based and whether you have access to a vehicle.