Fleet Operator
Next Decade
Houston, TX, USA
Posted on Aug 19, 2025
ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION
NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction and carbon capture and storage infrastructure. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development. We are also developing a potential carbon capture and storage project at the facility that is expected to make meaningful impacts toward a lower carbon future. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
The position is a key enabler for NextDecade’s shipping group providing the primary communications link with the vessel’s Master to direct, monitor and continuously seek to improve the operational efficiency and onboard performance of the post fixture contract execution of each vessels voyage. The role has a material HSSE aspect in terms of identifying hazards and risks; that may have the potential to impact the vessels voyage and operations in port whilst seeking opportunities to improve efficiency and rationalize ship movements in optimizing NextDecade’s cargo schedule. The position provides support and first-line assistance to the Commercial Operations and Marine Assurance teams
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Accountable for the efficient ordering and monitoring of vessel movements, cargo transfer operations, and other marine related activities including, but not limited to the issuing of voyage orders, nomination of agents and surveyors, procurement of bunker fuel, and effective recording of all portions of the voyage.
- Provide support to companies commercial group in proactively responding to potential opportunities to maximize revenue, providing the primary link between companies trading activities, the vessel, and the functional support network within Global Shipping.
- Responsible as Duty Officer to provide out-of-hour expertise, on a rotational basis, for vessels that require real-time commercial operational support or additional clarity on voyage instructions and/or parameters.
- Responsible for providing effective stakeholder relationships with the vessels, third party owners and/or technical managers and Hub and Port Agents such that issues are reconciled in the most expeditious manner.
- Administration of Charter Party terms to optimize financial returns within the post fixture voyage execution space
- Procure bunker fuels to ensure safe voyage execution and regulatory compliance.
- Support the formulation of solutions to problems and issues and subsequent delivery of initiatives within the region on behalf of the Marine Operations group.
- Provide leadership and direction to continuous improvement initiatives in support of continuously improving the commercial operations customer service offer in the region.
- Assist in vessel performance analysis and preparing vessel and departmental activity reports by gathering information from various sources and analyzing the data
- Request potential amendments/additions to, but not limited to, voyage instructions, agent/surveyor appointments, training materials and operational procedures
Minimum Requirements:
- 5+ years of prior experience managing shipping operations
- Experience with Veson products highly desired
- Demonstrable experience in a Vessel Operator, Ship Operator and/or Voyage Manager role within an integrated supply and trading organization is essential.
- Demonstrable skills in optimization of vessel movements within the terms of standard Charter Parties
- An ability to independently manage tasks and problems in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
- Sound leadership capabilities and the ability to work independently.
- Key relationship and stakeholder management skills.
- An ability to openly communicate with a broad stakeholder network whilst maintaining focus on task and deadlines.
- Strong computer literacy including MS Word, Excel and Power Point competencies.
Preferred Requirements:
- Previous marine experience aboard vessels, although not essential, is desirable.
- Previous experience in managing post fixture operations of LNG and/or LPG vessels is desirable.
- Previous experience running or within a small high performing team is desirable.
- A thorough knowledge of the post fixture commercial operations process
Work Environment
This position operates in a professional office environment with occasional work within or outside of a complex construction environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers/fax, filing cabinets, etc.This is primarily a sedentary role; however, the incumbent must be able to stand and/or sit continuously to perform all essential job functions for a full shift.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
· Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. as required in order to lift files, boxes and office equipment as necessary.
· Ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bending, standing on a stool, or climbing as necessary to perform these functions.
· While performing the duties of this role, the incumbent may be required to talk or hear.
· The incumbent is required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
· Ability to move throughout all areas of each office/site location and facilities.
· Able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
· Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
· Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
· Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
· Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
· Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
· Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed.
NextDecadeprovides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecadecomplies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.