As a Senior Opex Analyst at BSM, you will be responsible for managing and optimising operational expenditure (OPEX) across assigned vessels and projects, ensuring cost-effective delivery of ship management services while maintaining compliance and operational performance. The role acts as a key connector between commercial, technical and finance teams, delivering timely analysis, reporting, and recommendations to support budgetary control and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Develop, maintain, and report OPEX budgets and forecasts for assigned fleets or contracts, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations and company targets
Monitor actual spend against budget, analyse variances, identify trends and drivers, and recommend corrective actions to optimise cost efficiency
Prepare monthly and ad-hoc financial reports, dashboards and management information for technical, commercial and executive stakeholders
Collaborate with Technical Superintendents, Fleet Operations and Procurement to validate invoices, review supplier performance and ensure accurate cost allocation
Support contract and tender cost modelling, scenario analysis and post-award cost control activities
Identify and lead initiatives to reduce OPEX through process improvements, vendor negotiations, lifecycle planning and preventive maintenance optimisation
Maintain accurate transactional records and ensure compliance with internal controls, company policies and regulatory requirements
Participate in vessel visits, audits and meetings as required to validate expenditure, investigate issues and drive resolution
Coach and support operational colleagues on budget ownership, spend control and financial literacy
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maritime Studies or a related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification
Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in OPEX analysis, finance, controlling, or a related area preferably within ship management, shipping or maritime services
Practical experience working with budgets, forecasting, variance analysis and management reporting
Experience of interacting with technical, procurement and commercial teams in a maritime or asset-intensive environment is highly desirable
Skills & Competencies
Strong analytical and numerical skills with a high level of attention to detail
Proven ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
Proficiency in Excel and financial systems; familiarity with ERP or fleet management systems is an advantage
Problem-solving mindset, proactive approach and ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams
Excellent communication skills in English and solid organisational abilities
Why You Should Join Us!
We offer a supportive, technology-driven environment, competitive compensation and meaningful opportunities for professional development. By joining us, you will benefit from:
On-the-job training and continuous learning opportunities
Exposure to the evolving maritime and energy-efficient technologies
Working within a diverse, collaborative team
Being part of the wider Schulte group family with opportunities for career progression
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, Maritime Studies, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional qualification
- Minimum of 5+ years of experience in OPEX analysis, finance, controlling, or a related area
- Experience with budgets, forecasting, variance analysis, and management reporting
- Experience interacting with technical, procurement, and commercial teams in a maritime or asset-intensive environment
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with attention to detail
- Ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- Proficiency in Excel and financial systems
- Excellent English communication and organizational skills
What We Do
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) delivers safe, reliable and efficient ship management services through an international network of ship management, crew service and maritime training centres. It provides tailored maritime solutions for customers, including global crew recruitment, training and development of qualified seafarers. BSM helps shipowners and charterers optimise vessel performance, reduce risk and maintain safe, compliant operations across commercial and specialised fleets worldwide.
